guest post from a pastoral letter by Rev. Seth Wispelwey, Interim Pastor at Rincon Congregational UCC in Tucson
“Nana, ayudame.”
Grandmother, help me.
These were the last words of Carlos “Adrian” Ingram Lopez, the Latino man who was killed by Tucson police while in their custody. Our police department, which recently tried to claim “we’re not Minneapolis,” hid his death for two months from Tucson officials (including our mayor) and the general public. The horrific 12-minute video of his final moments Earth-side has now been released.
Beloved, the great global reckoning we are living through and acting in is now profoundly, specifically, alarmingly here. This is our city. These are our tax dollars. Carlos was our neighbor. Carlos’ family are our neighbors.
Beloved, I know so much is overwhelming and stressful and hard right now. This pandemic and its disconnections from full life and presence with one another. The stresses of managing home, work, parenting, and more amidst so much uncertainty. The fires blazing across our Catalina mountains. The would-be fascist regime operating out of the White House. The righteous uprising compelling so many of us to interrogate and deconstruct the poisonous DNA of white supremacy & patriarchy in ourselves and our communities.
And now this.
Walking is where we find hope and resist defeat. We make the road by walking. Together. Linked in Spirit and the beloved spirits you each possess that our still-speaking God imbues with strength to envision and embody a new Way. Strength and vision we can only arrive at together. Remember our scripture this past week? In-between spitting a lot of righteous fire, Jesus encourages the disciples three times to “have no fear,” to “not be afraid,” and to “fear not.”
It’s ok if you’re afraid of the reckoning on our doorstep. That is a natural reaction. The body of togetherness that we call “church” is a hospital for fear. A medical ward for reaffirming hope. A rehab facility for building up the muscles to respond to others’ fear with the power and actions of love.
We are called for such a moment as this. We are called to be the church we emblazon on our banners.
Beloved, I am here for it. Like each of you, I cannot do it alone. Let us grieve, let us rage, let us pray, let us talk, let us walk.
And Carlos “Adrian” Ingram Lopez. Say his name. Share his story. Speak up. Act out. His family has asked that in any online sharing you also include #NanaAyudame.
Like George Floyd, Carlos couldn’t breathe. He let them know. He cried out for his parent figures while the police let him suffocate. Just like Jesus on the cross.
This hurts, beloved. Let us hold it and walk it together. Let justice come. Resurrection is the insurrection they thought they crucified.
Resurrection is tearing down the idols.
Resurrection is liberating the captives.
Resurrection is abolishing ICE.
Resurrection is defunding and dismantling the police.
Resurrection is living the truth that Black Lives Matter, that women’s bodies and choices belong to them, that queer folx are fiercely beloved & affirmed by God, that border walls be demolished, that properties become “re-wilded,” and more.
Resurrection lives in you.
Bring forth reparations, for the kin-dom of God is at hand.
Grandmothering God…Help us.
Onward,
Rev. Seth
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you Rev. Seth. In 78 years in this white body, on this planet–I didn’t know that even “I” am and have been part of the problem. I get to dismantle and build a new paradigm within me, within my heart and soul as I begin working in an organized group setting, working through ME AND WHITE SUPREMACY. I get to be part of the question, “What can I do?” I get to be part of the answer as I am awakened and transformed one chunk at a time. Blessings to you, through you and for you.