resisting

Living the Gospel: Intercession, Mercy, and the True Message of Sodom and Gomorrah

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What does it truly mean to live the gospel? When we read the passages of Genesis 18:20–32, Colossians 2:12–14, and Luke 11:1–13, we are invited into a deep reflection on mercy, intercession, and the boundless grace of God. In these scriptures, we encounter the heart of the gospel—a call not only to personal transformation but also to a life marked by compassion, humility, and a readiness to stand in the gap for others.

The Intercessor’s Heart: Abraham’s Plea for Sodom

Genesis 18:20–32 opens with a scene that is both profound and deeply human: Abraham stands before the Lord, learning of the grave sin of Sodom and Gomorrah. God’s justice is clear—there is a great outcry against these cities. Yet Abraham, rather than turning away or celebrating the expected judgment, steps forward as an intercessor.

He asks, with remarkable boldness and humility, whether God would spare the city if fifty righteous people could be found. And then, with each answer, Abraham presses further—forty-five, forty, thirty, twenty, even ten righteous people. At every turn, God’s answer is a gentle affirmation: “For the sake of ten, I will not destroy it.”

This exchange is not just a lesson in persistence; it is a revelation of God’s character and a call to intercessory prayer. Abraham’s dialogue with God reminds us that the first instinct of those who live the gospel is not condemnation, but mercy. The heart shaped by God’s love pleads for others, seeking their redemption, not their destruction.

The True Message of Sodom and Gomorrah: Beyond Judgment

The story of Sodom and Gomorrah is often reduced to a tale of judgment for egregious sin. Yet, beneath the ashes, there is a deeper message that is both cautionary and hopeful. The prophets, especially Ezekiel (see Ezekiel 16:49–50), remind us that the iniquity of Sodom was not only immorality, but a deeper rot: “pride, excess of food, and prosperous ease, but did not aid the poor and needy.”

The sin of Sodom was the failure to love, the refusal to show hospitality, and the neglect of justice for the vulnerable. Their downfall was not simply personal wickedness, but the collective hardening of hearts against compassion and righteousness.

God is not eager to destroy; God listens as Abraham intercedes. God searches for the righteous, even a mere handful, and would withhold judgment for their sake. The true message, then, is not only that God judges evil, but that God longs to show mercy. God’s hope is always for repentance, restoration, and the flourishing of communities built on justice and love.

Dying and Rising with Christ: Colossians 2:12–14

Fast-forward to the New Testament, where Paul writes to the Colossians about the transforming power of Christ. In Colossians 2:12–14, we read of how, in baptism, we are buried with Christ and raised with Him through faith in the power of God. Paul reminds us that we, too, once lived in “trespasses” and the “uncircumcision of our flesh,” but God forgave us all our sins. The record of debt that stood against us, with its legal demands, has been canceled and nailed to the cross.

Here is grace in its fullness: We are not judged and condemned but offered new life. Jesus, the ultimate Intercessor, stands in the gap for us—pleading, not with words, but with His own life. He absorbs our failings and our debts and, in exchange, offers us forgiveness and freedom.

The gospel is not a story of earned righteousness, nor a tale of the deserving and undeserving. It is about radical grace—the kind that spares cities for the sake of a few, the kind that raises the dead, the kind that welcomes sinners home.

The Rhythm of Prayer: Luke 11:1–13

When the disciples ask Jesus to teach them to pray, He responds with words that have echoed through centuries: “Our Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come…” (Luke 11:2). He teaches them persistence in prayer through the parable of the friend at midnight—a story that assures us that God does not tire of our petitions.

“If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” (Luke 11:13).

Prayer is not merely a religious duty; it is the heartbeat of a living relationship with God. It is where our hearts are shaped to reflect God’s love, where our desires are aligned with His mercy, and where we find the courage to intercede for others, as Abraham did.

Living the Gospel: A Call to Compassion and Action

To live the gospel, then, is to echo Abraham’s intercession, to embrace the grace of Christ, and to cultivate a persistent life of prayer. It is to recognize, as the prophets did, that the greatest sins are often the coldness of our hearts to the suffering around us—poverty, injustice, exclusion.

