Weekly Clergy Letter From Mother Anne Turner

Dear Friends in Christ,

 

Today we celebrate Independence Day, which is one of the major feasts on the calendar of the Episcopal Church.  The founding of our church is intertwined with the founding of our state.  The principles that ground our democracy—freedom, justice, and the hope of peace—are all deeply theological.

 

We at Grace love these principles.  We hang the flag in our nave as a symbol of such love.  With so many civil servants at Grace—military, foreign service, intelligence communities, and many other Federal departments—our congregation makes a unique witness to the power of faith in serving one’s country.  We celebrate our nation’s vocation to be a light to the world.

 

But patriotism is complex right now.  Our country is deeply divided, and in recent months we have seen troubling events and decisions around immigration, human dignity, and care for the poor.  Perhaps more concerning, we have seen the rise a nationalist ideology that wears a facade of Christian identity but is at heart violent, racist, and patriarchal.  Such Christian Nationalism is deeply antithetical to Christ and deeply destructive to our country.

 

I wonder how Grace Church can make the best witness to Jesus in this time.  Are we hungry for true justice?  What are we willing to sacrifice for it?  Do we speak with the conviction and compassion that Christ would teach us?

 

One example of how complicated this moment is: the flag.  To me, the flag speaks of the best of our identity.  But I am aware of newcomers who have walked out of our nave because they were frightened to see the flag and the altar so close to one another.  Some dioceses have restricted the use of the American flag in worship spaces because of the potentially idolatrous statement it makes.

 

I believe we need to talk about the flag, and I believe we need to talk more broadly about our witness as followers of Jesus in this country at this time.  This dialogue will be hard.  But it is also what this moment demands.

 

Those challenging conversations are ahead.  Today, however, is a moment for reflection, prayer, and gratitude.  At our 10:00 eucharist this morning, I will say this prayer with all my heart, and I hope you will join me:

 

Lord God Almighty, in whose Name the founders of this country won liberty for themselves and for us, and lit the torch of freedom for nations then unborn: Grant that we and all the people of this land may have grace to maintain our liberties in righteousness and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

 

Yours in Christ,

Anne+