KAY DeMOSS
Senior Editor-Writer, Michigan Area
GRAND RAPIDS, MI … On December 21st, during what is arguably the busiest week of the year, the faith community of this city set aside the gift-wrapping, baking and tree-trimming.
They did this in order to experience the true focus of Advent … peace, justice and unity.
As seats at the nearby DeltaPlex began to fill with supporters of Donald Trump, over 100 people came together at First Place in downtown Grand Rapids. District Superintendent, the Rev. Bill Haggard, told those attending the “Unity in Face of Fear” event that the program came together in just six days. He then thanked Grand Rapids First United Methodist Church, Justice For Our Neighbors West Michigan, and district leaders for organizing the evening’s activities.
“These are times,” Haggard said, “when there’s an appeal to our lowest selves.” Acknowledging the climate of division in the nation, Haggard continued, “We people of faith will not participate in this rhetoric of fear nor just stand by.” He went on to introduce speakers who offered a message of the sacred worth of the human family.
Father John Geaney, Rector of the Cathedral of Saint Andrew and Exec. Director of the Catholic Information Center, began: “My dad was an immigrant. So was my mother. So it is painful for me to hear some say, ‘Throw immigrants back to where they came from.’” Emphasizing the common humanity of all, he drew loud “Amens” from the crowd as he lifted up a Bible saying, “Our sword is the Word of God … Don’t let others tell you what to be afraid of.” Citing the letters of Paul, Father Geaney encouraged those present to bring peace by walking in the ways of justice.
Grand Rapids City Commissioner Ruth Kelly spoke of her conviction that peacemakers are the majority in this nation. “But we cannot be the silent majority in the face of current fear-mongering,” she stressed. “We ordinary citizens must make a commitment to an open and tolerant society.”
Pastor Nohemi Ramirez, spiritual leader of La Nueva Esperanza United Methodist Church, reminded the audience that, “Diversity is the key” to what makes the country great. Noting that most immigrants bring amazing cultural richness to the community, Rev. Ramirez added, “We must respond to diversity with understanding not with violence.”
Board member of the Islamic Center of Grand Rapids, Aslam Modak, brought historical perspective to the evening. “We are entering an extremely rare sequence of days,” he explained. Muslims will be observing the birth of Mohammed on December 23. Referencing passages of the Koran, he said Muslims will also be praising the peace God sent into the world in the Son of Mary. “Here today, I see that hearts of Christians overflow with compassion and mercy,” he concluded.
The final speaker was Bishop Deborah Lieder Kiesey, episcopal leader of the United Methodists in Michigan. After expressing joy at being present in the company of others to bear witness to the power of love and peace, the bishop shared an editorial statement prepared for The Detroit Free Press. Read it in its entirety here. Highlights follow …
“Yes, terrorism is real in our world of 2016, but we cannot condemn an entire people for the actions of a few—just as we would not want to be judged by the actions of a few extremists within the Christian community This world God created is large enough for us all.
“Standing on the cusp of Advent, as Christians we are reminded that Jesus and his parents fled to Egypt to escape the violent regime of Herod. It is with this tradition of compassion and hospitality in my heart that I invite you to join in welcoming the sojourner, the widow, the orphan. Let us ‘love our neighbors as ourselves.’
“I urge my fellow Christians to remember the words of Christ—remember the value of religious freedom upon which this country was founded—and stand with your Muslim brothers and sisters that they may live, work, and worship without fear.”
Adjourning to the parking lot, candles, cell phones and flashlights were raised representing, in Rev. Haggard’s words, “our calling to be Light in our community.” Prayer was offered and people were sent forth to live out the values that combat fear and sustain hope.
Meanwhile, protestors did gather inside and outside the DeltaPlex. However, Unity Team member Nichea Ver Veer Guy, reflected on the dynamics that went into planning the First Place event. An intentional choice was made to not engage the political rally going on across town. “We want those looking toward Grand Rapids tonight to see a group of people gathered to celebrate the diversity in our community,” she commented.
Last Updated on December 15, 2023