It was an honor to be asked to speak at a recent community gathering on Sunday, October 1, in Harbor Park, however, I was not one of the organizers for the event, simply a guest. I am grateful for your coverage of the event and appreciate your commitment to getting the facts straight. Thank you for helping me correct the record!
It was wonderful to see 135 people gathered to listen to members of our community share their experiences of harm and heartache. The people we listened to were young and old, representing a variety of gender expressions and identities. Many of us wept as we listened to their stories and each person who had the courage to share their personal story was treated with dignity and respect. What a gift they gave us as we stood near the fresh, blue sea waters we know as Lake Superior, and listened to their stories of harm and healing.
I am deeply grateful for the children and youth, parents, grandparents, sisters, brothers, friends, neighbors, and strangers who gathered to listen and learn, to be heard and seen with clarity and compassion. As we continue to grieve and acknowledge the harm that has happened among us, I am grateful for the many people of good will who are gathering together in ways large and small to work together as we continue to strive to be an open and welcoming community. As adults, we have shared responsibility to ensure the safety and well being of all our children. Children learn what we teach them and express what we model.
Anyone can cast stones and do harm, but choosing to walk together and grow community takes courage, commitment, and open hearts. It is a discipline of fidelity and integrity that grows trust deep enough to carry us through times of tragedy and catastrophe. I celebrate all the people among us who are committed to relationships grounded in respect and love, integrity and compassion. I celebrate the children and youth who live and learn with us, offering beacons of hope, respect, and joy as they teach us what it means to create a world of justice and liberty, gentleness and peace, where all people are treated with dignity and respect.
Pastor Beth Benson
First Congregational United Church of Christ
Grand Marais
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