Pastor Bob in Minneapolis

Our pastor was on the ground in Minneapolis, and he passed this message on to the good people of Spokane:

“At once they left their nets and followed him.”

Mark 1:18

A modern translation: “There will be no business as usual when they are kidnapping our neighbors.”

Christ called, and those who would be disciples went immediately. I answered the urgent call to come to Minneapolis, to join people of many faiths to stand in solidarity with communities who are being terrorized by federal forces. I came with fear and trembling, and I can report: The threat is real. It is brutal. It is violent. And it will not end here.

But I am leaving hopeful, and resolved to never stop answering the call into beloved community. If you have been silent, or waiting for the time to answer a call, this is it. A wise organizer here reminded us all: “there is no one coming.” We are the ones who will do this—together. We will win, and no one is getting left behind this time.

The Dakota people have been keeping each other safe from imperial violence for generations. Minneapolis has been organizing and building solidarity for decades. Long after the occupiers grow weary and target the next city, we will still be here, walking in love, demanding justice, and hoping for peace. We keep us safe.