Society of St. Andrew Marks 30 Years of Hunger Ministry
This year the Society of St. Andrew marks the 30th anniversary of its founding. There have been many milestones and successes along the way. However, over the years, whenever co-founder Ken Horne was asked what SoSA’s goals were, he would immediately reply, “to work ourselves right out of a job – and that will happen when there is no more hunger in America.”
We may not be out of a job yet, but there is no doubt that during these 30 years SoSA has dramatically raised the national level of awareness of domestic hunger. SoSA has been recognized by Congress, the United States Department of Agriculture, state legislatures, other national hunger organizations, and many church denominations for its contribution to fighting hunger in America.
Indeed, before SoSA came on the scene and began gleaning and shipping large quantities of excess fresh produce to critical feeding agencies around the nation, this type of hunger-relief work was simply not being done. Perfectly good food was going to waste to the tune of 96 billion pounds a year. SoSA demonstrated that fresh food salvage could be done efficiently and economically, and our example has spawned many “copy cat” programs over the years. These, taken as a whole and combined with our present efforts, now deliver over a quarter of a billion pounds of produce each year to agencies that feed the poor! Yet there is so much more that still needs to be done. Join SoSA in continuing the fight against hunger until we work ourselves out of a job!
A few highlights and milestones from the past 30 years:
• Start of SoSA’s Potato Project in 1983 – thebeginning of bulk fresh food salvage in the UnitedStates.• 1.7 billion servings of nutritious food have beenprovided to the nation’s hungry.
• United States Department of Agriculture presentedSoSA with its Hero of Food Recovery & GleaningAward at its first National Summit on FoodRecovery & Gleaning in 1997.
• The United Methodist Church adopted Resolution #4093 during its 2008 General Conference commendingthe “Society of St. Andrew as a partnerorganization with the United Methodist Church inthe alleviation of hunger in the United States”.
• SoSA opened regional offices in North Carolina,Florida, Texas, Alabama, Mississippi, andits Western Headquarters in Kansas City, Missouri.
Please continue to pray for our ministry and those we serve, go gleaning with us, and contribute financially to our ministry.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Year-end increases for Society of St. Andrew feed many more of America’s hungry
Reponding to escalating need, national Advance hunger-relief ministry
made extra push the last four months of 2008; also has year-over-year increases
Big Island, VA – While U.S. and world economies were tanking and most nonprofit organizations were pulling back to guard against potential declines in donations, the Society of St. Andrew (Advance #801600) was stepping out on faith. During the last four months of 2008 this national hunger relief ministry was able to dramatically increase the amount of food it distributed to critical feeding agencies around the nation at a time when their shelves are essentially bare.
In direct response to the escalating need faced by the nation’s hungry and the agencies they reach out to for food, the Society of St. Andrew (SoSA) made a very hard push in the last few months of 2008.
Nationwide, 91% more food was distributed by the Society of St. Andrew from September through December 2008 than during the same months in 2007 – from 3.7 million pounds in 2007 to nearly 7.1 million pounds in 2008.
When others were cutting back, SoSA was doing more. The society’s hunger relief programs had increases year over year, as well. Excess food gleaned in fields and orchards and from packing houses was up almost 25% from 2007. Bulk loads of potatoes and other produce salvaged through their Potato & Produce Project were up almost 8%. Overall, pounds of food saved and distributed during 2008 were up nearly 16% – from 20.2 million pounds to 23.5 million. All this food nourished hungry Americans with more than 70 million servings of fresh produce.
The number of gleaning events and volunteers were also up by healthy amounts. SoSA conducted over 3,200 gleaning and Potato Drop events throughout more than 20 states last year. Nearly 31,600 volunteers picked and bagged that food.
“All of this points to a very healthy ministry,” said Mike Waldmann, SoSA’s executive director. “In order to maintain this much-needed increased level of food salvage and distribution we must depend on the generosity of our donors. There’s an abundance of food out there that, if not redirected to those in need, will go to waste. How much food SoSA can redirect to critical feeding agencies throughout the year is directly related to how much financial support we receive year in and year out. And since we can provide a serving of food for about two cents while keeping our overhead expenses well under ten percent, those who give can be certain their contributions will go further with SoSA than with just about any other organization.”
