At the 2010 Quadrennial Assembly, we were called to “Awake! Awake!” Now that we are awake, who do we see? Do we see the absence of sisters who should be at the table and seek them? Do we see the homeless and offer our sympathy in word and deed? Do we see the disenfranchised and speak up for their rights? Do we see one another as extended family or imposing strangers? Do we see those outside of our own circle and remember that we are one church? If not, this is the time to start. Let us individually and collectively begin to own the healing confession, “I See You.”
There are many societal ills whose victims we do not always see. One of the most prevalent worldwide are those living behind the often invisible bars of fear and tyranny. They are those who suffer daily as victims of human trafficking. Children, women and men who are being used as a cheap or free labor force, reusable sexual commodity or shackled to domestic servitude. They are us. Do we see them? Now that we are awakened to reality that slavery is a sin still plaguing many nations including the United States, it is time to see.
In Atlanta from June 25-29, 2014, we will stand together in solidarity of mind, heart and spirit proclaiming “I See You” to one another and to those in our domestic and international communities who often feel faceless. Will you be there? We will proclaim “I See You!” to those who are unseen or defined by their affliction thereby diminishing their humanity. Will you be there? We will sing, dance, learn, teach, pray, work and worship together to build a movement toward wholeness for those in great need of being seen.
Together let us open our eyes….
I see you.
I see you through eyes of grace.
I see you through the voice of compassion.
I see you with hands of justice.
I see you with a heart of joy.
I see you whole.
The 2014 Quadrennial Assembly planning committee is a multilingual, cross generational and multicultural collection of women from 10 regions representing the Disciples Women staff, Haitian congregations, Office of Hispanic Ministries, North American Pacific Asian Disciples and National Convocation. There is also representation for our sisters of the Church of Christ, Disciples of Christ and the United Church of Christ.