  • Intercede for others. Stand in the gap for your city, your community, your family. Refuse to give up on those who seem far from God. Plead for mercy, not because they deserve it, but because God delights in mercy.
  • Live out resurrection life. Remember that Christ has set you free, not to judge or condemn, but to invite others into the freedom He brings. Extend forgiveness, hospitality, and love—especially to the overlooked and forgotten.
  • Persist in prayer. Let your life be marked by the kind of bold, shameless prayer that Jesus commends. Ask, seek, and knock. Trust that your heavenly Father hears, delights, and responds.
  • Embody justice and mercy. Let your faith be practical. Share your bread with the hungry, care for the poor, and work for justice in your neighborhood. Refuse the ease and pride that marked Sodom; instead, cultivate a community of kindness and generosity.

A Gospel for Our Time

The ancient stories of Abraham, the letters of Paul, and the teachings of Jesus intersect in a powerful invitation: to live the gospel is to be a conduit of grace in the world. We are called beyond self-preservation, beyond tribalism and judgment, into the wide mercy of God.

The true message of Sodom and Gomorrah warns us against a life closed off from love, justice, and compassion. It beckons us to become intercessors—people who pray, who act, and who believe that God is always seeking to redeem, not destroy.

So today, may we live with open hands and open hearts. May our prayers be persistent, our actions generous, and our witness shaped by the One who, through death and resurrection, has canceled our debts and set us free. This is the heartbeat of the gospel—mercy triumphing over judgment, love conquering fear, and hope rising from the ashes.

Let us go and live it.

Pax et Bonum,

Bishop Greer

Hospitality, Service, and the Heart of Faith: Reflections from Saint Francis Parish

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Let’s start with a simple question: *What does it mean to be a Christian in today’s world?* It’s a question we all wrestle with at some stage—sometimes quietly in prayer, sometimes in the middle of a busy week, and sometimes when we see someone in need. If you’ve spent time at Saint Francis Parish and Outreach in Augusta, Georgia, you know these aren’t just abstract questions. They’re woven into our daily lives, conversations, and, most importantly, our actions.

This week, our lectionary readings—Genesis 18:1–10a, Colossians 1:24–28, and Luke 10:38–42—offer a kind of roadmap for living out our faith with purpose and love. Let’s take a walk together through these scriptures and see how they speak to us as a parish and as followers of Christ.

Welcoming the Stranger: Lessons from Genesis

First, picture this: Abraham is sitting by the oaks of Mamre, in the heat of the day, when three strangers appear. Without hesitation, Abraham rushes to meet them. He bows, offers them rest, water, and a feast. He doesn’t know who they are. He simply sees their need—and responds.

Genesis 18:1–10a is often called the story of Abraham’s hospitality, but it is so much more. It is a scene of radical, generous welcome. In the ancient world, the desert was a dangerous place, and survival often depended on the kindness of strangers. Abraham’s instinct is not to protect what he has, but to share it. His welcome is immediate, heartfelt, and complete.

We often romanticize these biblical moments, but imagine pausing your own busy day to prepare a meal for unexpected guests. Abraham’s example isn’t just about etiquette—it’s about recognizing the divine image in everyone who comes to our door.

And here at Saint Francis Parish and Outreach, we try (however imperfectly) to live out that same spirit. Whether it’s providing meals through our blessing bags, opening our doors during the coldest nights, or simply greeting newcomers with warmth, every act of welcome is an echo of Abraham’s generosity. Our parish strives to be a place where all are received, not just with politeness, but with genuine care.

Christ in Us: Paul’s Vision in Colossians

Let’s move to Colossians 1:24–28. Paul writes, “It is Christ whom we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone…so that we may present everyone mature in Christ.” But before that, he says something surprising: “I am now rejoicing in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am completing what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church.”

Paul’s words can be a little mysterious, but at the heart, he’s talking about a willingness to give of ourselves for others. Paul’s ministry is not simply teaching or preaching—it’s service, even when it costs him. He sees his life as being poured out for the sake of the community. He’s not boasting; he’s inviting us into a deeper understanding of what it means to follow Christ: that real discipleship often means sacrifice, patience, and carrying each other’s burdens.

