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Bishop Webb urges prayer for Baltimore
April 28, 2015 / By Bishop Mark J. Webb / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Earlier this week Bishop Mark J. Webb sent the following note to the Upper New York Conference:
Once again, we are witnesses of violent protests in one of America’s cities. As followers of Christ, we must stand on the side of justice and continue to offer a voice and solutions that address racism, discrimination and broken systems. We must also offer a voice of peace and a way that seeks the welfare of all, without violence and other behavior that harms, physically, emotionally or spiritually. I urge all United Methodists in Upper New York to join in fervent prayer for the city of Baltimore and the many events that have and are unfolding there.
Let us pray for Baltimore city and Maryland state officials, residents of Baltimore, the family and friends of Freddie Gray, law enforcement officers, fire fighters and emergency medical personnel. May we pray for the Christian community in Baltimore, including our United Methodist sisters and brothers, who seek to offer the light of Jesus in the midst of chaos and darkness to demonstrate a different way.
As we pray, may we also be a voice in the conversation that does not fuel anger or divide, but offers the clear prophetic promise of hope in Jesus. May we live in such a way and proclaim in such a way that through Jesus our lives and our communities will be transformed and truly become places of God’s shalom.
- Bishop Mark J. Webb