Grace and peace to you, beloved of Christ,
Many of us have viewed the horrific video of the shooting of Renee Nicole Good during an encounter with United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Minneapolis. In the wake of this tragic loss of life, conflicting – and incendiary – statements from public officials threaten to obscure what we know to be true: Ms. Good was a human being, created in the image of God. She was the mother of three, who felt a strong call to protect her immigrant neighbors from an intimidating surge of ICE agents recently deployed to Minnesota.
As we grapple with Ms. Good’s death, we remember that hers is not an isolated tragedy. Many others have been killed, injured, or have died during ICE enforcement activities or in ICE detention over the last year. The highly visible nature of this week’s incident, however, has left particular fear, grief, and anguish in its wake — not only for the people of Minneapolis, but also for any of us moved similarly to protect the most vulnerable in our midst. Like many of you, this tragedy deepens my concern over efforts to normalize dehumanizing acts of aggression, violence, and discrimination, especially by our federal government.
Friends, in moments like this, I commend you first to prayer and to peace. I ask you to pray for Renee Nicole Good, for those who loved her, and for all who are shaken to the core by this incident. Pray for the people of Minneapolis. Pray also for all involved, including the shooter, and for our leaders, that they may act with restraint, wisdom, and deep respect for the God-given dignity of every person. Pray for all who suffer and all who live in fear for their safety.
In the face of such state-sanctioned violence, our Christian witness resists dehumanization in all forms. We must not let fear govern our hearts. I particularly commend to you the reflection written on Wednesday by the Episcopal Bishop of Minnesota, the Right Reverend Craig Loya, here.
This weekend, some of us may feel called to demonstrate and bear public witness in the face of this and other recent incidents of violence perpetrated by federal officials. Plans are still unfolding for several demonstrations in downtown Boston tomorrow and Sunday. Dean Amy McCreath will open our Cathedral Church of St. Paul tomorrow at 1 pm for individual reflection, respite, and prayer. At 1:30 pm, we will gather in prayer with other ecumenical partners, before joining a demonstration organized by LUCE, the Immigration Justice Network of Massachusetts, at the John F. Kennedy, Jr. Federal Building.
Should you choose to demonstrate this weekend, I urge you to take every precaution for your own safety and the safety of others. Choose nonviolence and mutual care. The call to courage is never a call to recklessness. Christ calls us to meet violence and hate with love.
Friends, please remember, especially in this season of Epiphany: the revelation of Jesus to the world is a story of manifest courage and possibility … of bold witness that ours is a God of hospitality, abundance, and limitless love, even in the face of oppressive empire. Throughout Scripture, God’s care for the stranger and the sojourner is unmistakable. When fear is wielded as a tool of power and intimidation, we are called to stand with those under threat in compassion, solidarity, and nonviolent strength. Now is the time to remember again that perfect love casts out fear.
May God hold us in mercy, steady us in courage, and make us instruments of peace.
Faithfully, with love,
The Rt. Rev'd Julia E. Whitworth
Bishop Diocesan