“Listen: Human being, you have already been told what is good, what The Living Spirit requires of you is only this: to practice justice, to love tenderly, and to walk humbly with the Divine.” – Francisco Burgos’ interpretation of Micah 6:8
Dear Susan,
What is required of us? Francisco Burgos, executive director of Pendle Hill, offered Friends this query during the closing worship at FCNL’s first hybrid Annual Meeting and Quaker Public Policy Institute last weekend.
Themed “Brave and Constant,” this gathering brought together hundreds of Friends online and onsite in Washington, D.C., to learn, lobby, worship, and conduct the business of the organization. Nearly 300 advocates from 43 states completed 160 lobby visits in support of the Environmental Justice for All Act (H.R. 2021/S. 872). FCNL’s General Committee approved policy priorities for the 118th Congress (2023-2024), affirmed the budget, and considered FCNL’s upcoming strategic planning process.
During the closing worship, Francisco reminded us of Micah’s teaching to witness, love, and walk humbly with Spirit (Micah 6:8). He spoke out of the silence:
The Divine is already walking the path of justice and love, and it is in full expectancy of our companionship. In a more poetical way, when we practice justice and love, we are already making possible God’s dream. A dream that proclaims good news as we break the chains of oppression by bringing freedom, healing, reparation. A dream that dismantles hate as we commit ourselves to be brave and constant in attending to the realization of peace.
May we stay brave and constant in our dance with Spirit toward the world we seek.
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Sincerely,
Bobby Trice Manager, Quaker Engagement Program |