Please Confirm

I was recently prompted to confirm my humanity. 

This did not happen during a conversation – and what an interesting conversation that would have been! – but instead, after I signed up to receive an organization’s e-newsletter. The email marketing software wanted to confirm that I am human, and not a malicious robot, before adding my email address to their system.  

Seeing the words “confirm your humanity” flash up on my screen gave me pause and led me to consider the meaning of the word. Humanity can be defined as the quality or state of being human, or the totality of human beings, and/or the quality or state of being humane – compassionate, sympathetic, or generous.    

This past Sunday was Trinity Sunday and the Old Testament lesson was from Genesis 1:1-2:4a. As we heard, in this Creation story God created humankind in God’s image, and it was good. And at the 10:30 am Confirmation service, many members of the Christ Church community participated in a joyful affirmation of our humanity, of our oneness with the Trinity and our commitment to each other and the faith as children of God.   

Later that day, Galilee Ministries of East Charlotte – my place of work and service – hosted a group of parishioners from Christ Church, St. Michael and All Angels, and other congregations in the convocation and city who gathered as an intentional Becoming Beloved Community for a meal and fellowship. This group has been together since Lent of 2022.  

One person in this group was Joanne Jenkins, a parishioner at Christ Church and new Board Chair at Galilee, thanks be to God! Earlier this week, Joanne shared with me that while she was at Galilee with the Becoming Beloved Community group, there were other groups present on site. This is not unusual in the life of Galilee, and Sunday was particularly lively. 

There was an evangelical congregation gathered for worship and, after their service ended, another group convened to discuss issues that impact marginalized members of our community. At the same time, members of a different congregation met to discuss their own church matters. As the Becoming Beloved Community group was wrapping up, Joanne met members from our newest community partner, an African congregation that uses the Nave for choir practice. 

All these people, from all walks of life, were at Galilee together in the name of peace and respect. Greetings were exchanged and connections were made, and these are some of the foundations of community. In a world that can be cruel, shallow, and soulless, after witnessing this Sunday at church and at Galilee, the opposite is a real reality. Humanity and community are confirmed.

Prayer for the Human Family 

O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

– Book of Common Prayer, page 815

In service,

Emily+