Much has been written about Bishop Mariann Budde’s sermon to the newly elected President on January 21st. Now the recently presented House Resolution 59 whines that her words from the pulpit were a display of “political activism” and should be condemned.

There is a simple solution for those who don’t wish to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ proclaimed  – don’t go to church.

If you don’t want to hear Jesus’ command to care for the least of these, skip church that day.

If you would rather not know that all of God’s people are expected to act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with our God (Micah 6:8), by all means avoid the faith communities who proclaim that ancient truth.

If you don’t want to be reminded that all of us are called to care for the stranger and welcome the foreigner, then you should absolutely give communities of faith a pass.

Just don’t go into a place of worship and imagine that you can dictate which words should be spoken that day. 

Holy Scripture in every tradition calls us – commands us – to share God’s compassion especially with those most in need.  That truth must be proclaimed to the people in attendance so that they will be inspired to embody God’s love with their actions.

So – 

If you are looking for inspiration in these wearying days of bad news – go to church.

If you yearn to be reminded that you are not alone even while our leaders try to isolate and divide us – find a place of worship that fills your spirit with hope.

If you need to be assured that you are created in the image of God and loved by God just the way that you are today – find people who are proclaiming this life-giving Good News.

There are many churches, synagogues, and mosques who are living God’s words of hope – search for them.  Support them. Become part of a congregation because we are always stronger together.

Here is a way to find a church in my tradition (United Church of Christ) in southern New England:

Gather with the people of God.

Be inspired by God’s Word that proclaims peace, justice, and hope.

Go out into the world and share God’s mercy and love.