A statement from Bishop L. Jonathan Holston, resident bishop
of the South Carolina Conference of The United Methodist Church:
“Brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another,
be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.”
– 2 Corinthians 13:11
My friends, as we reflect on the verdicts in the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, we remain determined in our pursuit of social justice. Let us remember that our most effective instrument is prayer. Prayer that opens our hearts, welcoming God’s love. Prayer that opens our minds, accepting God’s wisdom. Prayer that opens us up to opportunity, following God’s path.
As United Methodists, we seek constructive ways to stay in conversation with one another – especially with those with whom we may disagree – and work to build bridges of racial reconciliation and understanding across the social spectrum. Our Response to Racism – umcsc.org/endracism – is a compilation of resources to help local churches do just that.
As people of faith, we remember our “why” so we can live intentional lives of purpose rather than impulsive lives of drift. We show up, we witness, we serve, and, yes, we pray.
I invite all South Carolina United Methodists to take a moment during worship this Sunday, April 25, to pray for peace. Perhaps your congregation recites The Prayer of Saint Francis (UMH #481), a humble blueprint for peaceful coexistence and love of neighbor. Perhaps your pastor or lay leader shares another prayer for peace. Perhaps you simply pause for a moment of silent, personal prayer.
Regardless of how you choose to pray this Sunday, please know that I am praying with you. Praying that we would take who we are, go out into the world, and be who God needs for us to be. Praying that we will move toward a place where we should be, away from where we once were.
And as we take our next faithful step, may our protest be peaceful, our strength be our unity, and our actions reflect the glory of God.
Grace and peace,
L. Jonathan Holston
Resident Bishop
A statement from Bishop L. Jonathan Holston, resident bishop of the South Carolina Conference of The United Methodist Church:
“Brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.” – 2 Corinthians 13:11
My friends, as we reflect on the verdicts in the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, we remain determined in our pursuit of social justice. Let us remember that our most effective instrument is prayer. Prayer that opens our hearts, welcoming God’s love. Prayer that opens our minds, accepting God’s wisdom. Prayer that opens us up to opportunity, following God’s path.
As United Methodists, we seek constructive ways to stay in conversation with one another – especially with those with whom we may disagree – and work to build bridges of racial reconciliation and understanding across the social spectrum. Our Response to Racism – umcsc.org/endracism – is a compilation of resources to help local churches do just that.
As people of faith, we remember our “why” so we can live intentional lives of purpose rather than impulsive lives of drift. We show up, we witness, we serve, and, yes, we pray.
I invite all South Carolina United Methodists to take a moment during worship this Sunday, April 25, to pray for peace. Perhaps your congregation recites The Prayer of Saint Francis (UMH #481), a humble blueprint for peaceful coexistence and love of neighbor. Perhaps your pastor or lay leader shares another prayer for peace. Perhaps you simply pause for a moment of silent, personal prayer.
Regardless of how you choose to pray this Sunday, please know that I am praying with you. Praying that we would take who we are, go out into the world, and be who God needs for us to be. Praying that we will move toward a place where we should be, away from where we once were.
And as we take our next faithful step, may our protest be peaceful, our strength be our unity, and our actions reflect the glory of God.
Grace and peace,
L. Jonathan Holston
Resident Bishop
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