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Pastoral Letter: Why I’m Going to Washington
March 27, 2025
Rev. Will BurhansDear Congregation,
I will be going to Washington DC on Wednesday, April 2nd for a clergy gathering at the Supreme Court with Rev. Dr. William Barber and Repairers of the Breach called Moral Witness Wednesday: A National Call for Justice, Love and Truth-Telling. Rev. Barber spoke an inspiring message at our denominational gathering and challenged us to stand up for those who are being hurt by the executive actions of our current government.
While there certainly were things to stand against before this new administration took over, I am so troubled by how they are making enemies of our friends, the stripping of social programs and deference to the uber wealthy, the sowing of mistrust in our democratic processes, the power ceded to the extreme Christian right, the targeting of those most vulnerable among us, to name just a few issues. I am managing my growing concern by putting my body down there to amplify a different voice, however small my voice may be.
I am also finding that many of you to whom I am pastor are growing afraid for yourselves, your loved ones and your neighbors, some of whom are green card holders, some immigrants, others who are trans people, some who are federal workers, and still others deeply concerned about cuts to social security, medicare and medicaid programs.
At a time like this, we need to lean into prayer and community, return to scripture and corporate worship, and find ways that we can support those around us who are threatened. But it also calls for putting our bodies in the way of injustice, which is what Moral Wednesdays is about. Because we are a congregational church, I won’t pretend to speak for all of you for whom I pastor. I know there are different perspectives among us, but I will be present as a minister of the United Church of Christ, the body through whom I am ordained. I know I can’t change all that much by being there for such a brief time but the “brief times” offered by those of us who can afford them, when we can, I believe add up.
There are a few women from our church who are joining with my wife in attending a march in DC the following Saturday, April 5th called Hands Off (https://thirdact.org/act/handsoff), a local version of which is being held in Boston. I look forward to joining you to attend these more local demonstrations in the coming months.
But for now this is where I choose to start.
Yours in Christ,
Rev. Will Burhans
