I received the following message from a friend. The message goes far beyond the politics involved as it addresses a deeply held concern that is within the purpose and mission of Shem Center. I offer it here by way of choosing not be silent over the deaths of some 400,000 Lebanese children as well as 40,000 Palestinian women and children in Gaza. Yes, we’re talking about children! The depth of suffering of our sisters and brothers and their children is impossible to imagine. Yet knowing about it belongs in the narrative of everyone’s life. The heartbreaking story of the Jewish people is also woven into this story. How we hold these stories and how we choose to act is ours to decide. Choosing to ignore them is wrong.

“One nation under God,“ are words we use in The Pledge of Allegiance. To use words like “blessing” and, “God” is language not-for profit organizations like Shem Center use frequently. Yet, political statements are not permitted by us even though places of worship are often used as sites in which make them.

This is not meant to be a political statement, but rather one claiming the language appropriate to Shem Center, an organization whose message honors all faith traditions and all spiritual paths.

This message was sent to me as a member of my religious Order, the Dominicans. Our shield shown above sates our motto, Praise, Bless and Preach, that is, preach the Good News of God’s unconditional love for all people and all of creation. We consider ourselves to be “family,” loving and supporting one another and the people they serve. I share this letter with you, the friends of Shem Center.