Amid social chaos, I’m grateful for Church Women United of Lane County’s motto: “Agreed to Differ, Resolved to Love, United to Serve.”

Hunting down, terrorizing, maltreating, even murdering fellow human beings because they offend the dominant culture is never acceptable, as affirmed by the world’s sacred traditions.

Following ICE’s fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minnesota, many in our community and throughout the nation feel confused, angry, sad, even numb. The federal government has made clear their preference that no investigation of their murders be held. Period. End of justice.

As women of Christian faith and part of the larger body politic, we hold fast to our moral compass and reaffirm our common humanity — with victims of such violence, their families and neighbors, and yes, even with the perpetrators who have forsaken their human core.

Just laws must be obeyed (unjust laws are mere license). And the first law, which guides all others, is this: Love others as yourself.

Church Women United of Lane County joins with faith and civic organizations, including Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon, and elected officials in Oregon and nationwide, in calling for ICE’s dehumanizing activities to STOP.

We refuse to go numb. We stand united to ensure that every individual in our state and nation can feel safe, cared for and live in peace.

Mary Sharon Moore
President, Church Women United of Lane County
Springfield