It has been a hard week. The tension due to protests in Los Angeles is palpable. It is palpable, as well, in other cities around the country as more people are protesting. Tomorrow, even more protests are planned in over 100 cities in the country. Our Constitution gives us the right to peaceful protests, which is fine as long as they remain peaceful. There is no room for violence, ever, either against law enforcement or those protesting. While thinking of a pastoral response to what is happening right now in our country, I couldn’t help but think of what I said after the death of George Floyd. Racial tensions continue in this country and, now, add to it more tension around immigration, deportation, and travel bans. It is our responsibility to live into our baptismal covenant and continually strive for justice and peace while respecting the dignity of every human being, no matter who they are or what they look like. This is our Christian responsibility, and it has nothing to do with partisan politics or who we agree with or disagree with in government leadership, it is about being Christ to one another and finding a peaceable way forward that has grace and dignity, not violence and hate. Our Presiding Bishop sent a letter to the Episcopal Church on Wednesday addressing these very concerns. When this happens, it is part of my responsibility as Dean to share this letter with all of you. You may find the letter here: Presiding bishop’s letter responds to Trump’s travel ban, immigration crackdown.

There are other events in the world equally as pressing, and equally in need of showing peace, respect, and dignity — particularly the ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza. I pray that we, through the love of Christ, our actions, and our striving for justice can find peace.

Thank you to all who helped with the Parish Picnic last week, it was a great time. Looking ahead:

• This Sunday is Trinity Sunday, the second of our Feast Days. It is also Father’s Day, and we will continue our tradition of handing out BBQ rub for everyone after all services.
• On Thursday, June 19, the office will be closed in observance of Juneteenth.
• You can still sign up for the Diocesan Juneteenth trip to Pierce City here.
• Clare’s ordination to the diaconate will be Saturday, June 21, at 10:30 a.m. at Grace Cathedral, Topeka.
• Then on Sunday, June 22, we will be having a farewell gathering for Clare following the 10:30 a.m. service to wish her well as she begins her ministry at Kansas State.
• Finally this month, on June 29, I will be doing a pulpit exchange with the Dean of Grace Cathedral, Topeka, The Very Rev. Torey Lightcap. We will preach both morning services in each other’s Cathedrals that day.

Please continue to pray for one another, for those on our Cathedral prayer list, for our nation, and the world.