Responding to Tragedy in Our Communities
Natural disasters:
This past weekend, the remnants of Tropical Storm Debby brought torrential rains and flooding that damaged homes and businesses prompting a state of emergency declaration. County officials ordered evacuations in Steuben County, including the hamlet of Woodhull, the Village of Addison, and the hamlet of Jasper.
Thank you to everyone who reached out to check on your friends and colleagues. As far as we know, the Episcopal churches and parishioners in those areas were mostly unaffected. The support offered by the governor may be limited, and many people will struggle to rebuild and repair their homes and businesses.
What you can do:
Please include these communities in your prayers, both private and public. I also ask that you contact the people you know in these areas and let your parish leadership, deans, and my office know if there are needs that we as a diocese can work together to address. Whether your neighbors are church-going or not, their well-being is our concern and an opportunity for tangible love. In the past, we have helped a church apply for an emergency grant from Episcopal Relief and Development. There may be more immediate and tangible needs; please let us know!
Humankind created disasters:
On Tuesday morning I received the news of three teens shot in the Beechwood neighborhood. I called the Rev. Cindy Rassmussen to inquire about a response. Please take time to read her valuable reflection.
“On Monday afternoon around 4:45 PM I was in my office and heard sirens. Then more sirens. And then even more sirens. What I was not aware of at the time was three teenagers had just been shot a few blocks from the church. To be more precise, they were walking by our Community garden on Denver Street. Rukia Issack, 19, sustained injuries that resulted in her death, and two younger boys were seriously injured and are at URMC. Absolutely heartbreaking.
I've served the Beechwood Neighborhood and St. Mark's & St. John's for almost sixteen years and try my best to consistently bring compassion to a place where life is harder than in better-resourced neighborhoods. Our mantra has been 'listen more, have the courage to be changed by each interaction and conversation, and stay open no matter how hard it gets.' Candles and flowers have been lit and placed in the garden near where the shootings took place. They are a sign of hope in the midst of unspeakable pain. I invite you to follow our neighbor's lead and lean into hope.”
What you can do:
Join, donate, and otherwise support these local organizations
- Beechwood Neighborhood Association
- E.D.E.N. Garden Volunteering in Beechwood
- Freedom Scholars Learning Center
- Habitat for Humanity - Beechwood Projects (Volunteer Portal)
- New City Cafe
Citywide:
Learn more about the cycle of violence and how to dismantle it:
- Rothstein, Richard. (2017) The Color of Law : A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America
- Rothstein, Richard. (2023) Just Action: How to Challenge Segregation Enacted Under the Color of Law (2023)
Please remember the victims, the shooter(s), their friends and enemies, the first responders, and the community in your private and public prayers. And, strengthened by your Sunday morning word, communion, and community, continue to look out and around you for where God is working in the world, so that you, your parish, and this diocese can respond to the needs of the world.
God’s Blessings,
+ Kara