Words From The Warden
Stand Up For Those Who Cannot
Growing up, my parents instilled in me the value of defending those who cannot defend themselves. They consistently emphasized the importance of sticking up for the little guy, and stepping in whenever someone was being mistreated or bullied.
For me, there was only one way to address such situations: to step in and confront the bully directly. This approach became a guiding principle throughout my life.
At my 50th class reunion, I was reminded of a significant moment from my school days. A bully challenged me to a fight after school, and my friends admitted they went to watch because they believed I would lose. As the story unfolded, the bully never actually showed up, but I had prepared myself to face him. I was ready to stand up and defend myself, demonstrating the lessons I had learned about confronting injustice.
During a recent conversation with a friend, I shared some insights from our coffee hour discussions, focusing on our recurring theme of "Love in Action." Our dialogue touched upon CRIS and the vital services it provides for immigrants. We also explored the five ways people can offer help as bystanders, a topic that resonated strongly with me.
When I mentioned these experiences, my friend chuckled and responded, "We do Bible study after services." At that moment, another acquaintance nearby questioned my perspective, asking if I was "some kind of libtard." I tried to clarify my viewpoint, expressing my belief in being the hands and feet of Christ, actively working to support those in need. Despite my explanation, they remained unconvinced.
Although I am confident that helping those who are hungry, homeless, and marginalized is what Jesus expects from us, I realized I was unsure how to articulate this conviction using "Biblical" language. This prompted me to do further research, seeking to ground my actions and beliefs in scripture. Through this process, I gained a deeper understanding of how faith calls us to compassion and service. During coffee hour we learned that there is more than one way to protect the vulnerable – confront the aggressor, get help, create a distraction, document what is happening or comfort the harassed person.
Have you ever had a moment when you felt certain you were doing the right thing, but couldn’t fully explain why? The framework of the 5 D’s of bystander intervention—Direct, Distract, Delegate, Delay, and Document—emphasizes the importance of taking action rather than standing by in indifference. This approach mirrors biblical commands to love in action and truth, not merely in words, as stated in John 3:18. When something feels “right,” it may be because you are listening to God’s voice guiding you in compassion and righteousness.
Direct (Speak Up)
Speaking up for others is a principle found in Proverbs 3:18, which encourages us to advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves. This form of intervention involves confronting injustice and giving a voice to the voiceless.
Delegate (Seek Help)
Seeking assistance is also rooted in scripture. Jesus sent his disciples out in pairs, and Moses was advised to share his burden with others, as described in Exodus 18:18. Delegate means recognizing when you need help and involving others to support those in need.
Distract (Interrupt)
Distraction can be a wise tactic. Proverbs 15:1 speaks about using wisdom to disrupt conflict, which can be interpreted as creating a distraction to diffuse a tense situation and protect someone from harm.
Delay (Support Later)
Offering support after an incident is illustrated by the story of the Good Samaritan, who provided care after an attack. Delay means that even if you cannot intervene immediately, you can still show compassion and help later.
Document (Record Evidence)
The principle of documenting is found in the biblical practice of having multiple witnesses to establish truth. Recording evidence ensures accountability and helps uphold justice.
Some parishioners, like my friends, may not immediately see the connection between our coffee hour discussions and their scriptural foundations. I hope these reflections clarify that God calls us to be upstanders, not bystanders. He is always with us, encouraging us to act with courage and compassion.
Peace,
Henry Zaborniak, Senior Warden