The Society of St. Andrew is a national, ecumenical, Advance #801600 ministry that gleans America’s fields and feeds America’s hungry. It effectively tackles the problem of food waste and hunger in America through its grassroots Gleaning Network, Potato & Produce Project, Harvest of Hope and Hunger Relief Advocate programs, which salvage fresh produce that will otherwise be wasted and donate it to feed the hungry. SoSA is one of the nation's largest nonprofit suppliers of fresh produce to the hungry. For more information about the Society of St. Andrew and its hunger relief programs: call toll free 800-333-4597; e-mail: sosausa@endhunger.org; website: http://www.endhunger.org/.
Reponding to escalating need, national Advance hunger-relief ministry
made extra push the last four months of 2008; also has year-over-year increases
Big Island, VA – While U.S. and world economies were tanking and most nonprofit organizations were pulling back to guard against potential declines in donations, the Society of St. Andrew (Advance #801600) was stepping out on faith. During the last four months of 2008 this national hunger relief ministry was able to dramatically increase the amount of food it distributed to critical feeding agencies around the nation at a time when their shelves are essentially bare.
In direct response to the escalating need faced by the nation’s hungry and the agencies they reach out to for food, the Society of St. Andrew (SoSA) made a very hard push in the last few months of 2008.
Nationwide, 91% more food was distributed by the Society of St. Andrew from September through December 2008 than during the same months in 2007 – from 3.7 million pounds in 2007 to nearly 7.1 million pounds in 2008.
When others were cutting back, SoSA was doing more. The society’s hunger relief programs had increases year over year, as well. Excess food gleaned in fields and orchards and from packing houses was up almost 25% from 2007. Bulk loads of potatoes and other produce salvaged through their Potato & Produce Project were up almost 8%. Overall, pounds of food saved and distributed during 2008 were up nearly 16% – from 20.2 million pounds to 23.5 million. All this food nourished hungry Americans with more than 70 million servings of fresh produce.The number of gleaning events and volunteers were also up by healthy amounts. SoSA conducted over 3,200 gleaning and Potato Drop events throughout more than 20 states last year. Nearly 31,600 volunteers picked and bagged that food.
“All of this points to a very healthy ministry,” said Mike Waldmann, SoSA’s executive director. “In order to maintain this much-needed increased level of food salvage and distribution we must depend on the generosity of our donors. There’s an abundance of food out there that, if not redirected to those in need, will go to waste. How much food SoSA can redirect to critical feeding agencies throughout the year is directly related to how much financial support we receive year in and year out. And since we can provide a serving of food for about two cents while keeping our overhead expenses well under ten percent, those who give can be certain their contributions will go further with SoSA than with just about any other organization.”
The Society of St. Andrew is a national, ecumenical, Advance #801600 ministry that gleans America’s fields and feeds America’s hungry. It effectively tackles the problem of food waste and hunger in America through its grassroots Gleaning Network, Potato & Produce Project, Harvest of Hope and Hunger Relief Advocate programs, which salvage fresh produce that will otherwise be wasted and donate it to feed the hungry. SoSA is one of the nation's largest nonprofit suppliers of fresh produce to the hungry. For more information about the Society of St. Andrew and its hunger relief programs: call toll free 800-333-4597; e-mail: sosausa@endhunger.org; website: http://www.endhunger.org/.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
A Statement by Faith Leaders of Nashville Against the English First Initiative
As religious leaders in Nashville/Davidson County, we have watched with interest and concern the movement to establish English as the official language of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville. The proposed charter amendment would prohibit any kind of government service from being offered in languages other than English.
We come from a variety of religious traditions, but we are united in our opposition to the English First amendment. We consider it to be unjust, inhospitable, and detrimental to the wellbeing of our community. We urge our fellow Nashvillians to defeat this measure once and for all.
Government representatives have already pointed out the negative effects of such an amendment on tourism, law enforcement, and economic development. Authoritative writings of many faith traditions including the Jewish Torah, the Christian New Testament, and the Islamic Qur’an, encourage the faithful to show hospitality to strangers. We affirm that barriers of language and culture are to be overcome not by means of exclusion but by mutual concern for the wellbeing of the other.
The English First proposal erects a wall where windows to better understanding are needed. It creates a climate of hostility and fear rather than hospitality. Nashville is a great city to live and work, to go to school or start a business, to visit and remember. Removing the possibility of government services and documents in languages other than English makes it harder to welcome friends and guests from abroad, to assimilate immigrants and their children into our community, and to provide a safe place for refugees. We want Nashville to be a city of true hospitality.
