“Speak out on behalf of the voiceless, and for the rights of all who are vulnerable.” Proverbs 31:8 CEB
PSWR Disciples,
May the peace of God be with you.
We begin by returning to the place we wrote about in our last article (May 2025). The rotunda of the US Capitol, where a monument stands in honor of the women’s suffrage movement. It was not on my planned schedule and growing list of things to do. But we were called to stand there, in this same space, and in solidarity. We served as a witness for those who risked themselves using their voices in prayers on behalf of the voiceless, those who are being deported, and the countless lives whose futures are at stake because of our nation’s newest budget cuts. In this struggle, we are not alone, nor the faithful in that space were not alone. Several notable leaders, pastors, and I were all there doing our best to ensure safety, and the exercising of their rights to use voices in prayers, until it was no longer permissible to do so. Prayer is powerful in all places! I hope you won’t mind my not listing the names of all who were there with some intention. (I did not ask those involved for permission to be listed in this article). Also, I would like to propose that you, we, and all people of common good were there. In prayers we are united, and much more.
Over the past few weeks, much has happened, and so many across the life of our wider church have expressed care, support and prayers for our PSWR clergy, congregations, and communities. Our region joined together with the Office of General Minister and President in directing two pastoral letters to the wider church. One expressing concern for the Los Angeles and Surrounding Areas and the other in care for Downey Memorial Christian Church, its Senior Pastor, Rev. Tanya Lopez and family. We continue/d in these concerns and prayers as more stories from our neighbors emerge (past and present) that tell of more raids and deportations that spur on constant fears and traumas. These are inhumane and terrible actions that will not have the last word in our society or on our church grounds.
While you may not be able to travel and personally stand in solidarity with others before a monument over 2,600 miles away. You and we are joined together with so many others when you pray with your voice and feet. The challenges our cities, and communities are facing have come to our very doorsteps. The good news is that I have witnessed PSWR clergy and congregations, marching, speaking out, praying at community vigils, caring for their neighbors with groceries and providing for the most basic of needs, demonstrating love for our most vulnerable. I propose these are opportunities for you to do the same. An advocate invited her community to do the following (paraphrased), if there is nothing but one thing you can do – don’t look away – look at those around and in front of you eye to eye and see the treasure of life God has made this neighbor to be. Offer a prayer and let them know they are not alone (no están solo). After all, we are a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world.
Please enjoy the listings and pictures that highlight our PSWR presence, ministry, and service at the General Assembly – Beyond – Memphis, TN (July 2025). We were honored to represent you and the beauty that is the PSWR.
Pray Always. Speak Out on behalf of the Voiceless. Do the difficult work of common good.
Blessings,
Richie
