From the Morris Area Interfaith Clergy Council:
The Morris Area Interfaith Clergy Council Calls for Unity and Love
As leaders in the faith community we are heart-broken as we deal with the loss of life and hope that has overtaken our nation these last few weeks and months.
We lament the anger and fear that have gripped so many of our family, friends and neighbors. We know that much of that fear stems from uncertainty and loss. Loss of life, loss of faith, loss of loved ones, loss of employment, loss of housing, and loss of health.
This is not a time to give into fear, but to double down on love and faith. Faith in humanity, faith in the goodness of God.
Why? Why is one of the most frequent questions asked of clergy. Why did this happen to me, to him, to them? If God loves us, why would God allow bad things to happen? It’s hard to provide satisfactory answers to someone dealing with grief and pain but know that while tragedy and suffering is with us, there is also healing for our wounds.
There are many people that would seek to place blame and divide us. Placing blame may help some figure out the immediate “Why?”; but it does little to heal.
Healing comes when hearts are changed, a process we refer to as repentance.
“Repentance isn’t a punishment, but an invitation. An invitation to change; change our mind, our knowledge, our spirit-even the way we breathe. [God] is asking us to change the way we love, think, serve, spend our time and treat each other. When we choose to repent, we choose to change. We choose to be better and do better.” -Russell M. Nelson
Now is such a time that we echo the invitation of a loving God to repent and find renewal of life.
As followers of God we have promised to love our neighbors as ourselves, to mourn with those that mourn, to comfort those in need of comfort and to stand as a witness of the goodness of God at all times and in all places that we may be in. This love extends to all, believers and non-believers alike. To all of our neighbors – we stand with you in love.
Please join us Sunday evening, June 7, 2020, on our Morris Area Interfaith Clergy Council YouTube Channel for a special vigil broadcast at 7 pm.
