Bishop Edward Malesic shares his thoughts on Juneteenth:
“On June 19, 1865, the last enslaved people in the Confederate states were informed of their freedom. As we commemorate the anniversary of this day, now known as Juneteenth, it is a time for celebrating freedom from slavery, as well as a time for reflection and contemplation of where we are now, 160 years later, as we continue to overcome racism and its effects on our community.
On this day of remembrance, we must not forget the tremendous harm done by the evil of slavery in our nation’s past, working peacefully for a future of racial equality and social justice, respecting the dignity of all human life, from conception to natural death.
Let us remember that we are all created in the image and likeness of God. We are all God’s sons and daughters – making us brothers and sisters of one another, no matter the color of our skin or ethnic background.
Pray that our Lord Jesus Christ will fill our hearts with compassion for one another, and help us follow his example of love for all without exception – in our homes, in our communities and in our society.”
