 Twin Tower Destruction Affected 62 nationalities |
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by Douglas Ruffle, Multi-ethnic Net Circular |
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Those of us who work at the General Board of Global Ministries in New York City are still reeling from the events of a week ago. Many of us have friends or family who are among the missing. National Public Radio commented yesterday that persons from 62 different nations were among the missing from the collapse of the World Trade Center. But the testimony of workers close to “ground zero” really underscores how diversity is contributing to community in New York. A Jamaican immigrant has been working along side his cousin for six days searching for his cousin’s fiancé. They have come into contact with other official rescue workers. “There is no differentiation of people here,” he commented. “Our common experience has done away with distinctions of race, ethnicity, color, class. We are one people.” It has been heartening to see how New Yorkers of all races and nationalities have come together to support one another during this time of crisis. At the same time persons from across the country and the world have sent encouraging words of solidarity and contributions. The General Board of Global Ministries has released a statement in the wake of last week’s events. In the statement, GBGM said, “While feelings of anger, loss, fear and revenge express our common pain and humanity, the apostle Paul calls us to "be angry, but do not sin." (Ephesians 4:26). Our response to the pain inflicted needs to built on loving compassion and healing solidarity with all those who suffer. We must challenge expressions of hatred to insure that policies and actions are built on a foundation of love, not one of fear.” We are particularly concerned for backlash sentiment direct towards the Arab American community and implore persons of faith everywhere to do what they can to denounce any such action or sentiment in their respective communities. Let us continue to pray for peace and understanding in our world.
Date posted: Sep 19, 2001 |
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