Read the full issue of this week’s email newsletter here: The Weekly Liberal Nov. 10.

Rev. Justin writes:

I’ve just returned from my Interfaith Partners for Peace trip to Israel and Palestine. During this trip, we met with Israelis, Palestinians, and Arab-Israelis, all of whom shared their stories, and many of whom were deeply committed to a peace process. Many of them have given up hope that their respective governments might reach a peace agreement, and so, in the midst of that reality, grassroots efforts are springing up, as bold Palestinians and Israelis alike seek to connect with each other in a variety of ways in order to build relationships and trust among one another. The ultimate goal is a lasting peace between these two people. Amidst despair, there are glimmers of hope in these grassroots efforts.

This trip reminded me that at the center of every movement for social change and justice there are deep relationships that cut across lines of identity. These relationships, by their very nature, begin to upend all that would divide us, and we start to find our common ground, cause, and humanity, with one another.  

While I suspect many of us feel some real despair, fear, and deep sadness for our country – I’m writing this the day after the election – I also feel quite clear about the work that we are called to do as citizens and people of faith. First, we must stand with our neighbors who feel targeted, fearful, assaulted, and bullied. Second, across identity, difference, belief, class, and race, we must reach out to more and more of our neighbors, to build relationships, discover our common interests and concerns, and work to build a city, state, and country that truly serves all of us. This is the holy work we are called to.

In worship on Sunday, we will sit with what is, and with what we have done this election season, and we’ll find glimmers of hope in what comes next. The story isn’t finished yet.

I’ll see you on Sunday.

In faith,
Justin