In summer worship (June 22-August 31, 10am in Willett Hall), we hear from one another about “how we learn to be brave,” (based on a book by the same name here). Bravery is something we begin learning when we’re young and continue strengthening throughout our lifetimes, figuring out how to stand up for what is right, what is good, what is worth defending.
A lot of us are disturbed or freaking out about how our current government is harassing, terrorizing and detaining immigrants. At United Parish, many of us will easily affirm that we are “a nation of immigrants,” and most of us descended from immigrant stock. But our nation has a long, conflicted relationship with immigration. Who’s in? Who’s out? Who’s allowed to enter and under what conditions? Nativists, America-Firsters, White Christian Nationalists. None of this is new.
If you look closely, both Republican and Democratic presidential administrations have had immigration policies and practices that many among us would find repugnant. What’s most disturbing right now is the unvarnished, demonizing rhetoric. The blatant racism and xenophobia that has become so normalized. And the evidence of masked, hooded raiders taking people without due process, reminding us of Nazi Brown Shirts and the desaparecidos of Latin American governments. Brookline News just announced that ICE arrested two people in the town in May and June.
The question is: what are we called to do as people of faith? The scripture is very clear: welcome the foreigner and stranger, as you were once foreigners and strangers (see references here). What does that mean for us individually, collectively, as a faith community, a town, a state, a nation?
On Sunday, we’ll hear from Wendy, an immigration policy expert who is a member from our partner congregation, Temple Shir Tikva in Wayland. She has her own compelling personal story of bravery that inspires her work. After worship, she’ll offer a presentation and Q&A about what we can do about immigration.
It all promises to be deeply compelling, inspiring and informative. I look forward to entering the conversation about bravery once again with you.
In faith,
Kent
Photo credit:
On July 14, 2022, new citizens of the United States celebrated after taking the Oath of Allegiance during a naturalization ceremony in Boston’s Faneuil Hall. John Tlumacki, The Boston Globe/Getty
How We Learn To Be Brave series
June 29: Adam S. — taking a leap of faith with vocational change
July 6: Amy Norton-Benfield — loving bravely
July 13: Miriam C. — defending others
July 20: Wendy W. — helping immigrants, followed by a presentation and Q&A
July 27: Koinonia M-P
August 3: Bob C. and Deb S. — facing dementia
August 10: Marwan H.
August 17: Nathan D. — finding God amid life’s sorrows
August 24: Kate H. — rescuing children in wartime
August 31: DJ H.
