From Don Fornoff, The Bishop’s Task Force on Homelessness
A friend recently sent me a card with a note about her thoughts on the day. She wrote, ‘Do not be daunted by the enormity of the world’s grief.’
Do justly, now.
Love mercy, now.
Walk humbly, now.
You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it.
From the Talmud, on grief.
These thoughts are certainly about the condition of our world in many places. It is also in my mind the way conditions are in our part of the world relating to those who are unhoused. So, for us in the Bishop’s Task Force, we grieve for the world, and we look locally at the homelessness situation to give what we can to alleviate homelessness and encourage all the churches in the Diocese to do what they can.
A December 19 Seattle Times article cited a 12% increase in homelessness, with the highest count in history. In Washington State, it is +11%. The obvious conclusion is we need to continue to do what we do so well; that is, over 50% of our parishes report some service. Also, we need to do more to stem the tide.
At Christmas, we are fortunate to give thanks for what we have. It is also a time of rebirth, taking us all into a continuing year of unconditional love for the marginalized. It has been described as the heart of the Advent Season. Please stay in touch, and let’s try to get something done.
A Blessed Christmas to all.
Don Fornoff
Diocese of Olympia, The Bishop’s Task Force on Homelessness.
