“Violence is a disease, a disease that corrupts all who use it regardless of the cause.”
Chris Hedges
There is violence in our Capital City. People from out of town who oppose the election results are storming around proclaiming that the election is being stolen. We have antifa coming from out of town to confront them. Violent people from both sides are being roused up in our own neighborhoods. And because the capital building itself is being protected and walled off, the churches in the neighborhoods are becoming battle grounds as invading groups pour into their parking lots. One of our pastors was assaulted by those who oppose the election results.
We want to yell out — go home! Take your violence and go! But, we know they won’t go and are getting concerned about Inauguration Day. Clergy and other concerned folk from the neighborhoods have been coming together to talk and try to figure out how to de-escalate the situation, but we have no answers.
Confronting even with non-violence seems to escalate rather than de-escalate. And here we are, getting ready to celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace. I am imagining that the same people who are marching around with their guns will be decorating trees, eating cookies, and opening Christmas presents, and maybe even going to Church on Christmas. How outrageous this is.
It is not possible to talk with people when they get into a mob, but we can talk with individuals. It is time to talk with our friends and relatives who seem drawn to violence and perhaps find common ground, and see if by meeting people one by one, we can persuade individuals to put down their guns and stop the violence.
In any case, my beloved ones, pray for peace, and do what you can to persuade others to peace.
Bishop Kedda
Bishop Kedda 