We recognize that the issue of immigration in our country is difficult, and that some in our community fear the pace of growth in our non-native population. We are aware of the many challenges we face in welcoming newcomers to this place we call home. However none of these issues will be addressed by restricting the use of other languages by city officials. Rather, the people of Nashville must continue the long and often difficult conversation about how we improve life in our community and how we grow into the future.
We care for this great city, and faithfulness to our religious traditions leads us to stand in opposition to the English First proposal.
To access the Faith Leaders for All of Us website with statements from a variety of religious leaders and links to further information click on the address below:
http://faithleadersforallofus.com/
As religious leaders in Nashville/Davidson County, we have watched with interest and concern the movement to establish English as the official language of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville. The proposed charter amendment would prohibit any kind of government service from being offered in languages other than English.
We come from a variety of religious traditions, but we are united in our opposition to the English First amendment. We consider it to be unjust, inhospitable, and detrimental to the wellbeing of our community. We urge our fellow Nashvillians to defeat this measure once and for all.
Government representatives have already pointed out the negative effects of such an amendment on tourism, law enforcement, and economic development. Authoritative writings of many faith traditions including the Jewish Torah, the Christian New Testament, and the Islamic Qur’an, encourage the faithful to show hospitality to strangers. We affirm that barriers of language and culture are to be overcome not by means of exclusion but by mutual concern for the wellbeing of the other.
The English First proposal erects a wall where windows to better understanding are needed. It creates a climate of hostility and fear rather than hospitality. Nashville is a great city to live and work, to go to school or start a business, to visit and remember. Removing the possibility of government services and documents in languages other than English makes it harder to welcome friends and guests from abroad, to assimilate immigrants and their children into our community, and to provide a safe place for refugees. We want Nashville to be a city of true hospitality.
We recognize that the issue of immigration in our country is difficult, and that some in our community fear the pace of growth in our non-native population. We are aware of the many challenges we face in welcoming newcomers to this place we call home. However none of these issues will be addressed by restricting the use of other languages by city officials. Rather, the people of Nashville must continue the long and often difficult conversation about how we improve life in our community and how we grow into the future.
We care for this great city, and faithfulness to our religious traditions leads us to stand in opposition to the English First proposal.
To access the Faith Leaders for All of Us website with statements from a variety of religious leaders and links to further information click on the address below:
http://faithleadersforallofus.com/
Adult Community Education Classes sponsored by the League for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing, Spring 2009 -- Basic Conversational American Sign Language Levels One and Two, Speechreading Class
It takes years to become fluent in any language, whether spoken or signed, and requires a commitment to practice, study and immersion into the culture to master a foreign language.
Learning American Sign Language is in essence learning a foreign language because the grammar and syntax of ASL differ from that of written and spoken English.
The League’s primary purpose in offering Basic Conversational ASL classes is to encourage and nurture the community’s interest in American Sign Language, the Deaf community, and Deaf culture. League classes are designed to give people a general knowledge of ASL and Deaf culture in order to be able to carry on basic conversations. Our classes are NOT designed to serve as an interpreter training program. A person who is interested in interpreting might want to begin by taking our classes but will need to move on to an accredited degree program at a university or college then sit for the national certification exams.
Level One Conversational American Sign Language
Level One is an introduction to ASL grammar and vocabulary, Deaf culture, equipment and devices. This class covers the first half of the book.
Registration: January 5- February 6, 2009
Cost: $110 ($90 Instruction + $20 Book)
DAVIDSON County
Monday Evenings
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
10-week session, once per week
February 23 – April 27
Friday Mornings
10 a.m. – 12:00 Noon
10-week session, once per week
February 27- May 1
DAVIDSON County classes will be held at the office of the League for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing, located at 415 Fourth Avenue South, in downtown Nashville, 37201. LDHH is a tan brick building on the corner of Fourth Avenue South and Peabody Street. Park and enter behind the building. Spaces in front reserved for people who cannot climb stairs.
RUTHERFORD County
Monday Evenings
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
10-week session, once per week
February 23- April 27
RUTHERFORD County classes will be held at Blackman High School, located at 3956 Blaze Drive in Murfreesboro 37128. Take I-24 Exit 76 Medical Center Drive/Manson Pike. Take ramp to Manson Pike WEST. Go one mile. Turn left on Fortress Blvd. In half a mile, turn right on Blaze Drive. Signs will be posted on the school door with the classroom number
Level Two Conversational American Sign Language
Level Two is a continuation of ASL grammar and vocabulary, Deaf culture, and conversation practice. This class covers the second half of the book.
