Editorial Reflections

People of faith must persist in speaking truth

 

Faith communities rally their resources to unite in prayer and action to meet the spiritual, emotional, physical and justice needs of people in communities, the nation and around the world. Part of their strength is just in gathering people to remind them that they are not alone.

Many are motivated by faith to serve, care and act for the wellbeing of their neighbors.

Each of us can use our unique skills to have an impact and change the ebb and flow of events. If we are witnesses, we must bear witness, speak out, call attention to wrongs and challenge those in power to move from their unjust ways.

Voices from the World Council of Churches reveal, we are not alone. Faith leaders across the U.S. and around the world are preaching and teaching the call to put love into action, to act courageously.

As our theme for the 2026 Spring Benefit says, "Persist Together: Inspire Miracles," persisting to resist oppression and hate is essential. We cannot give in or let up. Even when we think we have made progress, we cannot assume we have instilled love in all folks forever.

Changing laws can protect people from harm, but those who hate and suspect other people will seek to undo the laws.

Love changes hearts. It does happen, but it's an effort of faith.

Faith requires persistence, as Bob Feeny also shared in his words: "It will not end with me."

Echoing that idea, the late Guatemalan poet Julia Esquivel titled one of her books of poetry, "Threatened with Resurrection." She spoke of the inequities of her country in the 1980s where 2 percent controlled 90 percent of the wealth, much like our economy today where the super wealthy seek to keep their influence strong among government leaders and media so they can cling unjustly to their unearned wealth.

Is that much different from the Roman Empire or other empires over the ages oppressing and exploiting people?

So faiths invite a persistent challenge.

Mary Stamp – editor