Dash of Thought February 2025

At the beginning of the year, the Council of Bishops published a pastoral letter "on the plight of migrants, immigrants and refugees". In it, the Council drew attention to their difficult situation in all parts of the world, including Europe, and called on us to welcome them in the love of Christ and protect their dignity in accordance with our Social Principles.
 
At the end of January, the United Methodist Committee on Faith and Order wrote a letter to the Episcopal Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde. This committee is attached to the United Methodist Council of Bishops and works closely with it. Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde has been attacked in the worst possible way since the sermon she preached at the inauguration of the new President of the United States of America because, among other things, she asked him to show mercy to those in need of protection. The signatories of the Committee on Faith and Order support the bishop and emphasize the Christian duty "to be a prophetic voice for justice in a suffering and conflicted world". Among other things, they refer to Micah 6:8, where it says: "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"
 
It is our duty to offer support and refuge to those seeking safety and a place where they can lead a dignified life, and to work to ensure that their rights are respected. I am thinking of those who come to us as migrants, fleeing war and persecution and seeking refuge here. But I also have in mind those who are afraid in an increasingly polarized world or who have already experienced not having a place. They are all created in the image of God. This gives them an inalienable dignity and holiness of life. In them we encounter Christ, who says: "When you did it to my brothers, you were doing it to me!" (Matthew 25:40)
 
What can we do? Some possibilities: Pray for the well-being of those seeking protection and for people and communities who fearlessly stand up for them, as well as for the courageous commitment of political decision-makers on behalf of people who are marginalized and pushed to the fringes of society. Take a look, engage with the issue and learn from the experiences of others. Continue your commitment to refugees in the various projects in our Church and look for further, new ways to support those in need of protection out of the love of Christ. Regardless of whether they come to us from other countries or have been living among us for a long time. Strive for unity in your congregations so that people can find a safe place, a home and a sense of belonging across all differences. Raise your voice in society and with political leaders on behalf of those who have no voice
 
Let us as individuals and as a Church, in the tradition of the biblical prophets and as followers of Jesus Christ, now and here, where we live, courageously make the Gospel audible and visibly witness to it with our actions.
 
Bishop Stefan Zürcher
 
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