Registration: January 5- February 6, 2009
Cost: $95 (Instruction)
DAVIDSON County
Tuesday Evenings
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
10-week session, once per week
February 24 – April 28
DAVIDSON County classes will be held at the office of the League for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing, located at 415 Fourth Avenue South in downtown Nashville, 37201. LDHH is a tan brick building on the corner of Fourth Avenue South and Peabody Street. Park and enter behind the building. Spaces in front reserved for people who cannot climb stairs.
WILLIAMSON County
Tuesday Evenings
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
10-week session, once per week
February 24 – April 28
WILLIAMSON County classes will be held at the Red Cross building, located at 129 West Fowlkes Street, Suite #115 in Franklin 37064. Take I-65 Exit 65 toward FRANKLIN on Hwy 96 WEST. Go 2.6 miles, then turn left onto Church Street. Go .3 mile, then turn left onto Columbia Avenue. Go .3 mile, then turn right onto West Fowlkes Street
Speechreading
Formerly known as lip reading, speechreading is a form of communication used by people who are Hard of Hearing or who have a hearing loss but do not use ASL. It incorporates much more than watching a person’s mouth and lips.
Registration: January 5- February 6, 2009
Cost: $65 ($30 Instruction + $35 Materials,
which include a book and DVD).
DAVIDSON County
Wednesday Mornings
10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
10-week session, once per week
February 25 – April 29
Payment: Credit or Debit (Visa, Master Card, American Express), Check or Money Order payable to LDHH. NO CASH PLEASE.
**No refunds once payment is processed**
Credit toward a future class will be issued. Completed registration form with payment may be sent or brought to:
LDHH & the E.A.R. Foundation
415 Fourth Avenue South
Suite A
Nashville, TN 37201
The main office is open Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Forms may be printed off the League website or obtained by contacting Joseph Ochoa at JO@LDHH.ORG or by calling 615-248-8828 (V/TTY). Credit card registrations also accepted via phone.
To download a registration form click on http://www.leagueforthedeaf.com/documents/ClassRegistrationForm_000.doc
It takes years to become fluent in any language, whether spoken or signed, and requires a commitment to practice, study and immersion into the culture to master a foreign language.
Learning American Sign Language is in essence learning a foreign language because the grammar and syntax of ASL differ from that of written and spoken English.
The League’s primary purpose in offering Basic Conversational ASL classes is to encourage and nurture the community’s interest in American Sign Language, the Deaf community, and Deaf culture. League classes are designed to give people a general knowledge of ASL and Deaf culture in order to be able to carry on basic conversations. Our classes are NOT designed to serve as an interpreter training program. A person who is interested in interpreting might want to begin by taking our classes but will need to move on to an accredited degree program at a university or college then sit for the national certification exams.
Level One Conversational American Sign Language
Level One is an introduction to ASL grammar and vocabulary, Deaf culture, equipment and devices. This class covers the first half of the book.
Registration: January 5- February 6, 2009
Cost: $110 ($90 Instruction + $20 Book)
DAVIDSON County
Monday Evenings
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
10-week session, once per week
February 23 – April 27
Friday Mornings
10 a.m. – 12:00 Noon
10-week session, once per week
February 27- May 1
DAVIDSON County classes will be held at the office of the League for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing, located at 415 Fourth Avenue South, in downtown Nashville, 37201. LDHH is a tan brick building on the corner of Fourth Avenue South and Peabody Street. Park and enter behind the building. Spaces in front reserved for people who cannot climb stairs.
RUTHERFORD County
Monday Evenings
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
10-week session, once per week
February 23- April 27
RUTHERFORD County classes will be held at Blackman High School, located at 3956 Blaze Drive in Murfreesboro 37128. Take I-24 Exit 76 Medical Center Drive/Manson Pike. Take ramp to Manson Pike WEST. Go one mile. Turn left on Fortress Blvd. In half a mile, turn right on Blaze Drive. Signs will be posted on the school door with the classroom number
Level Two Conversational American Sign Language
Level Two is a continuation of ASL grammar and vocabulary, Deaf culture, and conversation practice. This class covers the second half of the book.
