January 21, 2026
To the Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ.
Dear siblings in the faith that sustains us,
I write to you to express solidarity, compassion and support.
Every day we witness the events unfolding on your streets, in your neighbourhoods, in your very lives.
While thoughts and prayers seem not enough, often that is all we have to offer. So, every day we hold you with your hopes, with your fear, your faith and your anger. And we hope that you do not feel alone.
Every day we pray that you and those who march beside you, who shout along with you, who cry and who stand silent next to you feel God’s presence. And we hope that you do not feel alone.
As you march in the streets, may you march in the footsteps of Martin Luther King. As you call for justice, may you echo the voice of Archbishop Oscar Romero. As you strive to see humanity in those who use tear gas on you, those who beat you and those who point guns at you, may you do so led by the example of Renee Good… “it’s fine dude, I’m not mad at you.” In your marching, in your crying out and in your strife, may you never lose the sight of the difference between being mad and being righteously angry. In such company of saints, we hope you do not feel alone.
The Polish martyr of the tyrannical government, fr. Jerzy Popiełuszko once said that “In order to overcome evil with good and maintain dignity, one must not fight with violence.” May the vision of the Kin-dom, the following of the Prince of Peace, the love for your neighbours and the presence of God who is wholly love, sustain you in all your struggles.
The closing words of our New Creed remind us that “In life, in death, in life beyond death. God is with us. We are not alone. Thanks be to God.”
You are not alone.
With blessings, with assurance of prayer and in solidarity
The Rev. Piotr Strzelecki VDM
Convenor of the Living Skies Regional Council
of The United Church of Canada
