Reflection on Pride and the Christchurch massacre

In a heartfelt reflection recorded as part of a church service at St Andrew's on the Terrace in Wellington, Rev. Dr. Susan Jones addresses the attendees during a time of both celebration and mourning—the Wellington Pride Festival, and in the immediate aftermath of the Christchurch massacre wherein 51 people were tragically killed at two Christchurch mosques.

Rev. Dr. Jones begins by acknowledging the challenge of understanding the events of the massacre that occurred on March 15, 2019. Initially, the speaker was cognizant of the potentially overlooked Pride Festival, but later realized the significance of the incident in Christchurch as an emblem of society's broader challenge—the difficulty of embracing difference. Drawing attention to the minority communities directly affected by the massacre—Muslims, Jews, and the LGBTQ+ community—they emphasize how these groups, on account of being perceived as different, make the majority feel uneasy.

The speaker then delves into the disturbing reality that violent reactions to this unease, like the attack carried out by the white supremacist, originate from a shared societal problem: the shadow side of human nature. Regardless of whether society at large is willing to admit it, this shadow side—the deep-seated fears and anxieties that lie within—tests individuals' ability to be open and welcoming to those perceived as different.

By sharing personal experiences from a year spent in the United States during a time of international conflict, Rev. Dr. Jones illustrates the pervasive nature of fear and misunderstanding that can arise between groups of different backgrounds or beliefs. They explain how these divisions are fortified by projection, where the less one knows about another person, the easier it is to attribute one's own fears onto them.

The speaker does not shy away from acknowledging that even when individuals do not resort to extreme violence as seen in Christchurch, the tension remains palpable in everyday interactions with those who are 'other.' They cite the ongoing difficulties faced by religious and sexual minorities, including their own observations of widespread unease during interactions between Americans and Iranians during the Iran hostage crisis, to illustrate the entrenchment of such fears and preconceived notions.

In an appeal to the teachings of all major religions, Rev. Dr. Jones underscores the imperative of loving oneself and extending that love to one's neighbors, regardless of race or creed. They draw on the biblical story of David and Jonathan’s friendship despite tribal conflicts to exemplify this principle.

Moreover, the reflection points to contemporary thinkers like David Gushee and Matthew Vine, who challenge traditional interpretations of scriptures regarding sexuality, providing alternative readings that celebrate loving relationships in their variety. The speaker encourages listeners to understand these relationships as loving, nonviolent, mutual, faithful, and long-lasting, emphasizing the importance of personal development for harmonious coexistence.

In conclusion, Rev. Dr. Jones calls upon all to exercise persistence, patience, courage, and above all, love when engaging with individuals who differ from themselves. The message closes with an invitation to include and embrace the rainbow community and the Muslim community in the wake of the tragedy, urging attendees to fearlessly show love and solidarity to all people, as fundamental tenets shared by diverse faiths demand.

This summary is created using Generative AI. Although it is based on the recording's transcription, it may contain errors or omissions. Click here to learn more about how this summary was created.

Rev Dr Susan Jones

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