‘Wherever and whenever hatred or bigotry rises up and is directed at any child of God, we who follow Jesus of Nazareth and therefore stand for love, must act,’ he said. ‘We must stand up, speak up and show up. Today we do so with and for our Asian American and Pacific Islander brothers, sisters and siblings.’
As Bishops of Province IV of The Episcopal Church (also known as The Province of Sewanee) who share in the oversight of the University of the South, we in no uncertain terms condemn the harassment of the Vice Chancellor of the University last month by, as of now, unknown vandals and the more recent racial epithets hurled at scholar athletes from a visiting college by young people in the crowd during a lacrosse game.
“We stumble between extremes navigating pandemic, praying for a return to normal but fearing what will come. This is a bewildering era where everything has changed, norms are out the window and etiquette is uncertain.”
This past weekend some of the 120 Sewanee student spectators attending a lacrosse match hurled racial epithets, including the n-word, against members of the opposing team from Emmanuel College. Statements have been issued by US Lacrosse, Emmanuel College, and Sewanee.
“After this weekend, or maybe even following these last six weeks have you felt embarrassed? Upset? Degraded? Worried for your safety? Try feeling that every day. The lacrosse game is not the “proof” we needed to see that Sewanee is racist, you just have not been paying attention. “
“The whole time, there had been these tiny lights illuminating my way. I just did not notice them before, as I stubbled, bubbled and fumbled in the dark. But now, I no longer needed confidence in myself to find my way back, I had the assurance of knowing that my path would be lit.”
“So pronounced were the shouted slurs in the third quarter that the game officials on the field ordered that Sewanee fans be cleared before play could continue,” Sewanee’s first Black president and vice chancellor wrote in an email to the campus community.
“Looking back over these 40 some pages I see the same refrain over and over. After I’ve detailed our days and the updates that surrounded the pandemic, I ended every letter to Charlotte and Isaac in the same way.
You are loved. I love you.’
As Dean, I would say to you: your union is not illicit, your marriage is indeed blessed by God, and we know the Church is the richer for your presence and witness in our midst. Wherever you are on your spiritual journey, you are welcome here! – The Very Reverend Steven L. Thomason, Dean and Rector, St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral, Seattle
“Whereas the Genesis story begins in a garden paradise and ends in our present garden world of pain and suffering, the Easter story begins in the garden of pain and suffering and ends in a garden of wholeness and flourishing, a new paradise in which we are once more able to walk intimately with our God and find abundant provision.”