By Fraser Venter https://lightandlife.fm/category/live-it-together/
As the Strategic Catalyst for Love-Driven Justice, I understand and deeply empathize with the concerns raised by recent legislative actions in Florida that led organizations like LULAC (League of United Latin American Citizens) and NAACP to issue travel advisories to the state. The issues are complex and deserve prayerful and mindful attention. Yet, how do we love, act, pray, minister, partner with those on the ground, and convene as a witness to the power of the gospel even amid a place dealing with ideological tension like Florida?
On the one hand, how do we stand in solidarity with those who may be affected by such legislation, particularly the marginalized? This is entirely consistent with our principles of Love-Driven Justice.
On the other hand, the logistics, contractual obligations, finances, and timelines related to organizing such an important event make the decision more complicated. With the date of the General Conference drawing near, changing the venue would render us unable to convene efficiently the conference at all, which could potentially have significant implications on our denomination’s governance and future direction.
And as I will be attending and participating in this event, I wanted to share some reflections on how I am approaching this moment. I have had to wrestle with the question, “How can I be a good witness of justice, mercy and love in places that others don’t feel safe or accepted?”
““We must acknowledge the tension, the tough decisions that need to be made, and the diverse views within our community — and to embrace the middle way.”
In essence, we are grappling with a profoundly challenging scenario that requires us to navigate a complex intersection of justice, biblical truths and values, pragmatism, and the realities of organizational logistics. Therefore, in times like these, we must acknowledge the tension, the tough decisions that need to be made, and the diverse views within our community — and to embrace the middle way recently published in Light + Life Communications (see https://lightandlife.fm/navigating-the-middle-path/).
As we face this situation, I want to affirm that all perspectives are being heard and the underlying concerns are treated with utmost seriousness and care. We are in this together, driven by love and the pursuit of justice.
You are Loved! (See Part 2 In Times Like These, How Shall We Love, Convene, and Pray?)
Fraser Venter
Fraser Venter, D.Min., is the strategic catalyst for love-driven justice on the Free Methodist Church USA Executive Leadership Team. He previously served as the lead pastor of Cucamonga Christian Fellowship in Rancho Cucamonga, California, and as a superintendent of the Free Methodist Church in Southern California. He earned his Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees at Azusa Pacific University. And is currently enrolled in the Masters of Justice and Advocacy at Fuller Seminary.
