Would You Die To Stop ICE?

Key Takeaways

Bishop Hirschfeld urged clergy to prepare to physically intervene to protect vulnerable people.
His remarks align with 35 years of ministry, emphasizing courage and love amidst global unrest.
The Bishop referenced Jonathan Daniels, a 1960s civil rights martyr, as an example of standing in harm's way.
Christian nationalism hinders interfaith cooperation by merging religious and political power, corrupting Jesus's message.
Engaging with neighbors, even those with opposing views, builds trust and counters societal distrust.

Bishop A. Robert Hirschfeld delivered an extemporaneous speech at a prayer vigil for Renee Goode.
He urged clergy to have their affairs in order and be prepared to physically intervene to protect vulnerable individuals.
The Bishop stated he has no second thoughts about his remarks, which emphasize spiritual preparedness for dangerous situations.

Jonathan Daniels, an Episcopalian priest from New Hampshire, was killed in the 1960s and is remembered as a martyr.
He joined the Civil Rights Movement in Alabama to help Black citizens register to vote, despite resistance.
Daniels was arrested, jailed with Ruby Sales, and upon release, confronted by a deputy sheriff with a shotgun, leading to his death while protecting others.
Bishop Hirschfeld noted Daniels was a man of privilege who chose to stand in harm's way due to incarnate faith.

Bishop Hirschfeld's recent viral remarks are consistent with his 35 years of ordained ministry.
His message concludes with a blessing to "live without fear," acknowledging life's fragility and the world's brokenness.
He clarified that his tone did not shift, but rather confirmed long-held beliefs about purpose, meaning, and boldness in love.

Bishop Hirschfeld discusses "putting your body on the line" by engaging with neighbors, even those with opposing viewpoints.
He cited Timothy Snyder's "On Tyranny" on the importance of making eye contact and small talk to counter societal distrust and fear.
He shared a positive interaction with a neighbor, learning their name and offering help despite political differences.

Bishop Hirschfeld attributes the lack of interfaith cooperation to the rise of Christian nationalism.
He argues this movement conflates the church's mission with political and military force, tracing its origins to Constantine's endorsement of Christianity.
This merging of religious and political power has historically corrupted Jesus's message of compassion, drawing parallels to the church's alliance with the Third Reich.
Such conflation leads to confusion about God's nature, questioning whether to worship an arbitrary or a vulnerable, self-emptying deity.

Bishop Hirschfeld states he ministers to all within his flock, including Trump supporters, by addressing community divisions.
He emphasizes shared humanity, basic necessities, and the perils of societal divisions, contrasting human brokenness with God's love.
His wife, Polly Ingram, a non-baptized Christian, finds his direct messaging challenging, publishing a book titled "Unconverted."
The Bishop reflects on the difficulty of converting those closest to us, linking it to a Buddhist concept of managing desire.