Earlier this week, the POTUS called people from Somalia “Garbage.” Bishop Matt Gunter of the Episcopal Diocese of Wisconsin wrote a powerful social media post. Here’s a few lines from it.
This rhetoric and the actions to which (this statement) leads are fundamentally unchristian. As we prepare to celebrate the wonder of the Word made flesh we are reminded that *all* human flesh is sacred. No human body or human person is garbage – regardless of where they are from, the color of their skin, their gender, or anything else that makes up the diversity of humanity created in the image of God and blessed by the incarnation. To speak or act otherwise is gross blasphemy against God.
The vast majority of people we are talking about are simply desirous of – desperate for – security and opportunity for themselves and their families. Which has always been the American promise – the same promise that inspired my ancestors to come here.
Dehumanizing rhetoric is contrary to that promise. It is unchristian and unamerican. It should not be tolerated anywhere, but especially from the president of a nation whose character as a “melting pot” has long been celebrated. And it should not be tolerated by Christians preparing to celebrate the Word made flesh, born into an inhospitable place to embrace all with the welcome of God.
