When One Suffers....

Earlier this week one of AIM's member congregations, St. Mark's United Methodist Church, was targeted by vandals who defaced a number of buildings in the historic African-American community of Boyds. This past Thursday, AIM leaders from across the county attended a press conference* held by Rev. Tim Warner, pastor of St. Mark's and other community leaders and elected officials.

Speaking on behalf of AIM's 32 member congregations, Rev. Jeff MacKnight made the following statement:

Good afternoon. My name is Jeff MacKnight. I am the pastor of St. Dunstan Episcopal Church in Bethesda. And I am a leader in AIM, Action In Montgomery. I met Rev. Warner two and a half years ago through our work together in AIM. Two years ago, 40 AIM leaders met at the Boyds Negro School for AIM's annual retreat. Ms. Betty Hawkins blessed us that day with history of the school and of the Boyds community.

If I had never met Rev. Warner or the members of St. Mark's United Methodist Church, I would still have been outraged by these acts of hate. Yet, I have known, prayed and fought for justice side by side with Rev. Warner and St. Mark's leaders for two and a half. We are neighbors, we are all children of God.

St. Paul said, "When one suffers, we all suffer together. When one is honored, all rejoice together." (I Cor 12:26)

In my heart, it feels like the swastikas were painted on my church in Bethesda. Rev. Warner and St. Mark's members, AIM clergy and lay leaders are appalled and hurt. We cannot accept such bald-faced bigotry, nor excuse such ignominious acts. We will continue to stand together and fight for justice in Montgomery County. We aim for One County.

*Washington Post article (free reg required)