In 1790, the warden of the Jewish Congregation in Rhode Island wrote to President George Washington with gratitude about the possibilities for a nation where the separation of church and state would ensure religious freedom:
. . . behold a Government, erected by the Majesty of the People—a Government, which to bigotry gives no sanction, to persecution no assistance—but generously affording to All liberty of conscience, and immunities of Citizenship: deeming every one, of whatever Nation, tongue, or language, equal parts of the great governmental Machine: This so ample and extensive Federal Union whose basis is Philanthropy, Mutual Confidence and Publick Virtue, we cannot but acknowledge to be the work of the Great God, who ruleth in the Armies Of Heaven and among the Inhabitants of the Earth, doing whatever seemeth him good.
At the "Countering Christian Nationalism" seminar Sunday, Rabbi Deborah also taught us that President Washington later quoted this letter to celebrate the values of the new nation. Now it's a part of our history found online at the National Constitution Center:
"For happily the Government of the United States, which gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance requires only that they who live under its protection should demean themselves as good citizens, in giving it on all occasions their effectual support."
What we are witnessing nationally (and at the state level) is an erosion of our shared values. The chaotic policies and dehumanizing rhetoric are meant to divide and exhaust us. In times like these, we have to anchor ourselves in something deeper than the news cycle. When others try to make us feel helpless, we come together as peoples of faith to remember we are not powerless. We can stay awake. We can hold to truth. We can remain deeply connected to one another.
Worship with us to experience the good news. Pray with us on chapel open time Thursday nights at 6:30 (with an option to meditatively doodle). Create a chunky blanket with us and support a new brewery next Wednesday night. Connect with other United Methodists in NH at the District Resource Day, March 29. Build interfaith relationships with the book group in May reading Holy Envy. We're in this together.
Shalom,
Pastor Kelly
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