"We cannot tell us Christians and support those who oppress others"
Text taken from the sermon of the episcopal shepherd Mark Bozzuti-Jones*, pronounced in the cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York (United States) on March 22, 2025. Freely translated by the volunteers of the Gionata project
«We cannot tell us Christians and, at the same time, to support any form of oppression. Whether it is slavery, racism, misogyny or xenophobia, we cannot consider us disciples of Christ if we put the law above the mercy.
How can we call us Christians and not understand the message of chapter 25 of Matteo's Gospel?
"Every time you have done these things only one of these younger brothers of mine, you did it to me ".
How do we not understand it? Whatever we do to the youngest (of our brothers), we do it to Christ himself.
This is Christianity. This is true faith. And it has nothing to do with idolatry. And if this is the 'peace' that someone is looking for, then I don't want that peace.
Christians cannot rejoice while people are deported out of churches, schools or houses, while they are on their knees to pray to God.
Christians cannot participate in biblical studies that feed idolatry or justify oppression, in whatever form they present themselves.
Sometimes it seems to me that there are too many "in our churches"biblical studies“, and too little desire to really know Jesus.
Absalom Jones ** calls us strongly and invites us to be more similar to Christ than simply Christians.
To adore less Jesus and follow him more. to Love less jesus And to follow him more. "
*The Rev. Dr. Mark Bozzuti-Jones is an episcopal shepherd originally from Jamaica, known for his commitment in social justice, in contemplative spirituality and in the radical inclusion in the Church.
** Absalom Jones was the first African American priest in the episcopal Church in 1804. He was an abolitionist, preacher and spiritual leader who struggled for the dignity and freedom of his people. Even today, its inheritance is a profound call to live a Christian faith rooted in justice and compassion.
Original text: "WE cannot be Christian and support any oppression of any kind"
