A Pastoral Letter of Support for Our Haitian Siblings in Springfield

September 18, 2024

Dear Friends in Christ,

I write from my heart to yours calling you to join me in support of the Haitian community in Springfield, Ohio, which is part of the Southern Ohio Northern Kentucky Association (SONKA) of the Heartland Conference. These beloveds of God have experienced prejudice and threats of violence as a result of lies that have been told about them. Let us stand with them as the beloved children of God that they are and utterly reject such false narratives.

Christian scripture calls us to “…put away falsehood, let each of you speak the truth with your neighbor…Let no evil talk come out of your mouths but only what is good for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear.“ (Ephesians 4:25,29)

In the past week, violent threats from outsiders urged on by false narratives about the Haitian members of the Springfield community have resulted in the closing of schools, businesses, and government offices. This perpetuation of lies, hate, and fear is a rejection of the core values of our faith.

Let us embrace our Haitian siblings and the entire community of Springfield. Together they have worked for years to build a community of flourishing where all can have a job, put down roots, and be treated as equally beloved children of God. I urge everyone to join in standing with them in this difficult time.

Further, let those who continue to perpetuate falsehoods about the Haitian community in Springfield stop using hate for political gain. Let us urge everyone to prophetically resist and interrupt these tactics and untruths whenever and wherever they arise, using instead the truth that builds up. Our voices matter in this important work, regardless of where we live.

Finally, I encourage your financial support of the Haitian Community in Springfield. Your gifts may be sent to the Haitian Support Center of Springfield by clicking here or the Springfield Foundation by clicking here. If you find yourself near Springfield, I encourage you to eat at a Haitian-owned restaurant or otherwise support a Haitian-owned business. Together may we embody the upbuilding love of God made known to us in Christ so that those in our midst who suffer may know they are not alone.

Blessings and Godspeed,
Rev. Dr. David Long-Higgins

Conference Minister
Heartland Conference
United Church of Christ

A Prayer for Our Haitian Siblings based on Ephesians 4:25 and 29

“…put away falsehood, let each of you speak the truth with your neighbor…Let no evil talk come out of your mouths but only what is good for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear.“ (Ephesians 4:25,29) 

Loving God,

Bear Your word of truth in us today

  That it may build up our Haitian siblings

  In a season of lies bent on diminishing them

  And dividing the community and the nation.

Turn the hearts of those who insist

  On perpetuating and deepening the divide,

  That a new and whole heart may take hold

  Reshaping the narrative

  With the language of love

  For all of your human family,

  Already held In Your great heart

  As beloved and belonging.

Let Your agape love,

  That seeks the good of the other

  Be more and more the operative

  Energy and Spirit at work in all of us

  Shaping our words and deeds

  That Your vision of the beloved

  community may rise ever anew.

Awaken us again and again

  To Your gift of beautiful diversity

  That gives rise to Your joy,

  If only we will prayerfully pause

  In wonder and praise

  At what You make possible.

Pour Your Spirit, ever anew,

  Strengthening our Haitian siblings

  And shaping our words with love

  That Your healing justice may rise

  And lead everyone to Your intended joy.

In Your Holy Name we pray.  Amen.