In Solidarity

In response to the senseless death of Freddie Gray in 2015 in Baltimore and the racial inequities and injustices toward Black Americans that were brought to light in various cities throughout our nation at the time, Faith and Work Enterprises was founded.  With the recent incomprehensible deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd, we stand with the nation in shock and sadness and yet are more aware than ever that these are not isolated events, but rather the fruit of a structural racism that has plagued America for far too long.

We mourn with those who mourn.  We cry out for justice.  And we boldly join in the proclamation: Black Lives Matter! – yesterday, now, and always!

As we continue our work in Sandtown-Winchester, we stand with the community and offer vital resources and loving support for people who are too often hurt by the systems of our society. We also strive to find ways to help individuals overcome barriers to what should be a right to all: meaningful employment. And now we are pleased to announce the beginning of a new video campaign to give voice to and highlight the stories of local residents: My Black is Beautiful.

We know that no individual’s or organization’s work alone can make the needed difference. Nonetheless we are hopeful that the God who created all people and who loves all people, is also redeeming this moment by uniting people across our country to end racism and learn better how to truly love one another.

¹⁴ For this reason I kneel before the Father, ¹⁵ from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. ¹⁶ I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, ¹⁷ so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, ¹⁸ may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, ¹⁹ and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

²⁰ Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, ²¹ to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.  Ephesians 3:14-21

 

May the God of peace grant that this be so.

 

Rev. Martin J. Schultheis

Executive Director