A Time to Stand

In the four years I have served this Conference, I have tried to be authentic in my relationships. In one-to-one conversations, it has been relatively easy to be honest about where I stand, both theologically and politically. What has been more difficult is bringing that same level of honesty into my preaching with congregations.

Recently, I watched a video of political analyst Van Jones that cut me to the core. Whether one agrees with him or not, he was deeply vulnerable to his audience. He admitted that he had been playing it safe in his work and commentary, and that it was time for him to stop doing so and begin telling his truth. As I listened, I realized that I, too, have been playing it safe. Serving in a predominantly White denomination, in the Midwest, in the middle of the country, has not been easy for me. To dull the edges of discomfort, I have often chosen safety.

I was raised to believe it was important to assimilate into the dominant culture, into White culture. Assimilation was understood as a pathway to success in a culture that was not our own, and my parents were proud of what I had accomplished. Over time, I developed a preaching style that sought a “middle road,” trusting that if I stayed there, everyone might find themselves somewhere in the Word. At least, that is what I long believed.

Last week, during a vigil for Renee Macklin Good, Episcopal Bishop Rob Hirschfeld of New Hampshire advised clergy to get their affairs in order, to prepare their wills, because, in his words, the time for statements is over. He named that the “cruelty, injustice, and horror that has been unleashed in Minneapolis” calls faith leaders to “stand with our bodies between the powers of this world and the most vulnerable.” These are powerful and prophetic words.

It appears that the most vulnerable who have been murdered now include those who are exercising their First Amendment right to protest and to make their views known without fear of government retaliation, as evidenced by the murders of Renee Good and Alex Pretti.

I have stayed silent through much of this because I straddle two worlds: the world of my ethnicity and the world of our congregations, whom I do not want to alienate. I see images of young children being arrested, children who look like my children when they were young. I love the people in our congregations, many of whom will never have to carry the daily discomfort of living with brown skin, especially in a season when people who look like me are being targeted. We are being targeted.

Also, last week, approximately eight of our clergy traveled to Minneapolis to protest government action. Some drove. Others flew. All went with the same purpose: to publicly voice their opposition to the actions of this administration and to the federal agents acting in its direction. They did not go at the Conference’s request, nor were they representing the Conference. They went because their consciences compelled them. I want them to know that I will support them in any way possible.

Kansas and Oklahoma will eventually experience Immigration and Customs Enforcement in similar ways. The outcomes will be different because red states are not targeted like blue states. Still, I want to be clear: this is not about Republican or Democrat, right or left, conservative or progressive.

This is about our shared humanity, yours and mine.

This is about the Gospel’s call to love our neighbors, and to love others, every single other.

This is about treating the vulnerable among us with dignity and care.

And yes, this is about standing between Powers and Principalities and those who are being dehumanized.

I know now that it is time for me to stand, regardless of the outcome.

May you be blessed as we seek to live faithfully in a world that feels, in so many ways, like it’s on fire.

Rev. Dr. Lorraine Ceniceros
KO Conference Minister