Troubling News

Image free use, take by Andrea Piacquadio

In worship this last month through a sermon series we have been considering our objective to “Live Love” as Christians and those practicing in a United Methodist perspective.  I think we all want to see more love in the world. Promoting love is kind of a bedrock of our human experience–at least I hope it is.  As people who follow the example of Jesus Christ we pay particularly special attention to what our great teacher describes as the kingdom of God (a place of love, hope, peace, and prosperity).  Though we might want to see love at the center of all that we experience, and hopefully all we do, we often see something directly opposite of that in the world around us.  Maybe it is because violence and hatred is more salacious thus selling more news, but it can start to feel like the world has turned to violence over and against peace, more hatred than love, and more division and demonizing of others than uplifting and encouraging them.  It can start to feel like the world we live in is grim.  

We see politicians and news cycles place people into groups with the sole purpose of downgrading their humanity.  Whether it be refugees and migrants at our borders which some speak about as murders and thieves in order to create fear.  Or whole groups of Palestinians across the oceans which have been grouped as if all belong to the terrorist group Hamas so that the needs of the Palestinian people can be discredited.  I truly believe we must be careful to look past the rhetoric that demonizes and divides us to a notion of the sacred worth of all individuals–even those whom we disagree with.  Remember LOVE speaks with dignity.  Love cares for the human experience of others.  When we speak, do we promote a message of love which uplifts and encourages? 

Sometimes, I feel stuck.  

It is hard to keep track of all the violence in the world.  The immigrants that flee very difficult situations (natural disasters, gang violence, and political strife) or the wars that are currently being waged in Ukraine, Gaza, Israel, Myanmar, Ethiopia, Armenia, and China.  One that has been deeply on my heart lately is the humanitarian crisis in Sudan.  The statistics and news from the Sudanese conflict is harrowing.  Over 5,500 events of political violence, 16.650 deaths in the last year.  That’s a 30% increase over the year before. Maybe it is because I have known United Methodist clergy who grew up and have family in South Sudan who have seen their homeland torn asunder.  Maybe it is the personal connection that humanizes it for me, but I feel like many of us do not even hear about the deep level of violence in that region.  Or maybe it is because we are topped off with news, filled to the brim with violence, and desensitized to the moral effects of these conflicts.   

As I become overwhelmed, maybe disillusioned, but the vast number of conflicts and wars, I start to wonder; “What is a United Methodist perspective on these conflicts?  What would John Wesley have as a response?”

I do believe that as Christians, United Methodists we should have a response.  We can’t stick our heads in the ground, cover our ears and pretend like the moral failings of our world do not affect us.  When reading the sermons and biblical notes of John Wesley I think his response to these humanitarian crises would likely be multifaceted, driven by his profound commitment to social justice, compassion, and active intervention. Wesley would probably approach the crisis with both immediate and long-term strategies to alleviate suffering and promote systemic change. John Wesley was known for seeing the world through the eyes of love and promoting practices that created a clearer image of God’s kingdom here on earth; a place of peace and harmony.  I think John Wesley would take these strategies of 1) Immediate Humanitarian Response, 2) a Long-Term Commitment to Justice and Peace, and 3) by providing Spiritual and Moral Guidance.  

United Methodism is about an Immediate Humanitarian Response

We have always been a church about a practical theology, one put into practice.  Listening and paying attention to the needs of the world takes patience that engages beyond the talking points of the day.  It means actually trying to hear the immediate needs, find the root causes, direct efforts to do something–John Wesley was a big fan of doing something.  In countless sermons John Wesley advocated for his people to see the needs of those around them and to put into practice the way of Jesus Christ.  Truly I believe that if United Methodism is to survive we must be good at our practice of the example of Jesus Christ.  

When we see the violence of the world, how do we respond?  Are we able to organize direct relief efforts through utilizing support networks of today.  The beauty of this is that there are so many pathways already created to effect change in our world today; we just need to promote them and utilize them.  

• A church is effective when it can be mobilized.  I have seen Windsor UMC as a church that can mobilize resources to provide immediate relief to those affected by the crisis when it feels invested in the needs of people affected by crisis.  It is about the people, at the center of all we do, it is about the people.  We mobilize not for a cause, but to recognize the people that need it most. This can include food, clean water, medical care, and shelter for refugees and displaced persons.

United Methodism is about having a Long-term Commitment to Justice and Peace.  

Through advocacy and Awareness we can highlight not only the needs of right now, but the path to a better tomorrow. In his day, John Wesley used his voice.  He spoke up.  Many United Methodists throughout history have put their integrity, social standing, and sometimes lives on the line to advocate for a better future.  Women advocating against domestic violence, settlers advocating for better treatment of native persons, and missionaries advocating for educational practices that raise others out of poverty.  Never forget that your voice is a powerful tool. A platform to raise awareness about the crisis, calling on the global Methodist community and beyond to respond with compassion and urgency. 

• Our work as Christians is not only to affect the immediate needs but to advocate with hope for a better tomorrow by lifting up the root causes of the conflict, calling for governments and international bodies to intervene and support peace processes.  

• We promote peace through reconciliation as part of his deep compassion for persons that were placed in groups in order to be silenced or outcast. Where people felt pushed aside listen to their needs before finding a solution from his perspective 

• Lastly, education and training is a vital tool in order to raise others from situations of misunderstanding.  By investing in education and vocational training we empower others to find what is essential for the rebuilding of communities and fostering economic stability.  Often the lack of economic and social stability are the root causes of conflict. 

United Methodists are about Spiritual and Moral Guidance.  

We speak in spiritual and moral means. As United Methodists we can never forget that doing good in the world is not for our own sake, but a betterment of the world which points to a higher good; one that is gifted to us by a loving God.  We carry God’s grace as the bedrock of all that we are about.   

When we come in contact with victims of a crisis do we offer comfort and hope through faith?  Can our churches become centers of refuge and support opening their doors to the hearts of those in need?  

Or, like much of the world around us, do we get swept up in the messages of division which the  news cycles and politicians use in order to have whole groups of people as proverbial footballs to score points or ratings?  

It takes strong moral courage/leadership to be open to the Christian duty to love and serve others, especially the most vulnerable.  There is much more to put on the line than to reap as immediate benefit.  However, we are called to live by example.  By setting a personal example of sacrifice and service, we have the ability to inspire others to take action. A practical belief structure takes a life-long commitment to helping the marginalized and serves as a powerful motivator in creating a better community.

Again, it is true that the immense needs of the world can start to feel overwhelming.  Soon we can become desensitized; maybe even start to believe that violence or hate has won the day.  However, I believe in the good of humanity.  A humanity that is created in the fantastic image of God.  This belief causes in me a desire to see something better for the world around us.  Our response to a world of violence is not simply the abstract “thoughts and prayers” but prayer motivates and thoughts should lead to action.  We are called to mobilize, advocate, and look upstream to the root causes of violence.  We are called to be consumers of news but not consumed by the news of the day.  We are called to a practice which cherishes the humanity of others and rejects the notions that whole groups are devalued or demonized.  

Where can you create change in our world?

• Pastor Jon