Silence contributes to Trenton’s apathy and violence
It is deafening.
The silence offered by city clergy regarding issues in Trenton and elsewhere contributes to this city’s apathy and increased violence.
My God, they have forsaken you, given up on your words and teachings that could deliver strength and hope to lost souls. Oh, Jesus they have wandered into the wilderness, lost, without an ability to see the trees for the forest.
Mayhem Sunday at the Roebling Wire Works building where one man died and at least 17 others were wounded by gunfire during an Art All Night festival cultivated almost nothing from pastors, ministers, deacons, rabbis, bishops and preachers.
Clergy retreat to the sanctity of their suburban homes as trouble rages in Trenton. A battle for the city’s soul has produced a default by men and women commissioned by a higher power to enact his laws, love and fearlessness.
Must be nice to live a part-time ministry in hellish Trenton then retreat to quiet residences where neighbors sleep with their doors unlocked.
Wise preachers will opt for a Attorney General Jeff Sessions attempt to find Scripture that supports their daily desertion of this troubled city.
Meanwhile, pastors sing a whispered “Hush little L.A., don’t say a word, these city murders just thin out the herd.”
Just when despair knocked on my door, when hurt connected to the shooting of a 13-year-old boy made an invasion of my heart, when depression rode a wave that drowned the consciousness of this city, God sent word that the balm for Gilead now has availability in Trenton.
The Right Reverend Bishop H. Stokes waded into the events surrounding the Art All Night festival.
The Episcopal Bishop of New Jersey regularly interacts with this newspaper, stepping out of his comfort zone. Rev. Stokes wrote:
“As Bishop of New Jersey for the Episcopal Church and a resident of Trenton, I wish to express my deep sadness at the shooting that took place at the Art All Night festival in Trenton earlier this morning, in which one person was killed and 17 were injured. I am praying for all those who were injured, for the deceased, and especially the 13 year old who is in critical condition. I also recognize that prayers will only be effective if they are connected to action.”
Notice how Bishop Stokes noted he lives here. Works for me as his presence and the proximity of other pastors makes for supermarket interactions, ministry as they meander through Trenton.
Stokes wrote that our nation has a “gun disease that is killing too many. Gun violence that results in the death and maiming of young people, especially in our nation’s cities, has too often been ignored by the media and the wider culture.I understand that urban violence is a byproduct of the sins of racism and poverty that have marred our nation and its cities for too long. It is grievous that the good efforts of those who have organized the Art All Night festival in Trenton, with the intention of unifying the city, have been undermined by this episode.”
Stokes remains “committed to joining with the mayor, the mayor-elect, the governor and other city leaders — community, government, religious, arts, notfor-profit — in finding real strategies to meaningfully address poverty and violence in Trenton and better the quality of life for all the city’s residents.”
Amen.
And, amen.