Hello –
Today is the memorial service in Minneapolis for George Floyd. Please join me in praying for the repose of his soul, for comfort for his family and friends and for guidance for us all.
“O God, whose mercies cannot be numbered: Accept our prayers on behalf of thy servant George, and grant him an entrance into the land of light and joy, in the fellowship of thy saints; through Jesus Christ thy son our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. AMEN.”
Like many Americans, I am sad, scared and angry by all that’s unfolded since Memorial Day when Amy Cooper called the police on African-American bird watcher Christian Cooper and George Floyd was killed by Officer Derek Chauvin.
I am also resolved that we at St. Paul’s will respond, by God’s grace, with benevolent and healing actions in our local community. I have been discussing all this very actively with your Vestry and RenewalWorks Group and there is a common heart to step out and take long term action. This Sunday, I will be preaching on both the outward and inward work that’s before us. You are invited to join worship, which is now at 10am on our website.
Our first outward step will be to listen. The good news is that in Marin I believe we have good and good-hearted partners. Please, in preparation for Sunday, follow these two links to read powerful statements by two of the leaders of our San Rafael Community. These are among those with whom we hope to have conversation in the days ahead.
• The first is a strong statement of support and advocacy from Omar Carrera, CEO of the Canal Alliance and a friend of St. Paul’s. Here is his statement.
• The second is a clear, powerful and reassuring statement from San Rafael Police Chief Diana Bishop. Here is her statement.
We are seeking other potential conversation partners, particularly in Marin City. Thank you to Kate and Jacob, with whom I’ve been having lively conversation and reflection.
In Jesus’ name, let us, with firm resolve, deepen our commitment to healing our American original sin of racism.
Again, join us at 10am Sunday and let us take the next steps, both outward and inward, together. It is the St. Paul’s way.