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Oct 13, 2023Liked by Rev. Angela Denker

The quote from Naomi Klein is a gem of moral clarity in the midst of the gray areas and dark spaces of the articles above. Narges Mohammadi is impressive. I was on a study tour with LSTC to Israel/Palestine in 2005. That resonates still with me! Even moreso now. Out of the blue I was asked to speak at Mission Sunday (on Oct 8) at a rural church nearby about that trip. (I had mentioned my trip and visit to Caesarea Philippi in a sermon earlier.) The heartbreak of Oct 7 (on Simchat Torah!) deepened the resonance and the distress since then. I am sure your trip in 2010 was similar. That palpable sense of pressure in Jerusalem at that time gave me a sense and image of the "historical Jesus" facing similar stress and danger in 1st CE Jerusalem. Narges Mohammadi, Naomi Klein, et al exhibit similar courage in the cause of peace and justice. I wish for an ounce of that. I didn't read all the cited articles but enough to feel overwhelmed right now- hopefully a little more informed and enlightened. Thank God for good journalists! Thanks to you. And God bless your work, call, and writing ahead. Yes to support for rural and small town pastors!

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Angela, know that I feel and share your pain and the crushing pain from those suffering everywhere in the world. I have decided that the image of God dwelling inside us is Empathy/Compassion. I feel isolated here out West in the high desert of Central Oregon.

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You are not alone!

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Thank you for your faithful, heartfelt writings. The news tears me apart also as I have traveled in both Israel and Jordan. Our Biblical stories have deep roots in both countries.

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Oct 14, 2023Liked by Rev. Angela Denker

Thank you for writing this difficult blog from your heart that is breaking... my own heart is breaking too. My wife Denise and I are truly at a loss as we watch the horror show in Israel and Palestine continue to unfold. We are also at a loss for words as we watch the clown-show that is DC politics.

Please keep sharing your message and your work in the area of White Christian Nationalism in my home state. Living in deep red Alabama, I see it everywhere. Yet I also know it is happening “back home” and have seen it rearing its ugly head.

Thank you again for sharing your thoughts and holding a candle in this darkness.

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