Open Table of Christ
Do justice, love mercy, walk humbly with God.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Sunday, July 8, 2007
Friday, March 16, 2007
Solidarity Service this Sunday, 7 PM
Friends:
Three R.I. churches are calling people of
faith to "solidarity with all immigrants in
the USA" this Sunday evening, March 18 at
7 pm in a special worship service at the Open
Table of Christ, 1520 Broad St. at the Providence-
Cranston city line. Testimonies will be heard from
persons who were eyewitness to the raid and detention
of immigrants in New Bedford. Persons are invited to
bring diapers, baby formula, and food to the service
which is sponsored by St.Michael's Catholic Parish,
Vida Abundante, and Open Table of Christ UMC.
We are hoping that this worship event will be a time of
solidarity and unity across the body of faith for all of
us who recognize our own immigrant roots, who are concerned
for those who are increasingly targeted by employers for
super-exploitation, and by the government as scapegoats, and
for all who fear the loss of civility and liberty in our land.
Duane Clinker, Pastor
Open Table of Christ
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
March To End Deportations
Contact Greg with any questions at 401-725-2700.
More information at http://nomoreraids.blogspot.com/
CALL TO ACTION -New Bedford Rally!!!
Where's My Daddy?
Call to Action!!!
Rally to Support New Bedford Families
Saturday, March 17 at 2:30 PM
53 N. Sixth St. (Corner of Sixth and Elm)
New Bedford, MA
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
Human Rights Talk Wednesday
There will be a powerful talk given by people who are part of indigenous Mexican organizations standing up against human rights abuses in Mexico.
Wednesday, March 7
7 PM
At the offices of English for Action, in the Atlantic Mills Building behind Price Rite on Manton Avenue in Providence. In the second tower (right hand side).
Call Monica at 617-519-5710 for more info.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Writing to a soldier in Iraq
QUOFLECTIONSTM
ON SPIRITUALITY AND ETHICS
Writing to a Soldier in Iraq
Reverend Harry Rix
“War is hell.”
William Tecumseh Sherman
How do we decide when to go to war? Does might make right? Is the Powell Doctrine of overwhelming force appropriate—or do the short-term gains of violence ultimately backfire?
Invading Iraq was extremely popular. Do we continue to applaud future wars, opposing a war only when it fails? What is our philosophy of war? Does Christian faith address these issues
In April, 2004, I wrote a letter to a young soldier in Iraq. I release it now hoping it may advance reflection and dialogue on issues of war and peace.
Dear [John]: I wish you well. From the reports we get here, the violence has intensified and Iraq has become much more dangerous in recent days. I hope you and your friends remain safe. I am deeply troubled by the escalation of the conflict and the number of casualties.
Though crucified, Jesus’ forgiveness (even while impaled on the cross!) reveals that he regards no one as an enemy. Indeed, his counsel to peasants to walk the second mile with soldiers who impressed them into service for the first mile transforms a mile of resentful obligation into a mile of pursuing friendship. This extraordinary counsel shows it is not enough that we avoid hating our enemies—we must make enemies into friends. Ironically, Jesus’ deviation from the customary social practice of hatred toward Romans stirred much hatred toward him.
The war in Iraq appears to illustrate that Martin Luther King is right in his understanding of the principle that “violence begets violence.” Somehow, we must be willing to oppose injustice without escalating the injustices of tit-for-tat violence. These are arduous standards that, I confess, I cannot practice as I would like. Yet I find that when I have the willingness to pursue them—asking for God’s assistance—I feel more at peace and sense that I am closer to following God’s will.
What is God’s justice? Instead of punishing us, God accepts us despite our many transgressions. Likewise, we must be willing to forgive others and respond without violence to the afflictions they perpetrate. Perhaps this is one of the many messages of the cross: nonviolent opposition to evil promotes justice; violent opposition perpetuates injustice.
Because of our connection through [our employer], I sense the dangers of this war more acutely. I will be praying for you, for all our servicemen and for all who are touched by this conflict. I would be interested in hearing from you if you care to write. Blessings, Harry
©2007 Harry Rix. All rights reserved.