In Micah 6:8 . “…what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”
We grieve for the senseless loss of so many lives. We trust in God that a just, equitable world is possible. We ask God for guidance in creating that world through our actions and words, for guidance in how to actively live like Jesus did. We pray for changes to the societal systems that keep marginalized groups oppressed. We condemn the sin of racism. We pray for the lives of those who are black, indigenous, or people of color, for they matter.
Ferncliff’s mission is “to open eyes, minds, and hearts to God’s transforming love.” We welcome guests, campers, students, and families to our site for all kinds of opportunities to experience the love of God in the midst of Creation. The invitation to Ferncliff is extended to all – and we mean all. No matter who you are, everyone has a place at God’s table and everyone has a place at Ferncliff’s table.
And yet we recognize it is not enough to simply provide the space and hope that all feel welcome or will attend. Such a response is complacency. We recognize that many spaces in this country, including outdoor spaces like camps and parks, have historically been segregated, either by law or by a more informal lack of accessibility. We have much work to do in order to identify and remove barriers of access to our site and programs, and to actively engage with marginalized communities.
In times of pain, strife, heartbreak, and injustice, people often recall the advice of the incomparable Fred Rogers, a Presbyterian pastor famously known as everyone’s favorite neighbor. As part of a checklist of tips for dealing with tragedies, Mr. Rogers advised children, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” Mr. Rogers is right – children should look for the helpers. And adults have the responsibility to be the helpers: to stand up, to use their voices and resources to fight racism and other forms of systemic oppression, to listen to the lived experiences of others, to welcome all to the table, and to raise those children who seek the helpers to become helpers themselves.
A list of children’s books to help support discussions about diversity and anti-racism:
Tips for talking to kids about race and racism:
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/family/in-the-news/talking-about-race/
Statement on recent shootings and demonstrations from Presbyterian Mission Agency President and Executive Director, Rev. Dr. Diane Moffett: