At this year’s United Methodist general conference—a quadrennial global gathering of delegates representing ecclesial regions throughout the world—the church was striving to express in doctrine and polity its most faithful understanding of who God is calling the Methodist people to be. For generations we have been consumed by debates over biblical authority, human sexuality, regional differences, colonial legacies, the accompanying attempts at decolonizing our polity and theology, and the demographic shifts that have altered the locus of power in the church’s decision-making apparatus.
Dear Garrett-Evangelical community,
The disturbing scenes emanating from our nation’s capital are no doubt capturing our attention and provoking within us a deep sense of angst and foreboding. To say that the unfolding events are surreal is a monumental understatement. They are a culmination of years of perpetuated falsehoods, abuses of power, and orchestrated attempts to turn the people of this country against each for perceived political gain. It is heartbreaking, yet sadly not surprising.
As people of faith and followers of Jesus, we are also people of action, people of peace, and people of prayer. Through our words and our actions, we bear witness to the healing power of constructive dialogue, to the transformative impact of truthful speech, to the dignifying effect of respectful disagreement, and to the reconciling possibilities of peaceful action. Through our prayers we are drawn deeply into the life and purposes of the God of peace, the God of reconciliation, and the God of healing. In our respective communities, circles of influence, social media accounts and personal relationships, let us be mindful that our Christian faith calls us to be “repairers of the breach and restorers of the streets” (Isaiah 58.12). Perhaps tonight we should hear that as a calling, a call to action of sorts, so that a just and lasting peace may begin to take root across this land through our efforts and the efforts of those who will work alongside us.
I acknowledge how odd it is that this is my first communication to the entire community, but perhaps there is no better way to begin our shared work than through purposeful action and intentional prayer. I ask your prayers for this country and its leaders. I ask your prayers for the people of this land, especially those who are most vulnerable, most targeted, or most unseen. I ask your prayers for our local communities and cities, that shared purpose for the common good, and love of neighbor and stranger, may inspire our actions. I ask your prayers for our Garrett-Evangelical community, that as we become agents of peace and reconciliation, we may also have the strength and courage to lead wisely in these challenging days.
Know of my prayers for you, for those you love and serve, and for the welfare and soul of our nation.
Javier A. Viera
President
“The crucifixion—Jesus bloodied on the cross—is meant to remind us of what we are capable of, that what happened to Jesus didn’t just happen once. It happens every day, right before our eyes. Violence against innocent people, violence against the earth, violence to entire communities in myriad ways. We can’t pretend not to know. If you want to know how God feels about that, just look at that crucifix. It tells you everything you need to know…
But the work of love in a world of hate is an antivenom, and is holy work. The work of compassion and mercy in an age of callousness is an antivenom, and it is holy work. The work of dialogue and working across differences in an age of divisiveness—of vilification of those who disagree with us—that too is an antivenom, and it is holy work.” Click here to watch the full sermon.
President Javier A. Viera was inaugurated on October 20, 2021 in the seminary’s Chapel of the Unnamed Faithful. His inaugural address was titled “An Unrelenting Hope.”
Dr. Rolf Nolasco is joined by President Viera for the inaugural “G-Talk.” “G-Talk” is a space for soulful conversation. It’s about engaging in “G-d-Talk” that is personal, practical, embodied, and open-ended.
Dr. Javier Viera talks to Dr. Maria Liu Wong about her recent book on urban ministry and theological education
