By Rev. SERENA JONES • Special to www.AllOTSEGO.com
Rev. Dr. Serene Jones, president of Union Theological Seminary in New York City, shared her reflections on the storming of the Capitol at the First Presbyterian Church of Cooperstown Sunday, Jan. 10. (Jim Kevlin/AllOTSEGO.com)
Editor’s Note: Rev. Dr. Serene Jones, Union Theological Seminary president, was stricken with COVID-19 and missed speaking at the installation of the First Presbyterian Church’s new pastor, Faith Gay, on Nov. 29. Instead, she delivered her sermon Sunday, Jan. 10, when the mob attack on the U.S. Capitol was fresh in everyone’s minds. This is an excerpt.
No one watching the storming of the Capital could miss the “Jesus Saves” sign bobbing up and down as windows were smashed and police attacked.
I have also heard the reports that in the House Chamber, the people gathered for prayer to thank Jesus for supporting them in their actions. They were on their knees lifting up praise to God for what they had wrought, justifying it with Divine sanction.
The Christian whiplash of these two scenes next to one another was excruciating, painful, and so very, very American.
…Today, I want to wade into those murky waters, because they aren’t just headline topics, these tensions live within the heart and mind of everyone who claims the name “Christian” in this nation.
INTERFAITH COMMUNITY GATHERING – 3 p.m. Program titled “With Malice Toward Non: Honoring America’s Legacy of Religious Inclusion.” Affirming America’s principles of democracy, religious freedom, compassion, and unity for people of all faiths. Temple Beth El, 83 Chestnut St., Oneonta. Info, Ken Sider, ksider@hotmail.com or visit www.templebetheloneonta.org/2017/04/with-malice-toward-none/
EARTH FESTIVAL – 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. 13th annual festival featuring interactive exhibits, activities, vendors, and entertainment. Milford Central School, 42 W. Main St, Milford. Info, occainfo.org/calendar/earth-festival-2017/
ONEONTA – The Oneonta chapter, NAACP, is planning an Anti-Discrimination & Unity Session 2:30-4:30 p.m. Sunday, May 1, to counter a Bikers Rally planned in Islamberg, Delaware County, in mid-May.
“The whole community and surrounding areas are urged to attend,” said Lee Fisher, NAACP president, in an e-mail distributed today.
Fisher said the NAACP has been in touch with state police, the state Office of the Attorney General, clergy and Legal Redress of the NAACP New York State Conference to express concern.
