God of forgiveness, when we look back at the history of the church, we are aware of so much good that has been done in the name of Jesus. Teachers have taught, physicians have healed, and pastors have shared good news. However, we do not have to look far to see that much pain has come from good people who allowed their eagerness to overcome common sense and ignored the truths of other cultures and faiths.
In the name of Jesus, people created boarding schools, severed the ties of children from parents, practiced cultural genocide, and controlled the use of language and the observance of traditional practices. As we listen to the stories of the indigenous people of this continent, we hear repeatedly stories of terror, abuse, and death. People of good faith engaged in unspeakable acts of violence.
And we know that there are in our own time those who use the name of Jesus to justify racism, abuse of immigrants and refugees, separation of families, incarceration of the innocent, war, and destruction.
Forgive our foolish ways!
Give us strength to stand up to those who claim the name of Christ without following Jesus’ actions and instructions. Help us to show a more tolerant, loving, and accepting way of living the faith we have inherited.
We are not innocent. We rely on your forgiveness. But before forgiveness comes confession and repentance. May we be honest about the violence done in the name of Jesus. May we be genuine in our turning away from evil perpetuated in the holy name.
Guide us, O Great Redeemer!
Amen