27 Days and Counting

Recently, I started counting the number of days since Martin Luther King Day. The King holiday was signed into law in 1983 and was celebrated for the first time in 1986. Next year will mark the 40th celebration. Forty years is a long time and we are still working to achieve the dream Rev. Dr. King had for these United States of America and for life in a beloved community where all are treated with respect and dignity. We will have much to celebrate even as we note that there is a lot yet to be done to see justice realized for all and to see all treated equally.  

The King celebrations took place 27 days ago. We commemorated his legacy and affirmed his prophetic wisdom. 27 days ago we watched the inauguration of the 47th president. For 27 days we have been witnesses to the flurry of executive orders, disregard for human dignity and the lack of respect given to other countries and global leaders.  

27 days. With over 60 Executive orders since the inauguration. There is frustration and anger. There are many who feel unsafe and are worried for friends and family. As these orders are implemented the long ranging impacts are being experienced widely.  

Refugees are being targeted, even those who followed the appropriate channels to be in the US. And while the refugee ban and immigration are getting tremendous press and attention there are other communities and issues affected by these orders.  

Comments on Gaza, the Panama Canal, and the use of tariffs against other countries perpetuates a sense of US exceptionalism and privilege that dismisses the rights of others.  

We have 1434 days to go in this administration. The policies being enacted lack compassion and some are even being questioned constitutionally. Ours is not the work of telling people how to vote, or what political parties to support. Instead, it is for us to pay attention to the issues and ensure that all have what they need.  

The church has always been present in the public square and will continue to do so, following the prophetic tradition in our sacred texts. We are told to love our neighbors and to take care of those who are less fortunate.  

Today, I continue to look at the ways the church is responding in these times as we work with partners to alleviate the suffering being caused and to advocate for just policies.  

Our commitment is to be present in community, working together for the long run. We cannot do this alone as individuals or as congregations.  No conference or regional entity has the resources or time. And we cannot do this alone as the UCC. It will take all of us – a collective willing to come together to meet the needs of our communities, to love each other with God’s love which is unconditional.  

Since January 1st, more than 3,500 UCC Advocates have sent over 12,000 messages to Capitol Hill. This is a beginning. Continue to find ways to make a difference.  

Justice is nonpartisan. We do not take sides in partisan politics. Instead, we choose the side of justice for all on this the 27th day.