A Word from Laura: A Different 4th

In some ways 2020 will give us a different 4th of July. We won’t travel as much; gatherings will be limited. In a time when our nation continues to come to terms with the deep flaws in the system we’ve inherited, I hope our celebration includes reflection and repentance.

As Confederate statues are coming down, I hope that we can get rid of the concrete that continues to re-traumatize some, but without glossing over the tragedy of slavery. As Christopher Columbus statues come down, I don’t want to forget the conquest of indigenous Americans and the deep problems with our heritage rooted in colonization. As the Woodrow Wilson School at Princeton receives a new name, we need to remember that our former president, a Presbyterian elder, who worked to promote democracy and human rights also resegregated the federal government.

I haven’t even gotten to George Washington, also a slaveholder, and New York Times writer Charles Blow’s suggestion that we not have any monuments to slaveholders, including Washington. It raises an entirely new set of questions for us in the District, who are connected to George Washington University, who walk by his statues every (non-pandemic) day.

Scripture talks about the sins of the fathers being visited on the children, and we see the consequences of the sins of slavery and racism clearly this year. We cannot turn away. They are tragic and heartbreaking. Those of us who are descended from enslaved people have had to bear the consequences. Those of us who have benefited from this system have some work to do, and it’s not up to our Black friends to teach us. I’m encouraged by the spirit and the Spirit with which many of you are engaging this work.

This 4th of July is a time once again to commit to a more perfect union, to clarify what this means for our time, from a moral and spiritual standpoint. I don’t claim to have all the answers, but I’m committed to the journey with you. I’m thankful to serve a church that understands that Christian faith should be so engaged. I look forward to worshiping together this Sunday, knowing that you are partners on this journey.

Towards peace with justice, this year and every year,

Laura