Harriet “Jenny” Bromley writes very movingly of the critical need for sound judgment and resistance to stereotyping. This short essay from a few weeks ago, is a reminder that every event touches us. Many thanks to Jenny for sharing her thoughts and prayers.
The tragedy of the murders to silence the free speech of the satirists in Paris hits at the heart of thoughtful people who understand the need to question the status quo. Free speech is an absolute requirement to guarantee transparency in a democracy.
Having lived in France during the Algerian war, in a residence bombed in the spring of the that war and still being repaired, I understand the heat of conflict between the citizens with a basic sense of belonging in that country and those who experience the disrespect for their Muslim religion and way of life.
What troubles me is that I don’t hear any compassion for the Muslims, many in France because of the colonization of Algeria. Most of the Muslims are simply trying to live their lives in France and abhor violence. The Qu’ran does not advocate this violence against others. I have heard French friends and citizens talk about the pieds noirs reflecting their blind side to the difficulties Muslims face, specifically Algerians, living in a Catholic country, proud of their approach to life.
We all abhor the attack on the magazine. We hold the families and the country in our hearts for the tragedy they have endured.
But, we absolutely must pray for the Muslims who will suffer from this violence – in France and throughout the world, and in our own Kentucky. This violence may hit them much harder in the long run than it does us. Our Christianity demands that we be aware of what they are suffering along with our own. And, we must hold them in our prayers.
–Harriet “Jenny” Bromley, member of the Mission and Service Board.
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