At Saint Francis, we don’t have to look far to see this in action. Walk into any outreach event, and you’ll find volunteers moving tables, filling food bags, praying with those who need encouragement. You’ll see people giving their time, their resources, and sometimes their comfort. All of it is done not for recognition, but because Christ’s love compels us to serve. Paul’s vision of “Christ in you, the hope of glory” becomes real when we make space for Christ to work through us.

Choosing the Better Part: Martha and Mary

Now, let’s turn to Luke 10:38–42—the story of Martha and Mary. Jesus visits their home. Martha rushes about, concerned with preparations, and Mary sits at Jesus’ feet, listening. Martha gets frustrated (and honestly, who hasn’t felt that way?), asking Jesus to tell Mary to help her. But Jesus gently replies, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.”

This passage can be a tricky one. Is Jesus saying service doesn’t matter? Hardly. In fact, the gospels are full of commands to love and serve others. But Jesus is inviting us to remember the heart of our service: listening, learning, and being present to God. Martha’s work is crucial, but it needs to be rooted in relationship.

For all of us at Saint Francis—especially those of us who love to keep busy, who find meaning in action—this is a gentle reminder: don’t let your service become so hurried that you lose sight of the One you’re serving. Our outreach, our ministries, our programs—all of it flows from our life of prayer, our time listening to Christ, and our willingness to be changed by Him.

Bringing Scripture Home: Saint Francis Parish and Outreach

So, what does all this mean for us here in Augusta, Georgia? It means remembering that faith is never just about Sunday mornings or private devotion. It’s about embodying the hospitality of Abraham, the servant-heartedness of Paul, and the attentive love of Mary—right here, right now.

At Saint Francis, we see these lessons lived out every week. When volunteers greet guests by name, when someone quietly sits with a person having a tough day, when we pray together before serving meals—these are not small gestures. They are our daily “yes” to God’s call.

And yet, we’re all still learning. There are days when we feel more like Martha—overwhelmed, distracted, maybe a little resentful. There are days when the needs feel endless and our resources feel thin. But even on those days, we are not alone. Christ is with us, guiding, sustaining, and reminding us that every act of love, no matter how small, matters in His kingdom.

Our Duty as Christians: Living the Call

So here’s the heart of it: Our duty as Christians is to make room for Christ—in our hearts, our homes, and our communities. It’s to offer hospitality not just to those who look like us or think like us, but to every stranger at the door. It’s to serve, even when it’s inconvenient, and to do so with a spirit rooted in prayer.

We are called to be a parish that embodies hope, welcomes without reservation, and listens intently for God’s voice. That’s not always easy, and we’ll stumble along the way. But together, with the help of God’s Spirit, we can make Saint Francis Parish and Outreach a place where the love of Christ is not only preached but practiced—where every neighbor feels seen, valued, and loved.

So as we step into another week, let’s keep our eyes open for the stranger we can welcome, the burden we can help carry, and the moments when we can simply sit at Jesus’ feet and listen. That is our calling—and our joy.

May peace and grace go with you, always.

Bishop Greer

What makes Saint Francis Parish and Outreach so special?

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Have you ever wondered what it feels like to truly belong? To walk through a door and be welcomed, not just with a handshake, but with open arms and genuine joy? That’s precisely what you’ll experience at Saint Francis Parish and Outreach in Augusta, Georgia—a spiritual community rooted in Franciscan Old Catholic tradition and dedicated to radical inclusion.

Rooted in Franciscan Old Catholic Tradition

At the heart of Saint Francis Parish is a spirituality inspired by Saint Francis of Assisi. Here, humility, service, and hospitality aren’t just ideals—they’re the living fabric of parish life. This Old Catholic community cherishes open dialogue, local leadership, and a deep respect for everyone’s unique journey. The Gospel isn’t just read; it’s lived out in everyday kindness and action.

Worship at Saint Francis is a blend of ancient tradition and modern inclusion. Each service invites full participation, weaving together reverence and joy. Everyone is seen as a reflection of God’s love—no exceptions.

