December 2, 2004
Dear Sisters and Brothers:
I write to you in the wake of revelations that several national television networks have refused to air one of the commercial ads that is central to our national Still Speaking Initiative. They were to be broadcast during the Advent Season to serve as an invitation to people of all walks of life with the hope and expectation that many would see the ads and be encouraged to visit a United Church of Christ congregation, where we are prepared to welcome them, no matter who they are or where they are on life's journey. I know that many of you are prayerfully preparing to do just that, to welcome all.
While the decisions of the networks have caused us to revise our strategy, those decisions have not derailed our plans. The campaign is moving forward, and no doubt by the time this letter reaches you, you will have seen the ad televised more than once. I am more than delighted by the response that we have received thus far from people all over the country, who are now learning about the United Church of Christ and visiting our web site and UCC churches.
Yet, the refusal to air the ad remains troubling. It is indicative of a growing climate of intolerance, fear, and suppression of free speech. This climate is one in which the voices of those that differ with the outlook and policies of the current government are excluded from the public airways. Government is not carrying out this act of exclusion. It is the action of those in media who fear being in disfavor with the current administration and its allies. This incident, coupled with the enactment of portions of the Patriot Act, reinforces my concern that we are at the beginning of an era when increasingly, the basic rights that Americans have come to cherish will be in jeopardy.
In this moment, I am reminded even more so of the Book of Esther. You may recall that Esther was a Jewish woman who was selected by the King of Persia to be queen. It was during a time when certain of the king's officials sought to destroy all of the Jews living in Persia . Esther, being of the king's household, was in a position to plead the case of her people before the king, but to do so would require that she risk her own life. As she weighs her decision to act or to remain silent, her uncle Mordecai sends word reminding her that as a Jew she is no safer that the rest even though she is of the king's household. Then he challenges his niece with this rhetorical question and statement, "Who knows? Perhaps you have come to royal dignity for just such a time as this."
As members of the United Church of Christ, I believe that we are challenged by a similar question. Have we been called to this position of high visibility for a moment in our history such as this? It is a moment when the truth of God's gracious extravagant welcome must be told against all of the messages of exclusion, self-righteousness, fear and hostility. I also believe that indeed we have been called by God to be the compassionate bearers of that truth in America today.
Our United Church of Christ Statement of Faith is a source of guidance and inspiration in such a time as this. There, we are assured that God provides courage in the struggle for justice and peace, and of God's presence in trial, and rejoicing. In our living of these days, may we always prayerfully seek God's presence and receive the courage only God can provide.
May God continue to bless all of you in the ministry that you do in Jesus' name.
Peace and blessings,
Geoffrey A. Black
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