Responding to the white supremacist activities this weekend
In the face of the provocation of the white supremacist activities in our communities, the Diocese restates its commitment to the Beloved Community of racial justice, economic justice, and peace.
Congregations and individuals will respond in different ways this weekend and beyond:
• Some congregations will choose to be places of prayer.
• Some will be places of refuge and respite.
• Some people will choose to be part of a counter-protest.
• All of us will gather on Sunday in our various congregations to celebrate God’s love and to prayer for God’s shalom.
Not to respond is not an option – how to respond is a matter of conscience and choice.
There is no shame in choosing any option.
IF choosing to be part of direct action and counter-protest do not go alone nor unprepared. We strongly suggest attending one of the trainings happening before Saturday. Be especially aware of potential danger when moving to and from potential protest sites.
Bishop Marc will be attending the following three events this weekend:
Friday Interfaith Gathering Against Hate at Congregation Emanu-El, San Francisco
Join Bishop Marc and other members of the San Francisco Interfaith Council, the Jewish Community Center of San Francisco, and the San Francisco based Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund at Congregation Emanu-El for a special interfaith peace and justice Shabbat service Friday, August 25. This is not a reaction, not a confrontation, but a response of love, community, and diversity. Hors d’oeuvres and refreshments at 5:30 p.m.
When: Friday, August 25, 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Congregation Emanu-El, 2 Lake Street, San Francisco
Saturday DioCal and Grace Cathedral host a Peaceful and Prayerful Response to Hate, San Francisco
During what is expected to be an emotionally-charged day in San Francisco, Grace Cathedral will holding space for prayer, reflection, labyrinth walks, and dialogue from noon until 2 p.m. Please join Bishop Marc and Grace Cathedral clergy and staff as they facilitate this special time of refuge from hate speech and violence. More details TBA, keep an eye on DioCal’s Facebook page for further details.
When: Saturday, August 26, noon to 2 p.m.
Where: Grace Cathedral, 1100 California Street, San Francisco
Sunday Interfaith Response to Alt-Right Rally in Berkeley
Join Bishop Marc and other Episcopalians in the interfaith response to the Sunday, August 27 Alt-Right rally in Berkeley. We will gather at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, 2345 Channing Way (at Durant) no later than 12:45pm for a short orientation and spiritual grounding. Some will process to the Old City Hall steps for a non-violent prayerful presence, meeting hate with love, shedding light where there is darkness. No children under the age of 16. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by parent or guardian.
When: Sunday, August 27, 12:45 p.m.
Where: First Congregational Church of Berkeley, 2345 Channing Way
Cost: Free
Contact: Vicki Gray, vgray54951@aol.com, 707-554-0672 or Janet Chisholm, jgchisholm@aol.com, 845-641-3643
Other response offerings this weekend across the Bay Area*
• Non-violent training and preparation sessions in San Francisco will be at:
• TONIGHT, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Bethany UMC, Showing Up for Racial Justice: Security Training for Rally Against Hate at Crissy Field
• Thursday, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., St Agnes Catholic Church, A Call to Prayer & Public Witness
• Friday, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Congregation Kol Shofar, Tiburon, Love Lives in Marin: a Community Interfaith Prayer Gathering
• Saturday, noon to 5 p.m., Civic Center, San Francisco, San Francisco Peacefully Unites Against White Nationalists
*This is not the full list of offerings. Times are subject to change. We recommend you follow the Facebook event or the organization sponsoring the offering directly, in case there are last minute updates.