I am writing this article under the influence of mild depression. I think the lack of sun these past couple weeks combined with a long litany of sad events is the cause.
I've been thinking a lot lately about the state of the Christian church in America. It seems like a good time to do so around Reformation Sunday; Martin Luther was concerned with the state of Roman Catholic church in his day and worked for reform, and I feel the need to do the same today.
The economic system we have in this world no longer works … if it ever did. I know, I know … Rush Limbaugh says, “it works everywhere, it’s been tried.” So of course we, who benefit from the system, believe what we are told and on and on the juggernaut marches, killing the world, crushing human spirit and making a very few people wealthy.
Eleven inter-faith clergy met with six command staff of the Spokane City Police Department on Monday at All Saints Lutheran Church. The discussion centered on the basis of mistrust between the public and the police, and how an inter-faith group could work with SPD in promoting better communications, and relationship building.
My heart is heavy and my soul enraged at the thought of beautiful children shot dead. The sentiments you have all heard these last days about the innocent, defenseless, children killed by a deranged man cause us all to question everything we thought we knew.
The agenda was jam-packed with judges, prosecutors, public defenders, attorneys and legal system experts from all over Washington and beyond. There was a wealth of information on statistics, risk assessment, alternate courts, community safety, DOC re-entry programs, and some very good comments from our sheriff, police chief and mayor. There was way too much information to share in a post like this so I thought I would give you some highlights and my own insights.