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A Letter From Sharon Watkins

General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

"The victims of injustice in our world do not need our spasms of passion;
they need our long obedience in the same direction - our legs and lungs of endurance;
and we need sturdy stores of joy."
- Gary Haugen, justice worker

Dear Disciples,

Images of New Orleans' most vulnerable citizens stranded for days on rooftops in the wake of Hurricane Katrina sear our minds even these many months later. It was right and good that people from all over the world responded to the obvious and immediate tragedy - including Disciples. But for our response to be more than simply "spasms of passion" we must engage in a deeper response. So, long after the news reports no longer include stories of recovery, Disciples mission work in the region will continue. Similarly, our quest for unity will continue to drive us to address divisions of the world - including racism, which Hurricane Katrina so graphically exposed.

Reconciliation Mission, supported by the offering that your congregation receives on September 24 and October 1, is one of the ways we participate in the lasting, systemic change our world needs: "long obedience in the same direction," as Haugen writes above.

The fault line dividing the human family runs along race, class and culture. In II Corinthians 5:18, God calls us to participate in ministries of reconciliation. But in a new era of human division, we are still learning how most faithfully, and effectively to accomplish that. You may have heard that Reconciliation Mission has faced a difficult year. Offerings suffered precipitous declines, in part, ironically, because Hurricane Katrina shifted giving to record-setting disaster relief among Disciples. But we believe more is at work in this case.

So, we have entered into a time of evaluation to determine how best we renew this ministry's vitality and sustainability among Disciples. Already, one thing is clear: Reconciliation Mission's work must do more to equip congregations to address racism.

Your congregation's gifts are particularly vital this year. They support ongoing projects in regions as well as wider church efforts.

Through your generosity, Disciples resistance to oppression will continue for years to come - not just in restoring homes and communities, but also in promoting unity in the magnificent diversity God created and called good. As you prepare to receive this offering, I invite your continued strong support for Reconciliation Mission. Together may Disciples Continue the Witness in God's name.

Blessings,

Sharon E. Watkins
General Minister and President
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)