A Safe Space for Every Person

What truly sets this parish apart is its unwavering commitment to being a safe space for all. In a world where too many have known exclusion or judgment, Saint Francis Parish is a sanctuary where you can breathe easy. Safety here is more than the absence of harm—it’s the presence of real care, respect, and affirmation.

Leaders and volunteers participate in ongoing training on trauma-informed ministry and anti-bullying. The parish’s non-discrimination policies are clear and strong: here, everyone is free to worship, serve, and thrive—regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, race, age, or ability.

Families, youth, and adults all find support and kinship. The church’s physical space is thoughtfully designed to reflect and celebrate diversity, from signage to art to gathering places.

LGBTQIA+ Affirming and Celebrating

Saint Francis Parish doesn’t just welcome LGBTQIA+ individuals—it celebrates them! The guiding conviction is simple and profound: love is love, and every person is beloved by God.

  • Affirming Worship: Services include prayers, music, and readings that speak directly to the LGBTQIA+ experience. Inclusive language is the norm, and same-gender couples are joyfully included in all sacraments and blessings.
  • Visible Leadership: LGBTQIA+ individuals serve in all aspects of parish life, from music to outreach to governance, truly modeling the diversity of God’s family.
  • Pastoral Support: Dedicated groups and confidential counseling for LGBTQIA+ people, their families, and allies create safe spaces for growth and mutual support.
  • Pride and Visibility: The church is a proud presence at Augusta Pride and works with local LGBTQIA+ organizations. During Pride Month, rainbows abound and educational events welcome all.

Outreach That Makes a Difference

Community service is woven into the DNA of Saint Francis Parish. Inspired by the calling to serve “the least of these,” the parish runs:

  • Clothing and Essentials Drives: Regular collections and giveaways of clothes, hygiene items, and school supplies.
  • Advocacy for Justice: Workshops and resources on social justice—from LGBTQIA+ rights to housing and healthcare—encourage parishioners to be bold, compassionate citizens.
  • Community Partnerships: Collaborations with local nonprofits amplify the church’s reach and impact across Augusta.
  • Bible Studies and Podcasts: Our parish offers Bible Studies and Podcasts for those who are eager to learn more about our faith and the faith of others.

A True Community of Belonging

Ask anyone what’s most special about Saint Francis Parish, and you’ll hear stories of belonging. The congregation is a beautiful mosaic of lifelong Catholics, newcomers, seekers, and those returning after years away—all valued, all welcomed.

The calendar is brimming with ways to connect: potluck dinners, study groups, retreats, and creative arts nights. Here, milestones are celebrated, losses are mourned, and life is shared.

Living Out Love Every Day

Perhaps the greatest gift of Saint Francis Parish is its relentless commitment to living out love. Faith isn’t about rigid rules—it’s about showing up for others, with humility and hope. There are no litmus tests here, only the invitation to journey together in service, worship, and celebration.

Come As You Are

Saint Francis Parish and Outreach is what church can and should be: a place where everyone belongs, where diversity is embraced, and where the love of God shines through every act of kindness. Whether you’re seeking faith, friendship, justice, or simply a safe space to be yourself, you’ll find a home here.

Want to experience it for yourself? The doors—and hearts—at Saint Francis Parish are wide open, waiting to welcome you just as you are.

Pax et Bonum,

Bishop Greer

The Rock, The Mission, and The Qualifications: Saints Peter and Paul

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When talking about Saints Peter and Paul, you’re diving into two of the most influential figures in the early Christian Church. But what’s fascinating is how their stories—and their writings—give us profound insights into what it means to lead in faith, whether you’re an apostle starting the Church or a member of the clergy today. Let’s take a closer look at three powerful scripture passages—Acts 12:1–11, 2 Timothy 4:6–8, 17–18, and Matthew 16:13–19—and see how they shape our understanding of spiritual leadership and its qualifications.

Peter: The Rock and the Prison Break

In Acts 12:1–11, Peter’s story reads like a scene straight out of a thriller. He’s imprisoned by Herod, chained between guards, and facing what seems like certain doom. Then an angel shows up. The chains fall off, the doors open wide, and Peter walks out, barely comprehending what’s happening.

