Like many of our neighbors we watched in horror and disbelief on the afternoon of Wednesday, January 6 as violence erupted at the United States Capitol. In the moment, we offered space that evening for our community to gather as we regularly do on Wednesday evenings for prayer and reflection. We prayed, and continue to pray, for those harmed in the riot, for our elected officials, and for those who tried to restore order in the midst of chaos. The violence and chaos of that day reaffirm the truth that our nation is deeply divided, that the actions taken by some are met with violence while those of others are treated with restraint, and that we must continue to pray and work to shine Christ’s light into the darkness of our world.
That is one our guiding aims at University Baptist Church: to be an affirming example of God’s light to all. It seems tragically fitting that the chaos in Washington, D.C. took place on the day we, as Christians, celebrate as Epiphany, the revelation of God’s light to the entire world. The world Christ entered looked much like our own. In this season of light, we hope that you will join us in seeking opportunities to share God’s light and to reflect Christ’s love in our lives, trusting that, as the Gospel of John tells us, “the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.
Earlier this week, the Coordinator of CBF Mississippi, Rev. Dr. Jason Coker, also put out this statement with unanimous support from the Coordinating Council. We affirm Rev. Dr. Coker’s words. Similarly, Rev. Dr. Paul Baxley, Executive Coordinator CBF, one of our denominational partners, also addressed the events of January 6, with the full support of CBF. You can read Rev. Dr. Baxley’s statement HERE.
As always, you belong.
Kat and Brett
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