Registration: January 5- February 6, 2009
Cost: $95 (Instruction)
DAVIDSON County
Tuesday Evenings
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
10-week session, once per week
February 24 – April 28
DAVIDSON County classes will be held at the office of the League for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing, located at 415 Fourth Avenue South in downtown Nashville, 37201. LDHH is a tan brick building on the corner of Fourth Avenue South and Peabody Street. Park and enter behind the building. Spaces in front reserved for people who cannot climb stairs.
WILLIAMSON County
Tuesday Evenings
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
10-week session, once per week
February 24 – April 28
WILLIAMSON County classes will be held at the Red Cross building, located at 129 West Fowlkes Street, Suite #115 in Franklin 37064. Take I-65 Exit 65 toward FRANKLIN on Hwy 96 WEST. Go 2.6 miles, then turn left onto Church Street. Go .3 mile, then turn left onto Columbia Avenue. Go .3 mile, then turn right onto West Fowlkes Street
Speechreading
Formerly known as lip reading, speechreading is a form of communication used by people who are Hard of Hearing or who have a hearing loss but do not use ASL. It incorporates much more than watching a person’s mouth and lips.
Registration: January 5- February 6, 2009
Cost: $65 ($30 Instruction + $35 Materials,
which include a book and DVD).
DAVIDSON County
Wednesday Mornings
10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
10-week session, once per week
February 25 – April 29
Payment: Credit or Debit (Visa, Master Card, American Express), Check or Money Order payable to LDHH. NO CASH PLEASE.
**No refunds once payment is processed**
Credit toward a future class will be issued. Completed registration form with payment may be sent or brought to:
LDHH & the E.A.R. Foundation
415 Fourth Avenue South
Suite A
Nashville, TN 37201
The main office is open Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Forms may be printed off the League website or obtained by contacting Joseph Ochoa at JO@LDHH.ORG or by calling 615-248-8828 (V/TTY). Credit card registrations also accepted via phone.
To download a registration form click on http://www.leagueforthedeaf.com/documents/ClassRegistrationForm_000.doc
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
English First or Humanity First: A Commentary by Stephen Handy and Bettye P. Lewis
The Rev. Stephen Handy
After following all the statements and rhetoric triggered by the “English First” proposal, as an African American pastor, I am concerned over the fact that our great city of Nashville would spend the time debating, discussing, and strategizing over an issue of situational injustice. While I respect the opinions of others, let us be reminded that besides our Native Brothers and Sisters, we are all technically immigrants. Therefore, imagine if there had been a “Native American First” proposal centuries ago, then none of us would have been given the right or privilege to speak and interact with others in our native language. Therefore, we must ask ourselves a series of questions: “How far will we go?” Beyond the rhetoric of sides and lines being drawn, do we really have the right to determine who gets excluded? Beyond the political grandstanding, do we have the privilege to determine which language is first? Beyond the economic impact of this city, do we have the right to legislate morality? I believe that our role as citizens – as people of God – is to connect and relate to all humanity, and never to exclude or destroy. Ephesians 2:19 reminds us that we are “no longer strangers and aliens, but citizens…of the household of God.”
Think for a moment how this city has progressed from “segregated restrooms and schools, water fountains and lunch counters” to a place where “radical hospitality” is not only extended, but is rather expected. Our neighborhoods are now a mosaic of togetherness. In fact Nashville has become a community of diverse languages, relationships, and communities. We have by no means achieved perfection, but much progress in being made. We are beginning to truly see each other, to respect differences, and to converse with each other as human beings of worth and value. We are no longer strangers, but are fellow citizens – fully enfranchised members of God’s human family.
The Rev. Bettye Lewis
Therefore, if we decide to vote for the “English First” proposal, in essence we are closing the doors to others and creating divisions of ethnic proportions. However, as fellow citizens of the household of God, we are called to keep the doors of fairness, inclusivity, and reconciliation open to all. When we vote against the English First proposal, then we are saying “yes” to “Humanity First” – yes to establishing new patterns of relationships that are essential in modeling Christian unity for the family of God. Understandably, unity is never easy, but it is always necessary for a city – a household – to become great. Greatness is defined by how we embrace the stranger among us. It never excludes the “least of these”, but extends a hand and open heart, only made possible by the transforming love of Christ.
