ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
May 20, 2026
Though we’ll learn more about the shooting at the San Diego mosque in the coming weeks, I’m heartbroken for the faith community and everyone else who genuinely feels threatened. While law enforcement has only given us some basic information, they’ve confirmed that “hate rhetoric was involved.” In the last year, Islamophobia and religious bigotry toward other minority faith communities have been on the rise. This hate does not exist in a vacuum, but is inspired and encouraged by people in power. Just a few weeks ago, a member of Congress said, “If they force us to choose, the choice between dogs and Muslims is not a difficult one.” This type of rhetoric gives bigots and others who harbor hatred the green light to act on their prejudices. It’s not just violence against Muslims. For example, last summer, a Christian man in Michigan rammed his truck into the sanctuary of a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints congregation and set it ablaze. His hatred was directed at Mormons. In moments like this, I too often hear people who are trying to deflect some of their own bias by saying, “Yes, but…” and then follow it with examples of how one group is much more hateful or dangerous. We must cease such gamesmanship, as if associating with a group that is only slightly less violent exempts us from responsibility. We should start by reflecting on how, consciously or unconsciously, we may have contributed to the devaluation of a religious group by scapegoating or exploiting stereotypes. Additionally, we must recognize that silence is often misinterpreted as support, even when our intention was to remain neutral. We can continue to be drawn into a blame game that only intensifies the anger, or we can reflect Jesus who chose a very pronounced expression of love, kindness, and mercy, even when the hate was focused on him. Nothing will change unless we take the lead and provide a very clear expression of God’s vision for humanity.
Though it is easier to build ourselves up by tearing others down, we pray for a faith that seeks to love and serve others. And though it is common in our culture to scapegoat those who are different, I pray that I find a voice that speaks to the belovedness of all people. For these to happen, I seek your help, O Good and Gracious God. Amen.
