Nougat 31

Today, the World Council of Churches officially begins the 11th Assembly since 1948 in Karlsruhe, Germany, under the theme Christ’s Love moves the world to reconciliation and Unity.

This theme, when unpacked, invites reflection on how we relate to and with each other. Last evening, at the close of the pre-Assemblies (youth, persons with disabilities, indigenous people and the community of women and men), we were invited by our Pacific siblings to seriously consider what we confess as our belief, especially with regard to our care of God’s creation. I not only was moved by the power of their performance, but I also was left with the need to urgently share their message, that our desire for ‘more’, the passion for conquest continues to be a threat to their existence.

Our young people also called us out on the ways in which we, the church and wider society, claim that youth are our priority, and our ongoing statements about the youth are the future, while we threaten the future and render them silent on most of the issues they seek to raise. Their passion and insistence on voicing their concerns, reminded me of Jesus’ call to radical discipleship, and for us to know the Truth (God’s Truth) which liberates and offers hope.

Much of my time was spend thinking about persons with disability, not only with regard to how we extend hospitality, but also in relation to what we profess in word and deed. At one point, I remembered my indefatigable sister, Sara Newland Martin, who was never willing to be defined by her disability, but self represented as one with gifts and talents to share with the world. What does it mean to love my neighbour as myself?

From the women and men the call was similar. we lifted up the concerns of visibility and silencing. As one who has been silenced before, I have been challenged by the times I have literally and figuratively silenced others. It is not always intentional, but more so, what do we do when it all goes awry – whether in our localities or at the macro level including spaces of conflict and displacement. Hearing stories of sexual violence, abuse and harassment experienced by people of all ages and stages, not only pained my heart but challenged me on whether I have truly been my sibling’s keeper.

As we thus reflect on Today’s Holy Nougat, may we hear Jesus speaking to us, in response to the young man’s question.

But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Luke 10:29 NIV

We crave your ongoing prayer for a safe, fruitful time of reflection and decision-making

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May all we seek be found in Christ