Dear Beloved Friends,

I received a text during meetings yesterday about the shooting at the Trump political rally. Since we were with the Western Jurisdiction Colllege of Bishops, we stopped, and Bishop Warner Brown led us in a heartfelt prayer for those who suffered from this violence, and for our nation.

Violence must not be our way. Conversation that leads to understanding is our way. Hate is not our way. Love is our way. Vile threats and harmful words is not our way. Kindness is our way.

Violence takes us down a road without an end. It creates a vicious cycle of hatred and fear and pain. Violence is not our way.

Our way is love. We are called to love even our enemies. So, pray with us. Pray for the cessation of violent thoughts, actions, and impulses. Pray for peace to flood our souls. Pray for justice to come marching down the road of Loving Kindness.

And after we pray, let us model this way of love in our thoughts, words, and actions. Let us be the external sign of internal strength rooted and grounded in principles of justice, peace, and love.

Grace y paz,

Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank
Resident Bishop of the Los Angeles area
California-Pacific Conference of The United Methodist Church