What does this tell us about Peter as a leader? First and foremost, it underscores his deep faith. Peter doesn’t panic. He trusts in God’s plan, even when things look bleak. This kind of trust is fundamental for anyone serving as a spiritual leader. It’s not about having all the answers or controlling every situation—sometimes it’s about letting go and trusting that God will show up (even if it’s at the eleventh hour).

Paul: The Fighter and the Finisher

Paul’s words in 2 Timothy 4:6–8, 17–18 are nothing short of a farewell speech. He knows his time is short, and he reflects on his journey with striking honesty: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” This isn’t the boast of a man who had it easy—Paul endured shipwrecks, beatings, imprisonment, and countless other trials. But through it all, he stayed focused on his mission.

For clergy today, Paul’s example is a call to perseverance. Ministry isn’t always glamorous or straightforward. There are challenges, setbacks, and moments of doubt. But like Paul, spiritual leaders are called to stay the course, to fight the good fight—not for personal glory but for the eternal reward that only God can give.

Jesus’ Question: The Foundation of Leadership

In Matthew 16:13–19, Jesus asks his disciples a game-changing question: “Who do you say that I am?” Peter nails it: “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus then declares Peter the rock on which He will build His Church, giving him the keys to the kingdom of heaven.

This moment is pivotal for understanding spiritual leadership. It begins with recognizing who Jesus is. Clergy are not leaders because of their charisma, education, or administrative skills (though those things can help!). They lead because they know Jesus and are willing to proclaim Him boldly. That’s the foundation.

Qualifications for Clergy: Lessons from Peter and Paul

So, what do these passages teach us about the qualifications for clergy? A few key themes emerge:

  • Faith under fire: Like Peter in prison, clergy need unshakable trust in God, especially in tough times.
  • Perseverance: Paul’s life reminds us that ministry isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon requiring resilience and endurance.
  • Recognition of Christ: Leadership starts with a personal and profound understanding of who Jesus is, as Peter demonstrated.

Peter and Paul weren’t perfect. Peter denied Jesus three times. Paul started out persecuting Christians. Yet God used them in extraordinary ways. Their stories remind us that spiritual leadership isn’t about being flawless—it’s about being faithful.

Final Thoughts

As we reflect on Saints Peter and Paul, we’re reminded that the Church wasn’t built on superhumans—it was built on people who trusted God, even in their weakness. For anyone called to lead in faith, that’s both a humbling and inspiring thought. Whether you’re behind a pulpit or simply trying to live your faith boldly every day, remember: God doesn’t call the qualified; He qualifies the called.

Pentecost: Exploring Unity, Diversity, and the Spirit of Inclusion

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Pentecost is one of those moments in the Christian calendar that feels electric—literally and spiritually. Celebrated fifty days after Easter, it’s the day the Holy Spirit descended upon the early disciples, as told in Acts 2. Think of it as the “birthday of the Church,” with unity blossoming in the middle of incredible diversity. It’s a powerful story of individuals being empowered to spread their message across cultural, linguistic, and geographical barriers. Interestingly, these themes of unity in diversity also run through 1 Corinthians 12:3b–7, 12–13, a passage that speaks to the Spirit’s ability to work beautifully through our differences. And what better time to reflect on these ideas than during LGBTQIA+ Pride Month, a celebration of individuality and community?

Finding Harmony in Our Differences

In this passage from 1 Corinthians, Saint Paul dives into the idea that every follower of Christ is connected by the same Spirit, yet each person has unique gifts to share. He writes, “To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good” (12:7). Saint Paul takes it further with the metaphor of the body, where every single part has a role to play. “For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ” (12:12). The message is clear: diversity isn’t just okay—it’s essential. Every person, no matter their background, is a vital piece of the puzzle that makes the community whole.

Pride Month: A Celebration of Identity and Love

June is a special time of year because it marks LGBTQIA+ Pride Month, a period dedicated to honoring the history, resilience, and contributions of the LGBTQIA+ community. It’s all about celebrating the rich tapestry of human identity and creating spaces where people can truly be themselves. Pride Month stands as a reminder that everyone is inherently valuable, deserving of respect, dignity, and love—values that resonate deeply with the inclusivity found in 1 Corinthians.

