“Politics, Peace and Justice” – Bishop Rob Wright, Diocese of Atlanta.
To speak out against injustice these days is to be labeled as being “political and divisive.” But those seeking to dismiss justice seekers with these labels don’t know just how accurate they are! Jesus was also condemned for being political and divisive. He was political because his life, death and teachings were about the public affairs of his faith and nation. And he was divisive too! He pointed out the difference between abuse and leadership, darkness and light, selfishness and other-centeredness. Why else was he lynched on Calvary in front of his mother?
Jesus was political but not partisan. He didn’t support any religious or political leader or party. His politics were The Great Commandment, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength and your neighbor as yourself.” His political talking points were the Law and the Prophets. He spoke of equity and justice as the tangible evidence of love.
And Jesus spoke of the peril of a world where we avert our eyes from a neighbor left beaten and bloodied on a road side. Jesus stood waist deep in the tradition of the Hebrew prophets, who because of their great sensitivity to human suffering cried out in the public square and in the elite corridors of power. Even a cursory glance at scripture reveals these facts. So then, how is it possible to read the gospel on Sunday and deny its ramifications on Monday? What has bewitched the church that she does not speak in one voice against injustice? How can people be the church and regularly pledge to “…strive for justice and peace among all people…” and not see Jesus’ politics are justice.
It is a sad fact of human nature that we want quiet without peace and justice without disruption. Quiet refuses to examine the ideologies our society perpetuates. Quiet is a toxic silence about the facts on the ground. Quiet continues the cover up. Quiet is what immoral systems require of good people. Yet again, the lethal nature of quiet has come to light in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Louisville, Kentucky and Brunswick, Georgia. In each instance, Quiet and the collusion of co-workers, helped to facilitate murder.
Peace, according to the bible, is only present when there is justice in the land. And justice only comes when the status quo is disrupted and confronted about its blind spots and gaps and change follows. Nowhere in the bible do we read justice only for some pleases God. Likewise, the “Peace of Christ” comes to us as a result of the disruption that is Jesus – his birth, his life, his teaching, organizing and his non-violent protest on the back of a donkey in a city center.
We remember this sacred rhythm in our worship services -“The Peace” comes after the collective disruption of naming and confessing sin and after the granting of absolution. Real peace can only come with our increased appetite for, quest toward and attainment of well-being for every neighbor. Especially the least. That is true Shalom, the establishment of a uniform societal floor height which allows all to reach opportunity and possibility with dignity. Practically, justice is equity in policing, wages, health care, housing, education, cleanliness of water and equal protection under the law, to name a few. And let us remember, no feelings of guilt and shame are required to hasten the presence of peace, justice and real neighborliness. Neither is contempt nor malice for anyone. What is necessary and expedient toward a holy quiet is the increased presence of equity and justice which will multiply the peace we say we desire.
Still, while we are not naive about the work that lies ahead to be the church, a nation and a world that pleases God, like Congressman John Lewis, “I find myself surprisingly heartened.” Never before have I seen so many who could choose a self- serving silence now choosing to speak up, actively risking being labeled as “political and divisive.”
My great hope, in this present turmoil and in the difficult journey ahead toward lasting progress and justice, is that we discover new square footage in our souls. That our discomfort with injustice pushes us past our personal comfort zones. That we live the words we pray with a new fullness. That we become a truly courageous and liberated church. And, that we throw off the asphyxiating fear of being labeled by some and rest in the nobility of our calling as followers of Jesus.
– Bishop Rob Wright, Bishop of Atlanta, June 12, 2020