Pastoral Message
The Rev. Dr. Richard Speck, District Executive
Joseph Priestley District, UUA
(Sent to all Presidents of Congregations and Ministers in the Joseph Priestley
District)
March 23, 2003
Dear Colleagues:
The war to remove Saddam Hussein has begun. American air forces are bombing
selected targets in Baghdad and armored columns are over 100 miles into Iraq
moving toward the capital. I know that many of us never wanted to see this event
happen and worked forcefully to persuade our governmental leaders to resist
using the military for this purpose. Others of us were convinced that the evil
of this regime could only be overcome through the use of counteracting force.
Whatever one's political view, now that the men and women of our armed services
are involved, we hope that the conflict will be ended soon with minimal loss
of life.
The lay leadership of Bull Run Unitarian Universalists contacted me and asked
if I would compose a brief blessing for their canvass dinner on Saturday. After
writing it, I felt this prayer might be of interest to the rest of you as we
struggle to listen deeply to one another in this trying period of our national
life. Whatever your view towards the actions of our government, may we remember
to treat one another in kindness and love as we work to build a world where
we are one people living in peace. As the hymn says so eloquently, "O hear
my song, thou God of all the nations, a song of peace for their land and for
mine."
Let us pray:
Spirit of Life and Love,
We pause this moment from the hectic pace of life to lift up those things that
really matter - family, faith, friends, community.
We have gathered together to begin our annual canvass, which supports our congregation.
Our religious faith, which lifts up peaceful means to resolve those things that
divide us, is more needed now than ever before. The world watches in dread as
our country's military begins the fight to remove an evil regime that has caused
so much misery to its people and its neighbors.
In our country, we are not of one accord as to the propriety of this action
by our leaders. People of strong conviction both oppose and support this military
action for very good and honorable reasons. May we be able to discuss our differences
with civility and love as we seek to discern the proper course of action in
a very complex world.
But now that it has begun, we wish only that our fighting forces and those we
know among them be kept safe from harm along with the innocent civilian population
of Iraq that neither supports the regime nor wishes any harm upon the United
States.
May the fighting end quickly with a new peace that will allow the people of
Iraq to live their lives with dignity, freedom, and hope for a better future
for their children.
While the international events dominate world attention, may we this night have
a brief few hours of respite from it and enjoy the fellowship that has been
planned.
Let us laugh together, dream together, and support one another in this congregation
to build a stronger community of faith so that our values of the inherent worth
and dignity of all people living in a peaceful world may become a reality in
our lifetimes.
We are grateful for all the people who have helped to prepare the food we will
share from the farmers who grew it to the hands that have prepared it. May we
be nourished both in body and spirit by our meal together.
In all that is most holy, we say, Amen.
Rev. Dr. Richard Speck
District Executive
Joseph Priestley District
302-778-4564
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