For the Church, this is an opportunity to embody Christ’s love in action by welcoming and affirming LGBTQIA+ individuals. Just as Pentecost broke down linguistic and cultural barriers, Pride Month challenges us to dismantle prejudice and celebrate our collective humanity. It’s an invitation to recognize our differences as strengths rather than sources of division.

Bringing It All Together: Pentecost, Pride, and Saint Paul’s Wisdom

When you connect Pentecost, LGBTQIA+ Pride Month, and Paul’s teachings, an inspiring theme emerges: the Spirit is constantly working through diversity to create unity. On Pentecost, the disciples spoke in many languages, yet their message was one of shared faith and purpose. Similarly, the LGBTQIA+ community’s beautiful spectrum of identities adds to the broader narrative of dignity and liberation.

Paul’s body metaphor feels especially relevant here. Imagine one part of the body saying to another, “I don’t need you.” Ridiculous, right? This truth is amplified during Pride Month, reminding us that LGBTQIA+ individuals are indispensable members of the human family. The Spirit doesn’t recognize the boundaries we create; instead, it moves through everyone, fostering a collective good that transcends human limitations.

A Spirit-Filled Call to Action

The flames of Pentecost sparked a movement, and the celebration of Pride Month continues to light a path toward love and inclusion. 1 Corinthians 12:3b–7, 12–13 reminds us that the Spirit’s gifts are for everyone and that these gifts are meant to bring us closer, not pull us apart.

By embracing both Pentecost and Pride, we witness the Spirit working in extraordinary ways through our differences. The Church is called to reflect this Spirit by affirming that all people are fearfully and wonderfully made. Let’s honor not just what unites us, but also what makes us unique. This Pentecost and Pride Month, may we step into a more in-depth understanding of what it means to be one body with many beautiful and irreplaceable parts.

Here’s to a season of hope, love, and radical inclusivity!

Pax et Bonum,

Bishop Greer

A new way to be Catholic

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Building an affirming and accepting parish in the Deep South is difficult work. And sometimes it feels like we are like the disciples in this Sunday’s Gospel. The disciples knew they were in Jesus’ presence, but they also wanted to ask to make sure it was Jesus. However, they were afraid.

It is scary to stand on the front lines of the battle being waged in our nation. People are afraid of the changes happening in our world today, and many do not feel safe to speak up. I understand that fear and it is natural. Not everyone is called to stand on the front lines. There needs to be people ready to continue the fight for the moral soul of the nation when those of us on the front lines are gone.  

Our parish has committed to being a safe space for all those who are marginalized, abused, and neglected in our world. It is not easy, but it is our commitment. We have been fighting for the rights of all people for decades and will continue to fight as long as we have breath in our lungs.

We cannot do this work without you!

I know some of you are scared to be seen in a progressive church. Some are leery to be in the church after the abuse and marginalization they have experienced in the past.  This too is understandable.

Here at Saint Francis Parish and Outreach, we are trying to build something different. We are a different way to be Catholic. We are not bound by the dogmatic nature of the Roman Catholic Church. Furthermore, we are an open, accepting, and affirming parish that seeks to be a safe space for all people.

Like I said, we need you to continue our work. We need you to come be an active part of our parish. We need you to financially support the work we do. Not only that, but we cannot continue to offer the services and safe space we do without you.

Our parish needs to raise $1200 in the next couple of weeks to pay our liability insurance, prepare for the Augusta Pride fest in June, and to continue providing the online services we offer.

Even more than that, we need you to come and support our parish in person. You can become a lector, acolyte, or greeter in our church. As we grow, there will be more and more things to do in the parish. And that is where you can help out!

Consider today becoming a part of a new way to be Catholic!

Pax et Bonum,

Bishop Greer

Do you follow Jesus or the ruler of a nation?

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As I have watched the things happening in our country, especially the illegal and unconstitutional disappearing of American Citizens, I cannot help but see the parallels to the stories we read this week. Jesus was arrested for speaking up for the poor, homeless, widows, orphans, and those seen as less than the religious and civil leaders of his day.

