BISHOP MARCUS MATTHEWS
Baltimore-Washington Conference

This morning, I prayed with all my soul at St. Nicholas Lutheran Church in Leipzig, Germany, founded in 1165. It breaks my heart that I am not home, near Baltimore. I am currently in Germany for the Council of Bishop’s meeting. The images unfolding on social media and from the news media that have come out of Baltimore are nothing short of heart-breaking. I saw photos of young children throwing rocks at police officers, cars being set on fire, indiscriminate looting, and hatred and hopelessness being played out on the city streets.

I don’t know how to respond. I do know my prayers are fervent, and reach into the core of my being.

I continue to call on the people of Baltimore and all United Methodists to stand up for the values that endow all of the city’s residents with dignity, pride and wholeness. I know in my heart that justice will prevail. I also know in my heart that God watches over the Gray family, Baltimore’s leaders and police, and all people trying to make sense of the death of Freddy Gray and the violence perpetrated by people taking selfish and senseless advantage of events that have unfolded in the city.

Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake said she will deploy every resource possible to ensure that Baltimore is not destroyed. As people of faith, we know one of our greatest resources is our belief in and reliance on God. Let us come together in prayer; let us come together in action; let us come together in unity to ensure that peace, justice and hope comes to and prevails in Baltimore.

In the United Methodist community, we often cite Jeremiah 29 in which God tells God’s people to “seek the peace and prosperity of the city.” In the wake of the riots in Baltimore, I would like you to relook at these words and, with new eyes, claim God’s promise: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

This is our intention for Baltimore. In this ancient church in Leipzig, I think of all the world has endured. This is an historic moment of recovery and of the creation of justice. Today, we are called to be the church, for one another and the community. May it be so.

 

Last Updated on February 2, 2024