Monday, November 2, 2020
The Rev. David DeSalvo
Confession
I spent time in prison, and I think it best to make a full confession. For 20 years I visited the maximum-security prison in Smyrna, Delaware on Christmas Eve. The bishop, volunteer clergy like me and committed lay people were screened, allowed in, frisked, passed along narrow, windowless corridors, herded through mechanical and electrical fences, and finally wound up at the ecumenical prison chapel. We talked with inmates deemed safe enough to attend the annual Christmas Eve. service, sang Christmas hymns, and then made Eucharist. It was very moving.
Last Sunday, I went to jail in New Hampshire, this time in support of refugees who, having fled their home countries because of their political beliefs, have been detained by The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the Strafford County Department of Corrections. It was my wife Mary’s idea. She has been involved longer than I have. Sunday was my first visit. It was very moving.
Sometimes it takes a personal experience to bring home the reality of injustice. The truth is that most of us do not wake up feeling afraid because of our political beliefs. From what I have learned from Mary and the organizers of Sunday’s visit, there are folks in the facility who, if returned to their home countries, will be executed. They will be taken to their village and murdered in front of their family and friends. It is a common tactic used to intimidate families, suppress freedom of speech, and silence the defenseless so that corrupt rulers can steal land and maintain power.
The United States is a country of laws and moral values. Parents, churches and schools teach young people to treat others with respect. The hope that underpins our democratic way of life has spread to communities beyond our borders where moral codes do not exist. No wonder so many individuals and families are willing to risk everything to make it to the U.S..
I am not writing this to put down ICE. They have a job to do. On the other hand, we have a job to do as well. As Christians, we are called by Jesus to stand up for the marginalized, the prisoner, the refugee, the poor and the needy. The way we protect our way of life is by standing up for each other, loving our neighbors as ourselves. Our courage comes from our freedom to be the unique persons God has created each of us to be.
We are all different, but we are all loved equally by God. I do not expect you to share my views, but I do expect you to respect me as a person in the same way that I promise to respect you as a person.
In an election year like this one, respect is very important, and a peaceful election process is essential. To this end, I am adopting a pledge. It goes like this:
“Regardless of how the election turns out, I will not hold hate, disdain, or ridicule for those who voted differently from me. Whether I am pleased or upset about the outcome, I will seek to understand the concerns and aspirations of those who voted differently and will look for opportunities to work with people with whom I disagree.” (Braver Angels, With Malice Towards None)
Because I went to jail last Sunday, I am fighting for equal rights today.