Love Looks Like Impeachment

Today, I’m so grateful and relieved that the House voted to impeach the President. Accountability’s importance cannot be overstated: There must be consequences for leading a violent rebellion. And I celebrate the leadership of Rep. Cori Bush, who stood proudly on the floor and named Trump for who he is: the white supremacist in chief. That moral clarity gives me hope for a love revolution in America—one where our leadership obeys God’s demand to “let justice roll down like waters, righteousness like an everflowing stream.” The only way to build the beloved community is to courageously tell truth and act on it.

While my heart swelled to hear Rep. Bush’s words, the boos echoing in that chamber when she denounced white supremacy reveal just how much work we have left to do. 197 Republicans still voted against impeachment, even after POTUS incited a deadly riot of bigots bearing nooses. This moment isn’t about political differences—it’s about racism. Racism has to be unlearned; white supremacy must be dismantled so we can all be free.

That’s why we’re redoubling our commitment to education; antiracism training is how we’re marching right now. On Sunday, January 17 at 1:00 p.m. ET, I invite you to join me and Anu Gupta for Caste: An Antiracist Teach-In. Together, we’ll talk about Isabel Wilkerson’s incredible book, how it illuminates the racist hierarchy that undergirds our politics and public life and what we must do to heal. If you haven’t read the book, don’t worry! You’ll still be able to follow the conversation. And if you aren’t able to attend in person, anyone who gets a ticket will receive the recording afterward. Use the code CASTE before Sunday and you’ll get a $5 discount!

And we have lots of other opportunities to learn as well. Our fabulous Black Trans Liberation Theology class continues on Tuesday, so make sure to check that out if you haven’t already. And, in February, Rev. Catherine Torpey will begin a New Testament Bible Study, so come and learn more about the history of the text so we can free it from Christian nationalism. And join us as we celebrate the inauguration together, committing ourselves to building a truly free and equal nation.

We can’t do this work without your help, though. And, particularly as we rise from the fire, we need your support more than ever. You can make a donation anytime, of course, but one thing I want to put on your calendar is an incredible benefit concert that our member Tituss Burgess is putting together with folks like Norah Jones, Marianne Williamson, and Aunjanue Ellis on February 14th. The night will feature gorgeous music and powerful testimonies about what Middle Church means in the world, all to help raise money for this movement of love and justice. Click here to learn more and get your ticket now! And I can’t wait to tell you about the special perks for the fundraising tiers soon…

I love you SO much, Middle. And, looking at the news, I know the fierce love of this community can help transform this nation. Do you feel it? Your spark can ignite a Holy Spirit fire beyond your wildest dreams when it joins others in community.

We’re in this together, and we’re not stopping until justice comes.

-Jacqui

P.S. Unfortunately, we won’t be able to ring the Liberty Bell on Inauguration Day—the first time it hasn’t heralded a President in our nation’s history. Looking at photos the heavily-damaged belfry, it’s a miracle the bell survived. But it can’t be safely accessed to ring. However, this community is going to ring for freedom all the same. Just film yourself ringing a bell, banging a pot, or making a joyful noise of any kind and upload your video to middlechurch.org/upload by noon on Tuesday, January 19th. Then, our incredible digital folks will edit together our celebration in jubilation for justice that we will play to greet a Biden/Harris presidency.