A New Take on an Ancient Lenten Discipline

This year the Rev. Tom Sinning from Emmanuel, Alexandria is writing a letter to his congressional representative each week, in his words, “with concerns and requests for the marginalized and those who are being marginalized by empire here in our country.” Below is one of Tom’s letters.

Dear Representative X:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof or abridging the freedom of speech or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

These words from the First Amendment to the Constitution, which make lawful for citizens the intention of our Founding Fathers, spell out with clarity Congress’ responsibility with respect to the protection of the freedoms of religion, speech, press, and peaceable assembly in the Bill of Rights. 

When I see the Administration making threats and taking punitive and vindictive actions against universities, war protesters, media with a different point of view, and religious organizations with which they disagree, I am disappointed and saddened when our Congressional representatives don’t speak up against these very blatant and unconstitutional measures.

As a pastor to a small Christian congregation, I am reminded of how our Savior was also vilified, threatened, and, of course, eventually crucified for speaking out against both the Roman Empire and the religious institution that was being challenged by his words and actions. I expect that when He took the whip to the money changers and sellers of sacrificial animals in the Temple, they had had it with his words and His actions and could no longer put up with them. 

I know that as a Christian, your intention is to follow the Way of Christ, not just in your personal life, but in your vocation. I humbly ask that you consider speaking up for our Constitution and for the ethics and principles of our faith in a merciful and loving Savior.

God's Peace, 

The Rev. Tom Sinning