This has been a hard week to be away. Our country is in upheaval as the problem of racial injustice—both a past and present issue—confronts us in the streets and media. I have heard from many of you via email, text or phone call. Dear friends in our community are hurting, confused, angry, and tired. The issue before us, racism in America…

In a town like Washington, it seems that even the Sunday Prayers of the People can be politicized. Due to this, I want to clarify the non-personal and non-partisan factors that determine what and who we pray for, and why we pray for certain leaders by name. Both Scripture and tradition set a precedent…

Asked what commandment was most important, Jesus answered, “Love God and love neighbor” (Matthew 22:36–39). I’ve often understood this command to be about doing—do what God desires and do nice things for others, and you’ll be loving them. However, I’m coming to see that at a deeper level Jesus’s words here are about being…

What we witnessed at the U.S. Capitol building on January 6th, in the wake of a complex and burdensome year, leaves us all emotionally unsettled. Tragically, the violence and destruction of that day only deepened the seemingly intractable divisions in our nation.