Call to Action

Whew – it’s hot! The air-conditioned spaces of our June 2015 Oregon-Idaho Annual Conference seem far, far away! But I’m thinking of those days today. Here’s why:
 
At the 2015 Annual Conference, we began an on-going act of repentance for past and current injustices leveled against our Native American brothers and sisters. We were blessed with insight from local Native Americans as well as from Native American leaders from our United Methodist Global Ministries. We were each given Rev. Anita Phillip’s book, On this Spirit Walk. It was a busy, amazing conference. Clear, chaotic, good or bad, I thank God for every moment and the understanding provided.
 
Why reconcile? Historically, the churches actions against Native Americans were horrific. The Sand Creek Massacre is a well-documented atrocity but we must believe, only one of many. Currently, census statistics paint a dismal picture of life in the USA for Native Americans. Indian brothers and sisters occupy the bottom of the charts in the land occupied by their ancestors for thousands of years. This land was once their life. Now, many can barely scratch life from this land.
 
So, we begin. We repent and open our hearts for the Lord’s healing. We act. We go forward together. We are changed by our knowledge and strengthened by our commitment to love one another. Jesus made it simple. Love one another. We added all that boloney.
 
Tell me, what have you done to keep this action of reconciliation on going? Has your personal reconciliation led to new insight? New places? What about your congregation? Have you utilized Rev. Anita’s book?
 
Please send me your stories! I will share anonymously or identified – your choice. Our stories encourage and inspire each other. How has Christ led your act of reconciliation? What moments moved you? In a future blog, I’ll share these stories.
 
Thanks! God bless you!
 
Mary