Pastoral Letter from GMP Geoffrey Black on the Tenth Anniversary of September 11
Dear Colleagues and Coworkers of
the United Church of Christ:
Just about everyone can remember
where they were the morning of September
11, 2001 and the days that followed. As
New York Conference Minister, I was scheduled to preach in New York City the
following Sunday. Since all of the
United States was a no-fly zone, I took the long drive through the
Catskills. Needless to say the drive
gave me plenty of time to think.
When I arrived, the congregation
had gathered as usual on that Sunday morning.
Not surprisingly, most of the folks were still in a state of shock. There was an abiding atmosphere of sadness
and grieving, yet another emotion that I had not anticipated was the presence
of deep gratitude. It was beginning to
dawn on many of those at worship, including me, that as devastating and
shocking as the attacks were, there was reason to be thankful that the tragedy
could have been even greater. This
awareness was accompanied by the stories of individuals who worked near the
World Trade Center and could have lost their lives, but for various reasons were
not there that fateful morning. Many
more were grateful that, for the moment, the danger had passed. Even in the midst of mourning, our thanksgiving
to God was fervent and deeper than usual.
Now, almost ten years have
passed. For some who experienced
personal loss, the pain still feels as acute as if it happened yesterday. For others, there is emotional distance from
the horror of that day, yet reverberations remain. Mere mention of the date September 11th
churns up feelings and distinct memories. During these years our country has
engaged in two long wars attributed in part to the events of September 11th. Most recently, the U.S. military apprehended
and killed Osama bin Laden, the person who took credit for orchestrating the
attacks of September 11th.
The pain and suffering that we
as Americans associate with terrorism began that day and has continued ever
since. For that reason the date is
etched in our nation’s collective consciousness. However, it is important to note that for
others around the world, that day is the day we experienced the degree of pain other
nations and peoples have experienced far longer. September 11th was a day the tragedies
of the world came to our shores.
As we approach this anniversary of
our national tragedy, my prayer is that we do so recognizing that our national
understanding of and response to terrorism have been inadequate thus far. If anything, some actions and policies of our
government—from the crimes of Abu Ghraib, to Guantanamo Bay and the human toll
referred to as “collateral damage”—have inspired more people to take up arms
against the U.S. We are still challenged
to perceive “the other” more fairly, and to pursue true security more
faithfully. General Synod’s recent
resolution “On Actions of Hostility Against Islam and the Muslim Community”
urges us to build relationships of trust and understanding with our neighbors
rather than be led by our fears and prejudices. My hope is that we use this anniversary as
an opportunity to reflect on these ten years, the years of America’s longest
war, and begin to chart a new direction.
Our gathering as a UCC church in
Queens, NY on that first Sunday after September 11th, 2001 was a
moment in time filled with regret and grief. It was also tinged with hope
emanated from thanksgiving to our living, loving and merciful God. Perhaps that is who we turn to and where we
start as we contemplate beginning anew our work toward God’s just and peaceful
realm “on earth as it is in heaven.”
Peace and blessings,
Rev. Geoffrey A. Black
