Dear Sisters and Brothers,
I have struggled to make sense of all that has happened this past week. Black men have been killed by police officers in Louisiana and Minnesota. Policemen have been killed serving in the line of duty – several days ago here, in Harvey, and just yesterday in Dallas while they protected citizens demonstrating against violence. It is true that a deep and systemic racial divide permeates our country. It is true that we can have the highest regard for those who serve and protect us, while still wanting there to be policies that protect our most vulnerable community members. And it is also true that we must work to make this world a better place for our children and grandchildren. We are proving ourselves unworthy of them.
As Episcopalians in Louisiana we are all entangled in each of these stories and the Jesus story. There is no avoiding the fact that the violence that affects one of us, affects us all. In the coming days and weeks, I will be working with the Racial Reconciliation Commission to help determine how we, as the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana, might best respond to the tragic deaths of this past week as the hands and feet and voices of Jesus here in our communities. We cannot merely be spectators.
Please consider joining members of the Racial Reconciliation Commission and our local congregations for one of the following events:
Friday, July 8th from 12:00 pm-1:00 pm – A gathering at Liberty’s Kitchen
(lobby of 300 N Broad, New Orleans)
This gathering will coincide with the city of Dallas’ time of silence.
Friday, July 8th at 7:00 pm – A gathering at Lee Circle.
Sunday, July 10th at 4:00 pm – A rally in Baton Rouge for Justice for Alton Sterling (4445 Plank Road, Baton Rouge)
A ride share will meet at 1:30 pm in New Orleans at St. Paul’s, Lakeview (6249 Canal Blvd)
If you are interested in attending any of these events, please contact Lindsey Ardrey at lindsey.ardrey@gmail.com.
I also want to commend to our clergy the Seeing The Face Of God In Each Other manual, which includes resources to use during worship services and group prayer meetings.
My role as bishop is to provide spiritual leadership but also to hold the tension until we know the truth, as much as we can know the truth. Please pray with me as we discern a way forward together.
Blessings,
The Rt. Rev. Morris K. Thompson, Jr.
Bishop of Louisiana