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Adam Russell Taylor The cycle of senseless police violence continues. Another young unarmed Black man was killed by the police, with the evidence of the officers’ depravity and guilt recorded on video for the whole world to see. Yesterday’s funeral service of Tyre Nichols memorialized another Black life viciously cut short. On Jan. 7, Nichols, a 29-year-old FedEx worker and avid skateboarder, was pulled over in Memphis for alleged reckless driving. After five police officers brutally beat him, he died in the hospital three days later. The footage of the fatal beating, released last Friday, is so horrific that before it was even released the five officers — all of whom are Black — were fired and charged with second-degree murder, assault, kidnapping, official misconduct, and oppression. This week two additional officers, as well as several others involved in the incident, were also relieved of their duty; a white officer who tased Tyre has been placed on desk duty. I’m not going to share the video because Black death should never be normalized or sensationalized. While I haven’t been able to bring myself to watch the full clip, what I have seen filled me with profound grief and righteous anger, particularly the cruelty of these officers and their complete disregard for Tyre’s life. It is unfathomable how they are unable to see, let alone respect, Tyre’s humanity and instead dehumanize him as a threat that needs to be subdued. Yet nearly half of Americans see the recent killings of Black people by police as isolated cases; I pray Tyre’s tragic death will help persuade our nation that these killings are the result of a pernicious and systemic pattern.
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Our Latest ‘Dancing in the Darkness,’ Even in Our Despair (by Jordan T. Jones) Otis Moss III’s new book encourages us to practice joy, even at a time like this. A nearly 900-page report found Vanier sexually exploited 25 nondisabled women, far more than previously known. ‘The Devil Conspiracy’ Is Boring as Hell (by Abby Olcese) There are many interesting depictions of hell, but Nathan Frankowski’s uninspired take on faith dulls any of its more entertaining instincts. Puss in Boots’ Nine Wild and Precious Lives (by Michael Woolf) Like Mary Oliver and St. John Chrysostom, a new film about a swashbuckling cat helps us bravely face our mortal world. |
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From the Magazine Black to the Future (by José Humphreys III) ‘On earth as it is in Wakanda’ can be made flesh in our world today. |
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Bless Your Actual Life, Not Just The One You Wish For We live in a world that demands perfection. But what if we don’t feel #blessed? In this warm and witty book, Kate Bowler and Jessica Richie share blessings centered on gratitude, hope, and acknowledging our real lives. Remember: Don’t wait for perfect lives, just bless the lives we actually have. Peace Farm seeks volunteers to begin Ecological Peace Movement Help co-create experimental cooperative providing farm work and healing arts for soldiers wounded by the religion of Militarism. Send resumes, questions, thoughts on Jesus’ Way Upcoming Zoom Programs with Rev. John Dear and the Beatitudes Center The Beatitudes Center hosts regular zoom sessions on Jesus, the Gospels, peacemaking and nonviolence, hosted by Rev. John Dear. Upcoming speakers include Dr. Cornel West, Frida Berrigan, Bishop John Stowe, Marisa Guerin, Frank Cordaro, Larry Rasmussen and others. Vibrant, engaged & passionate congregation seeking Senior/Settled Minister We are questioners & seekers, open & affirming and the progressive Christian Partner of unique Tri-Faith Initiative. You are an inspiring servant leader, ready to challenge members in spiritual growth and respectful of individual spiritual journeys. If this sounds like part of your ministerial profile, check out our church profile! |
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