Dear Beloved Community,
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” John 14:27
With heavy hearts, we are taking in the sobering news that the United States has entered active military engagement with Iran, targeting Iranian nuclear facilities in a rapidly escalating conflict. As people of faith, we at PSR hold steadfast to our vision for a world where all can thrive. This requires us to recognize that every life is sacred. It challenges us to seek the peace that passes all understanding which, as Jesus says, is not achieved by the exercise of power and force that are the currency of this world.
This moment calls us to pause, not with paralysis, but with prayerful attention. We grieve the loss and fear that violence brings, and we lament the cycles of retribution that only deepen wounds rather than heal them. In every generation, the PSR community has sought to stand with those on the margins. Knowing that along with those who are called to serve in the military, it is the marginalized that are often most impacted by war, and we are mindful of the countless innocent lives that have and will be upended by this war.
We invite you to join us in praying for peace, for wisdom among world leaders, and for the courage to pursue nonviolent paths of resolution. Let us also continue the work of justice in all the ways we can: through advocacy, education, and an unwavering solidarity with all who are oppressed and all who seek peace.
We will gather as a community this Tuesday, June 24 at 11:10 a.m. Pacific Time for a prayer vigil for peace. We have selected to gather at our usual chapel time and invite you to come to Bade if you are in the Bay Area or join us by zoom. To receive a link to the Zoom service, please email communications@psr.edu
Now more than ever, may we live into our calling to be unafraid, to be compassionate, and to be relentless in our hope.
In faith and peace,
Rev. Dr. David Vásquez-Levy