Washblog

There are two ways to organize power that creates change: one is the organization of money that promotes the segregated wealth of a few. The second is organizing people to promote commonwealth. Power is always being organized. Today, we live in times when the balance between the two poles on the continuum have become overwhelmingly slanted towards the power of money to organize segregated wealth.  But I am convinced that God is on the side of the poor, desiring commonwealth. The question is, whose side are you on? And what are you willing to do?

Give the Mayor a call, and if you can, stop by on Sunday and/or Monday being present for the poor in their time of need.

Rich Lang
www.tumseattle.org

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Camp4Unity

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Join advocates and activists, labor allies, students,clergy, and homeless people for the 3rd campout on City Hall plaza (600 4th Ave.) Help us put pressure on the Mayor to stop the sweeps and ensure everyone has a safe place to sleep.  Demand that people pause for a moment and pay attention to this violation of human rights.  Camp4Unity. Come for the wholeevent, or just come for part of it.

Sunday, June 8th
6 pm: Setup & Refreshments
7 pm - 10 pm: Among Friends and Allies: A time to talk & Music
10 pm: Overnight campout

Monday, June 9th
7 am - 9 am: Breakfast and sign holding
9 am - 10 am: Memorial for those who have passed away while trying to survive outside

Message from Reverend Rich Lang:

To the Congregation,

It looks like next Monday morning, June 9th, I will be involved in a direct action of civil disobedience that will probably result in an arrest. I do not take such action without discernment, nor will I take it alone. For the last year I have been involved with the Real Change Organizing Project advocating for the right of all to be housed with a roof over their head. Of late, as you probably know, there has been increased activity to clear all homeless encampments from city greenbelts. The lie, repeatedly told from the Mayor's office, is that those who are swept out of the encampments will be given the assistance of social services and shelter. If this were true I would not proceed with an action of civil disobedience (CD). Actually, I would support the policy as I agree that the encampments are a public nuisance, and are certainly probable health hazards.

But the reality is that the promises cannot be kept because the resources are not available. This is not simply the Mayor's problem but is our problem as a people. We the people must insist on public budgets that fully fund mental health, food banks, and shelters as a minimal human right. Because "we the people" do not hold politicians to that standard, the result is plenty of money and resources for condos and high-wage, specialized jobs, but a lack of funding and resources for the common good.

The act of civil disobedience is street theater. It is an attempt to counter the current propaganda being sent forth from the Mayor�s Office via the Seattle Times and various other media. It is an attempt to voice a different narrative about the severe and growing problem of homelessness in Seattle.

The arrest will concern a minor incident through which several of us will stop "business as usual" around City Hall. Evidently, behind the scenes, the police and others are being informed of our intentions that will occur at the conclusion of the Memorial Service on Monday morning.

I would ask for your prayers that something of
redemptive significance will come of the action.  I would also ask that you, as a citizen and a member of Trinity, take a moment and write or call the various Seattle media, Mayor's office and anyone else you think useful, and offer your thoughts about homelessness. I am thankful that as a congregation we are already deeply involved with our Sandwich Makers, Shelter, Soup Kitchen, and advocacy. Unfortunately, there is always another step to take.

Finally, I know that an arrest will cause a few of you discomfort. Despite the tradition of the Apostle Paul and countless other Christians, who have trod this path with far severer consequences, I do realize that some will think a Pastor ought not do these kinds of things. I respect that because I have a very high opinion of the office I hold.  I know that as a Pastor I am not merely myself but I am also a re-presenter of Trinity, of the UMC, and of the universal Church.  As John Wesley would say, the whole world is our
parish. Most certainly those in the greenbelts are
also part of Trinity�s congregation, and concern.  I'm out there because Jesus is homeless, and knocks on our door asking whether or not we will let him in (Rev.3:20 - our altar stained glass piece).  

Of course, you are always welcome to join me, and we'll have church together.

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The phone # of the Mayor�s office is 206-684-4000.  Give him a call and ask that he support the Real Change Organizing Project.

See you Sunday,

Rich