On Facebook, I have been posting stories which demonstrate leading by example. I disagree with Sharon Keating’s assessment in her Buzzfeed article yesterday, “Stop Sharing Viral Photos Of Cops Kneeling With Protesters”, in which she writes, “This movement is not about individuals.” Systemic evil like our country’s racism and violence toward people of color was built up one person at a time. I believe this toxic system can only be torn down by each of us honoring each other’s importance as an individual, a valued and loved child of God. A moment of humble solidarity is important, is something we can build on and celebrate. Even though they may not last, I will continue to share those moments of leadership.
O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(from the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer)
Facebook Posts on Leading by Example
- Leading by example – Santa Maria Urban Ministry Food Pantry, open for impoverished families in San Jose during Covid-19 (SMUM website)
- Leading by example – Washington DC Mayor, Muriel Bowser: “D.C. Mayor Bowser has ‘Black Lives Matter’ painted on street leading to White House: The act was intended to honor protesters who had peacefully assembled earlier this week.” (NBC News)
- Leading by example – Rev. Canon Stephanie Spellers: “US Church Leader Responds to Donald Trump.” (ABC The Drum)
- Leading by example – Washington National Cathedral Dean, the Very Rev. Randy Hollerith: “Dean Randy Hollerith passed out water and knelt for 8 minutes and 46 seconds, the time it took for the life to be taken from George Floyd.” (posted by the National Cathedral on Facebook, 4 June 2020)
- Leading by example – Right Rev. Rowan Williams, former Archbishop of Canterbury: “Trump brandishing a Bible ‘an act of idolatry,’ says former Archbishop of Canterbury.” (Episcopal News Service)
- Leading by example -“Black Lives Matter protest in Wichita changed to cookout with police” (Kansas City Star, Wichita Eagle)
- Leading by example – “Love in Action” Feeding the hungry (The Rooted Rector blog, Pacific Grove)
- Leading by example – Right Rev. Michael Curry, Episcopal Presiding Bishop, “Episcopal Bishop Cites Christian Gospel In Criticism Of Trump” (Rachel Maddow | MSNBC)
- Leading by example – former President Jimmy Carter: “Dehumanizing People Debases Us All” Jimmy Carter releases statement on George Floyd protests (Axios)
- Leading by example – “Vandalism to art” (video of artist painting over offensive wall graffiti with cupcakes and strawberries)
- Leading by example – “Video of Oakland police officers kneeling with protesters goes viral” (SFGate)
- Leading by example – “Some officers march and kneel with protesters, creating dissonant images on fraught weekend of uprisings” (Washington Post)
- Leading by example – “Police officers are joining protesters for prayers and hugs in several US cities” (CNN)
- Leading by example – “Watch: Boston officers take a knee in response to urging by protesters outside police headquarters” (Boston.com)
- Leading by example – “Protesters and Cleveland officers kneel, pray together during George Floyd demonstration at police station” (Cleveland.com)
- Leading by example – “Tense protest turns emotional as 60 North Carolina police kneel before demonstrators” (Charlotte Observer)
- Leading by example – former President Barak Obama: “Obama condemns violence and calls for change in wake of George Floyd protests” (CNN)
- Leading by example – former President George Bush: “‘End Systemic Racism’: Bush 43 Delivers Rare, Silent Rebuke to Trump – Calls for Law Enforcement to ‘Protect’ Protestors” (NCRM)
- Leading by example – “Tennessee National Guardsmen put down their shields during peaceful rally at state capitol” (MSN)
- Leading by example – Santa Cruz Mayor Justin Cummings and Police Chief Andy Mills: “Santa Cruz Police Chief with no riot gear, no backup, just kneeling with the local community, it’s that simple” (posted by Renata Rollins on Facebook – 30 May 2020)
- Leading by example – “This is how Miami Police met crowds protesting the death of George Floyd and racism in America.” (Pictures of kneeling police officers, posted by Jamie Lee Quickert on Facebook, 31 May 2020)
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Thanks to the Rev. Peggy Bryan for the “Faith can move mountains…” image!
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