His message was simple, all people deserve to be loved and are loved by God. This message so threatened the religious establishment of his day that they plotted to have him arrested and killed. And they succeeded. They were willing to lie and to twist the truth to make it happen. And the civil government at the time gave them the “legal” cover to do just that.

Rumeysa Ozturk, a Tuffs University student, was arrested by ICE agents who hid their faces so as to not be identified for the crime of writing an opinion piece for her school newspaper calling for an end to the genocide in Palestine. That was her only crime: Empathy.

Ozturk was one of dozens of students ICE has detained or deported to extermination camps in El Salvador simply for speaking out against war and genocide and standing up for peace. (See https://time.com/7272060/international-students-targeted-trump-ice-detention-deport-campus-palestinian-activism/)

The case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia is another example of the current regime using lies and false testimony to go after peaceful citizens of our nation. He is a father of a child and a husband who has no gang ties, yet the government used false information to claim that he was. Judges have rules that he was not a gang member and was not to be sent to El Salvador. However, this regime refused to obey the courts, failed to abide by the law and sent him to die in a prison in El Salvador.

Many Christians this week will stand in church and listen hypocritically to the readings about Jesus’ passion. They will fake tears over the betrayal, false testimony, and abuse Jesus suffered. All the while, they support that very same treatment against people they see as less than themselves. They will cheer on the Ruler of our nation when he calls for American citizens to be sent to those same prisons in El Salvador. And many of them will rail about how I should be sent there too for speaking the truth of the Gospel.

This week should be a wakeup call to many Christians in the former United States of America. They should see the hypocrisy of weeping for Jesus’ false imprisonment, fake trial, and ultimate murder by civil and religious leaders for the crime of calling for love and empathy toward their fellow human being.

I am calling on you today to search your heart and soul. Are you living the message of Jesus or are you giving away your birthright to a ruler of a nation? Are you standing up against war, genocide, and abuse or are you cheering it on?

Now is the time to open your hearts rather than harden them. It is time to live the Gospel, not just give it lip service.

Pax et Bonum,

Bishop Greer

Palm Sunday: Forgiveness

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In our final part of the series on Becoming a Resisting Church, we have to ask ourselves what we should do when everything else we do to change hearts and minds fails. We can do everything right and we can still fail to make a difference in the world around us.

The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. reminds us that we are called by the Christ to forgive those who continue to walk a path of hatred and abuse. Dr. King says:

“In other words, forgiveness is not a matter of quantity, but a matter of quality. One cannot forgive four hundred and ninety times without it becoming a part of the habit structure of one’s being. Forgiveness is not an occasional act; it is a permanent attitude. This was what Jesus taught his disciples.” (Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Chapter 5: Love in Action.)

In our Gospel reading this Sunday we read about the great betrayal and denial by Saint Peter. During all his protesting that he would not deny Jesus, when called to take a stand and to be known as a disciple, he buckled and denied him. He even flew into a rage at the very idea of beings one of Jesus’ disciples.

Yet, Jesus came to him after the resurrection and forgives him and restores him to the ministry he was called to do. This is all part of the process.

We will have those who will refuse to change their ways. They will harden their hearts against the Gospel of Love and will stand opposed to the teachings of the Jesus they claim to serve. It is not our job to judge them, it is our job to love them. And we love them by giving them forgiveness.

I hope you will join me this Sunday as we look deeper at forgiveness.

Pax et Bonum,

Bishop Greer

Fifth Sunday of Lent: Confronting Evil

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In our continuing look at Becoming a Resisting Church, we turn to the writings of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. We have spent the last 4 weeks looking at the various issues facing society and the church. Now we turn toward how we address those injustices and abuses.

In our Gospel reading this Sunday, we hear of the story of the woman caught in adultery. The religious nationalists of Jesus’ day brought her before him to catch him breaking the law of Moses. It is interesting to note, it was not Jesus who was breaking the law of Moses, but the religious zealots who did so.

