Brokenness

by Rev. Eric Folkerth

Broken World.

Broken Savior.

Broken Bread.

As I move through this week —where the eyes of the nation are on our city and the Amber Guyger trial and verdict— these words keep coming back to me.

Broken World.

Broken Savior.

Broken Bread.

We live in a deeply broken world.

We serve a Messiah who was broken by the “Powers that Be” of his day.

And we “remember” in worship by celebrating the gift of Holy Communion…broken bread.

Whatever you believe about the verdict in the Amber Guyger trial, the message it points to is: that this is still a deeply broken world. There is mistrust between police and people of color.

Does this verdict make things better or worse?

It probably depends upon who you are and where you stand.

I know that many People of Color are breathing a little easier this morning, perhaps believing for the first time in years, that the scales of justice are a bit more even, and the playing field a bit more fair.

But I also know many caring and dedicated police officers and law enforcement officials are feeling beset and blamed by these events; even as they work hard to reform their profession and do a good job every day. And, of course, they put their lives on the line every day too.

Here’s what I hope.

I hope that this decision is seen as a moment of justice and a message about the future. I hope that the police —for their own safety, as much as for the safety of the public— review and perhaps change their methods of engagement with the public. More “community policing” for example, to build trust among all people.

But they must also be more transparent going forward. This is a similar dynamic to what we clergy have experienced regarding sexual abuse. As we all painfully know, in both Protestant and Catholic traditions, Christian denominations have struggled with how to admit, confront, and reform on issues of abuse.

It’s not fun for any clergy when some are accused of wrongdoing, just as I’m sure it’s not fun for officers today to feel associated with Amber Guyger.

But on the other side of new procedures, accountability and transparency, can hopefully be a new place of trust and respect for them in their relationship with the public.

One thing is for sure, I have compassion for everyone in this case. I believe justice was done, but also that there is no cause for celebration. Because, in the end we will find…

Broken World.

Broken Savior.

Broken Bread.

This Sunday, we’ll celebrate World Communion Sunday…and this will be our theme. As we move through our brokenness, and name the brokenness of the world, we find that God brings healing in just those times. It’s painful. But it appears to be the way God works through the world.

God brings us healing and the bread of life, through the brokenness.

Let’s hope for this in our world and in our city.

See you Sunday,

Eric