What courageous person inspires you and why?┃The Rev’d Dr Ruth Mathieson
Reflections
“It is very important for Christians to be courageous and proclaim God’s love to those who may only otherwise hear of God’s condemnation,” says The Rev’d Dr Ruth Mathieson
Story Timeline
ACSQ values: Courage
Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde was the preacher at the ecumenical prayer service at Washington National Cathedral on 21 January, after the inauguration of President Donald Trump for his second term.
Following what had been a divisive election campaign, she encouraged prayer for unity, naming the foundations of unity as honouring the inherent dignity of every human being, honesty, and humility. Bishop Mariann concluded by addressing President Trump with a plea for mercy for gay, lesbian and transgender children and that the humanity of immigrants as “good neighbours” be recognised rather than treating them as criminals. I was deeply moved as I watched this gently, but nonetheless strongly, spoken sermon.
This courageous act taught me how one can draw on the resources of faith to communicate the gospel in a profound act of leadership by bearing public witness to God’s love for all people. Moments of bravery like this come from a steady and steadfast journey of faith.
Bishop Mariann stood with the churches in her diocese as they provided water and sanctuary to Black Lives Matter protesters in 2020. In 2023 Budde, published How we learn to be brave: Decisive moments in life and faith. In this she explores how being brave is not a singular occurrence, but a daily choice and she illustrates this with stories from scripture, popular culture and personal experience.
It is very important for Christians to be courageous and proclaim God’s love to those who may only otherwise hear of God’s condemnation. One way in which I have been privileged to do this is to speak of God’s love for all God’s children at a Trans Justice rally earlier this year.
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