The Rev. Charles Holt, rector of St. Peter’s Church in Lake Mary, Florida, writes on his weblog:
One of the potential jurors for the George Zimmerman trial was asked to summarize this case in three points: She replied, “One man lost his life, one man is fighting for his life, and nobody wins.”
… But, there are some good things that can come from this bad situation. Romans 8:28 promises, “God works all things for the good of those who love him and are called according to his purpose.” All things? Even this tragic encounter? Even this community disruption? Do we have the eyes to see the good that is being brought forth by the Lord even now?
I want to name some “wins” for the kingdom of God from this trial. Sanford Pastors Connecting is a good thing which has come as a direct result of this trial. There is now a denominationally diverse, multi-racial group of clergy, representing rich and poor who are having regular conversations and prayer with one another. Sadly such communications have been far too long in coming. But now, there have been frank exchanges, offers of repentance and forgiveness. We have swapped pulpits, and we served the community together. While we may have different perspectives on the issues related to the trial, we share a common posture of prayer. We are united under one Lord, reconciled in Jesus Christ.
Related
“Who is my neighbor?” [MP3]. Drawing from Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan, Fr. Holt reflects on the Zimmerman trial.
The Rt. Rev. Gregory Brewer, Bishop of Central Florida, reflects on the trial at The Exchange.
Matthew Townsend is a Halifax-based freelance journalist and volunteer advocate for survivors of sexual misconduct in Anglican settings. He served as editor of the Anglican Journal from 2019 to 2021 and communications missioner for the Anglican Diocese of Quebec from 2019 to 2022. He and his wife recently entered catechism class in the Orthodox Church in America.
