Acknowledging the breach
Many of us watched in shock and horror on Jan. 6 as a mob forced its way into the U.S. Capitol and disrupted Congress as it began the constitutional process of certifying the Electoral College votes determining the election of the next president. We witnessed a breach in the Capitol itself but also a breach in our trust of the systems built into our democracy.
"It is a sickening and heartbreaking sight. This is how election results are disputed in a banana republic – not our democratic republic," said former President George W. Bush, a United Methodist, in a statement he issued following the insurrection at the Capitol.
"I am appalled by the reckless behavior of some political leaders since the election and by the lack of respect shown today for our institutions, our traditions, and our law enforcement. The violent assault on the Capitol – and disruption of a Constitutionally-mandated meeting of Congress – was undertaken by people whose passions have been inflamed by falsehoods and false hopes."
"It is a sickening and heartbreaking sight. This is how election results are disputed in a banana republic – not our democratic republic," said former President George W. Bush, a United Methodist, in a statement he issued following the insurrection at the Capitol.
"I am appalled by the reckless behavior of some political leaders since the election and by the lack of respect shown today for our institutions, our traditions, and our law enforcement. The violent assault on the Capitol – and disruption of a Constitutionally-mandated meeting of Congress – was undertaken by people whose passions have been inflamed by falsehoods and false hopes."
What comes next? How do we respond?
As disciples of Jesus Christ, how do we respond to the senseless hate and the violence we've seen displayed recently in the United States? We need to be intentional about the actions we take to work together. We need to make lasting changes in our cultural biases. We need to listen to truth, even when it may convey something we don't want to hear. We need to have authentic conversations and really listen to the views of others. We can get on our knees and ask God to heal our land.
We're invited to pray daily
In a statement to the Great Plains Conference, Bishop Ruben Saenz, Jr., invites us to take action in response to the Capitol riot.
For the next 100 days, beginning Sunday, Jan. 17, and continuing through Easter, April 4, we are encouraged to pray daily, asking God to heal our nation and for a smooth transition of power. He invites us to use "A Prayer in a Time of National Crisis" from the United Methodist Book of Worship.
Here's the prayer:
God of all the ages, in your sight nations rise and fall and pass through times of peril. Now when our land is troubled, be near to judge and save. May leaders be led by your wisdom; may they search your will and see it clearly. If we have turned from your way, reverse our ways and help us to repent. Give us your light and your truth, let them guide us; through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of this world, and our Savior. Amen.
For the next 100 days, beginning Sunday, Jan. 17, and continuing through Easter, April 4, we are encouraged to pray daily, asking God to heal our nation and for a smooth transition of power. He invites us to use "A Prayer in a Time of National Crisis" from the United Methodist Book of Worship.
Here's the prayer:
God of all the ages, in your sight nations rise and fall and pass through times of peril. Now when our land is troubled, be near to judge and save. May leaders be led by your wisdom; may they search your will and see it clearly. If we have turned from your way, reverse our ways and help us to repent. Give us your light and your truth, let them guide us; through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of this world, and our Savior. Amen.
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A Prayer in a Time of National Crisis | ||
