Neighbor to Neighbor
Neighbor to Neighbor is a resource of ways to support the communities and agencies during the Federal Agents’ activities in Minneapolis and Saint Paul, Minnesota and throughout the United States.
Friends in Christ,
As many of you, I am shocked to see the injustices that are playing out in the world around us – and close to home, in the neighborhoods and streets of the Twin Cities. Several of us have connections with people in Minneapolis and in the very neighborhood where Renee Good was shot and killed by ICE last week. Some have connections with Venezuela and other parts of Latin America and the Caribbean, too. “Who is my neighbor?” and “How do I love my neighbor?” are questions from scripture that are especially relevant for us at this time as people face violence and uncertainty in daily life.
Although we may have differences in our political alignments, as followers of Jesus, we are called to live like Christ who broke down the walls that separate us by color, culture, or religion. We are called to recognize and reverence the divine image and likeness in our neighbor. We stand for healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and welcoming the stranger. When we see injustices, we stand with those who are being directly affected, and we use our voices to speak out in truth and in witness to God’s love for all humans and all that God has created.
As things have unfolded in Minneapolis and St. Paul over the past weeks, many leaders and congregational members have asked what they might do to support our friends in the Twin Cities. There are several streams of action that have been developed and organized across our state. One way to stay connected to other faith leaders through both prayer and action is through the Palm Sunday Path, with resources linked below. Many groups have organized gatherings for the end of this coming week. Finally, beloved of God, no matter how you engage your faith in action – through prayer, or fasting, or donating food and supplies, or in marching for justice, “May the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7) At times and in places when worldly peace is elusive, God’s peace in Christ abides.
Yours in Christ,
Bishop Amy Odgren
