Faith and the public sphere come together in this report of the water crisis in the City of Detroit.
Much has been reported of the Water Emergency in Flint. In this feature for the Christian Century, Tommy Airy examines the relationships of water shut-offs and baptismal witness in the Detroit.
Airy begins, “In the heart of the Great Lakes region, surrounded by 20 percent of the world’s fresh water, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church of Detroit swims with activity. The parish hall provides office space for nonprofit organizations barely staying afloat.”
Speaking of Michigan’s emergency management, Airy concludes, “The hard truth is that Detroit’s water struggle is not only the result of fiscal austerity; it also reflects white supremacy.”
Airy also shares how United Methodist pastor, Bill Wylie-Kellermann, now of St. Peter’s, is working for policy changes.
“Twenty-five years ago, influenced by William Stringfellow and the Berrigan brothers, Wylie-Kellermann coined the phrase ‘liturgical direct action.” Airy notes. He explains, “Liturgical direct action describes a brand of Christian witness that moves outside the church building to expose and resist the powers that be.”
Airy concludes, “The absence of water remains a painful reality for many Detroiters. For a small coalition of Christians in this city, ‘You gave me something to drink’ remains the litmus test for all who claim to know the height and depth of the love of God in Christ. Flowing out of the sanctuary and into the streets, the bottled waters of baptism continue to beckon disciples to work creatively and courageously for the rehydration of Detroit.”
Last Updated on July 5, 2016