The law of Moses required that both the man and the woman caught in adultery should be tried and stoned. (Leviticus 20:10) However, the religious nationalist, much like the Christian nationalists today, ignored the law and only brought the woman before Jesus.

I have long thought that when Jesus stooped to write in the dirt that he was writing the sins of the people who brought her to him. However, it could be that Jesus wrote the name of the man or even the verse out of the Torah that commanded both the man, and the woman should be stoned. Either way, it shamed them into leaving her with Jesus.

King talks about the kind of evil these religious nationalists were practicing. He states:

“We have seen evil in tragic lust and inordinate selfishness. We have seen it in high places where men are willing to sacrifice truth on the altars of their self-interest. We have seen it in imperialistic nations trampling over other nations with the iron feet of oppression. We have seen it clothed in the garments of calamitous wars which left battlefields painted with blood, filled nations with widows and orphans, and sent men home physically handicapped and psychologically wrecked. We have seen evil in all of its tragic dimensions.” (Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Sermon “The Death of Evil upon the Seashore”)

We see this evil every day in our world. The evil of removing immigrants who only come to our country to seek a better, safer life. The abuse of women who are having their healthcare taken from them. The LGBTQIA+ individuals who are being denied life-saving healthcare and having their rights taken way one by one. People of color who are marginalized and abused in the name of the Christian Nationalists racist god.

King calls us to stand up and speak out. We cannot remain silent in the face of overwhelming evil. We cannot allow these acts to be committed in our names. And even when these acts are committed in the church or by people claiming to be Christians, we must speak out and stand up to them.

The only thing evil needs to triumph is for good people to do nothing!

Pax et Bonum,

Bishop Greer

Fourth Sunday of Lent – Rejecting the sanctimonious spiritualization of the Gospel

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As we continue our look at Becoming a Resisting Church, we are confronted with the story of the blind man Jesus healed. The religious leaders of his day (the Jewish Nationalists) believed that the man was born blind because of his own sin or that of his parents. Think about that for a moment. A child who was born blind somehow committed a sin while still unborn that warranted their God to punish him with blindness.

Or even worse, the parents did something so horrible that God punished them with a blind child. Their God cursed the child to live a life of pain and suffering, not for anything he did, but because he wanted to get back at the parents for their sin.

All too often modern Christian Nationalist and evangelical fundamentalist want to have a vengeful and hateful God. They want a God that condemns innocent people to pain and suffering to prove a point.

In Rev. Detrich Bonhoeffer’s day, the German Nationalists (Nazis) believed in this same God. He called them out for that abusive and incorrect view of God when he stated:

“That is precisely the frightening thing about this story – there is no moralizing here at all, but simply talk of poor and rich and of the promise and the threat given to one and the other. Here these external conditions are obviously not treated as external conditions but are taken unbelievably seriously. Why did Christ heal the sick and suffering if he didn’t consider such external conditions important? Why is the kingdom of God equated with the deaf hear, the blind see? — And where do we get the incredible presumption to spiritualize these things that Christ saw and did very concretely? We must end this audacious, sanctimonious spiritualization of the gospel. Take it as it is, or hate it honestly!” (The Sermon on Lazarus, Detrich Bonhoeffer)

Today, many Christians continue to uphold this sanctimonious spiritualization of the Gospel that Bonhoeffer decried. They want to punish those they see as unworthy of God’s love. However, true Christians continue to call out that kind of hateful message as it is completely contrary to the message of Jesus.

Jesus showed loved and compassion to those most in need. He healed the blind man and called out the Jewish Nationalists for their incorrect and immoral teachings about God. He set them straight when he told them that this man was not being punished by God for sin but was a beacon of God’s light and love in the world.

We need to be that kind of Christian. We need to show the love of God to all people, especially those who are disabled and those that are marginalized in our society.

Saint Thomas Merton made this clear when he stated:

“Our job is to love others without stopping to inquire whether or not they are worthy. That is not our business, and, in fact, it is nobody’s business. What we are asked to do is to love, and this love itself will render both ourselves and our neighbor’s worthy.”

I hope you will join us in preaching the true Good News of Jesus to the world around us.

Pax et Bonum,

Bishop Greer

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