For us, the key is to remain calm, rational, courageously nonviolent, and persevere against the odds. Imagine an approach that embodies the steadfast resolve of Winston Churchill interwoven with the unwavering moral fortitude of Martin Luther King, Jr. While our present circumstances do not mirror the perilous reality faced by Dietrich Bonhoeffer in Nazi Germany, his experience offers a valuable lesson. Bonhoeffer, with extraordinary courage, led the Confessing Church in resisting Nazi control of religion while simultaneously preparing new clergy to faithfully bear the light of Christ amidst profound darkness. Yet, shortly before his execution, he reflected that these efforts had been insufficient. The Confessing Church, he realized, had been preoccupied with self-preservation, when its true calling lay in championing the future of a free Germany.
Similarly, we must remain steadfast in our faith, both within our personal lives and our congregational communities. However, our commitment to Christ compels us to transcend these boundaries, proclaiming godly ways and justice whenever and wherever they are threatened, irrespective of personal risk or challenging circumstances. We are called to be both guardians of the faith and prophetic voices for a just and equitable society.
Thanks Steven for those rock solid words of faith and action. May the actions be driven by a constant compassion, no matter what the outcomes that may jar us off the track. db