What is the difference between a wall and a bridge?
Webster's Dictionary defines a bridge as a structure built over something so people can cross and a wall as a solid structure built to enclose or shut off a space or that separates one thing from another. These describe the physical systems and structures of our society and world, but they can also give us insight into the relational structures and systems of people seeking to live together. In our communities, whether they are families, congregations, neighborhoods, cities, countries, etc. there are divisions and separations that can build walls between persons or groups. These walls can be built with injustice, oppression, hate, envy, unresolved anger, etc. What we seek to do as people of faith is to take down these types of walls and build bridges built with love, peace, acceptance, compassion, harmony, justice and reconciliation. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. wrote Hatred paralyzes life; love releases it; hatred confuses life; love harmonizes it. Hatred darkens life; love illuminates it. As we remember Dr. King we are reminded again that if bridges are built with love and not hate we will be able to live in peace and unity and the harmony of life will be realized.
Congregations are a catalyst for building bridges of love, unity and peace. Congregations provide hope that communities can live together without oppression; racism and other isms; and with compassion, care; and in unity within great diversity. This is our hope and it is what we are working toward in our congregation.
Our congregation began working on building bridges and tearing down walls by establishing a team called the Joshua Task Force. Many things have been accomplished by this hard working group and now its time to build a bridge to the whole congregation to work together on building bridges into our community and our world.
God's Peace be with you, Pastor Sondra