Pastoral Letter from Bishop French 11/9/24

November 9, 2024

​My Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
 
For many of us, the past few days have been spent reflecting on election results. I have spoken with many of our clergy and lay leaders, and I know that the responses to the election vary widely. While some are comforted by the results, many others are grieving, and some of our members are terrified.
 
For our People of Color, for immigrants and refugees, for disabled persons, and for members of the LGBTQ+ community, some of the promises made in the days leading up to the election will result in harm. I have spoken with some of our clergy serving congregations of African descent and multicultural communities and we anticipate an increase in tolerance for racism and White supremacy. Our Hispanic clergy have named community fears for those in immigration processes, and for families seeking reunification. And our LGBTQ+ families fear that their marriages, family health benefits, and dignity will be diminished. All fear the loss of freedom and safety.
 
We hold the fear, the anxiety, and the hope together at this time. The Diocese of New Jersey is big, and it is wonderfully diverse. As your bishop, I want to encourage you to continue in community with one another despite differences, to treat each other with respect and dignity. The powers of the world may seek to divide us, but the Gospel of Jesus Christ unites us.
 
The Gospel also calls us to stand with those who are oppressed, to feed the hungry, to welcome the stranger, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. Our Baptismal Covenant asks us to strive for justice and peace, and to respect the dignity of every human being. We do not yet know what this looks like, but I can assure you that we will what is necessary to support God’s people, and to “do justice and love kindness” (Micah 6:8).
 
I invite you to join in an online time of prayer and reflection (this is a Zooom link) next Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at 7:00 pm. For now, I ask your prayers, for all those in authority, for those who are vulnerable or afraid, and for our country, praying for God’s grace and mercy as we move forward into this new season.
 
Faithfully,
 
The Rt. Rev. Sally French, D.D.
Bishop of New Jersey