Bishop Lynne's Letter

February 7, 2025

Dear People of Kootenay,

During the pandemic, we often heard the phrase “unprecedented times”.  This past 3 weeks many of us are feeling we have again entered such times, as we watch in horror the dismantling in the United States of many things we value as Christians,  We vow to uphold the dignity of every human being, to work for justice and peace, to safeguard the earth.   Legislation of such things as “DEI”(Dignity, Equity and Inclusion) have been ways that our Canadian Society has put in place protections that are in line with the moral principles Christ’s kingdom, God’s concern for the marginalized, those whom Robert Farar Capon calls “the least, the last, the lost”.     

Many people are feeling anxious with the rapid disintegration of rights and freedoms,  due process, aid for poorer countries, subjugation of sovereign nations like Palestine. The Episcopal Church in the United States has had to let go of many staff because the Refugee funding they administer has been cut with no notice.  They have tried to be generous and fair to those employees.  There are, as you know, countless such examples.  The sheer speed and number of changes is disorienting, disruptive and confusing.    How do we live in such times?  What does the gospel call us to in the midst of this?  

Let us remind each other of the strengths we have.  

 God’s Spirit is present with us - when we gather and when we reach out to those in need.  We continue to engage in the mission to which we are called, to generously offer food and shelter to those in need, comfort and support to those in distress.  God walks with us.  We are not alone.  

We have the strength of community.   It is very important to not isolate ourselves.  Speaking with each other will help us to hang onto truth in the midst of disorienting lies.  Caring for each other, listening to each other, supporting each other, helps us not to become immobilized and numb.   Conversation helps us to figure out what we can do together. Remember we stand, as Jesus did, in the tradition of the Prophets, the courageous truth-tellers.  Isaiah said “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!  (Isaiah 5:20)

Pray for each other.  Pray for courage, resilience, clarity, generosity.  Reach out to others if you are feeling frightened or alone.   

We need to recall the promises of Isaiah 43:   God says:  “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. …Because you are precious in my sight, and honored, and I love you….Do not fear, for I am with you.”

Yours in Christ,