A Call To Peace and Lovingkindness During These Tumultuous Times 
From Executive Minister and Senior Regional Pastor Rev. Miriam Méndez and ABCNJ President Loucinda Southerland.  

There is no doubt that many watched in shock and disbelief the turmoil and violence that occurred yesterday (January 6, 2021) in Washington D.C. at the United States Capitol building.

We condemn the actions taken by those who, instead of exercising their First Amendment rights to free speech, chose to cause an assault on our democracy, and to put the lives of others in grave danger, and even cause death.  

Needless to say, this was a horrifying and disgraceful act. As Christians, we must denounce these illegal, deplorable, and violent acts that threaten our democracy.

We, therefore, call on our ABCNJ family to stand firmly on the words of the prophet Micah 6:8:
“The Lord has told you, human, what is good; he has told you what he wants from you:
to do what is right to other people, love being kind to others, and live humbly, obeying your God.”  

We call on our ABCNJ family to be deeply rooted in Christ’s peace, love, and kindness. 

We call on our ABCNJ family to pray uninterruptedly, not only on days of such violence but every day. 

We call on our ABCNJ family to seek and pursue peace and live in harmony with one another.  

We call on the ABCNJ family to allow God’s way of love to prevail in our hearts. 

Let us pray together:

Lord God Almighty, you have made all the peoples of the earth for your glory, to serve you in freedom and peace: Give to the people of our country a zeal for justice and the strength of forbearance, that we may use our liberty in accordance with your gracious will.

O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth. Help us in the midst of our struggles for justice and truth, to confront one another without hatred and bitterness, and to work together with mutual forbearance and respect. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Adapted from the Book of Common Prayer (pages 258 & 815, 824).