Without doubt the levels of complexity surrounding immigration issues are multifaceted. There are not any easy solutions, but our actions must never abort the opportunity for us to understand and reconcile our differences with others. Eliminating the possibility of other voices, other imaginations, other hopes and dreams is to thwart the reality of the beloved community which then becomes a travesty and a misrepresentation of humanity. Simply put, it is unchristian.
Therefore, now is not the time to sit down and not voice our vote. Hear the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Let us then all stand for justice, not a comfortable justice, but rather an inconvenient, or inclusive justice that builds community, values people, and seeks to welcome the stranger – a justice that does not mean assimilation, but honors diversity, listens to the different languages and voices of the gathered community, and acknowledges the sacred worth of all God’s people.
How far will we go? Because we were “all strangers in a foreign land,” we can stand unified as one body in Christ all the way to the polls. Because we are all incorporated as fellow citizens, fully enfranchised members of God’s human family, we MUST vote “NO” to this proposition of exclusion. Remember, it’s not about “English First”, but “Humanity First.”
In Christ there is no east or west,
In him no south or north;
But one great fellowship of love
Throughout the whole wide earth. (John Oxenham)
The Rev. Stephen HandyAfter following all the statements and rhetoric triggered by the “English First” proposal, as an African American pastor, I am concerned over the fact that our great city of Nashville would spend the time debating, discussing, and strategizing over an issue of situational injustice. While I respect the opinions of others, let us be reminded that besides our Native Brothers and Sisters, we are all technically immigrants. Therefore, imagine if there had been a “Native American First” proposal centuries ago, then none of us would have been given the right or privilege to speak and interact with others in our native language. Therefore, we must ask ourselves a series of questions: “How far will we go?” Beyond the rhetoric of sides and lines being drawn, do we really have the right to determine who gets excluded? Beyond the political grandstanding, do we have the privilege to determine which language is first? Beyond the economic impact of this city, do we have the right to legislate morality? I believe that our role as citizens – as people of God – is to connect and relate to all humanity, and never to exclude or destroy. Ephesians 2:19 reminds us that we are “no longer strangers and aliens, but citizens…of the household of God.”
Think for a moment how this city has progressed from “segregated restrooms and schools, water fountains and lunch counters” to a place where “radical hospitality” is not only extended, but is rather expected. Our neighborhoods are now a mosaic of togetherness. In fact Nashville has become a community of diverse languages, relationships, and communities. We have by no means achieved perfection, but much progress in being made. We are beginning to truly see each other, to respect differences, and to converse with each other as human beings of worth and value. We are no longer strangers, but are fellow citizens – fully enfranchised members of God’s human family.
The Rev. Bettye LewisTherefore, if we decide to vote for the “English First” proposal, in essence we are closing the doors to others and creating divisions of ethnic proportions. However, as fellow citizens of the household of God, we are called to keep the doors of fairness, inclusivity, and reconciliation open to all. When we vote against the English First proposal, then we are saying “yes” to “Humanity First” – yes to establishing new patterns of relationships that are essential in modeling Christian unity for the family of God. Understandably, unity is never easy, but it is always necessary for a city – a household – to become great. Greatness is defined by how we embrace the stranger among us. It never excludes the “least of these”, but extends a hand and open heart, only made possible by the transforming love of Christ.
Without doubt the levels of complexity surrounding immigration issues are multifaceted. There are not any easy solutions, but our actions must never abort the opportunity for us to understand and reconcile our differences with others. Eliminating the possibility of other voices, other imaginations, other hopes and dreams is to thwart the reality of the beloved community which then becomes a travesty and a misrepresentation of humanity. Simply put, it is unchristian.
Therefore, now is not the time to sit down and not voice our vote. Hear the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Let us then all stand for justice, not a comfortable justice, but rather an inconvenient, or inclusive justice that builds community, values people, and seeks to welcome the stranger – a justice that does not mean assimilation, but honors diversity, listens to the different languages and voices of the gathered community, and acknowledges the sacred worth of all God’s people.
How far will we go? Because we were “all strangers in a foreign land,” we can stand unified as one body in Christ all the way to the polls. Because we are all incorporated as fellow citizens, fully enfranchised members of God’s human family, we MUST vote “NO” to this proposition of exclusion. Remember, it’s not about “English First”, but “Humanity First.”
In Christ there is no east or west,
In him no south or north;
But one great fellowship of love
Throughout the whole wide earth. (John Oxenham)
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