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Dear Passing the Peace Readers, 

For this week’s newsletter I would like to celebrate Asian Heritage Month! As a proud Japanese Canadian, I appreciate this invitation to learn more about Asian identity, culture, and experiences. Throughout the month of May churches, schools, workplaces, and community spaces will be challenging stereotypes and ignorance around Asian cultures by sharing stories and information. 

I’d like to give thanks to YongSeok Baek for sharing his story as part of The United Church of Canada’s 40 Days on Anti-Racism resource. Take a look at the video below for his reflections on how accent and language barriers can impact the way we offer welcome, especially in our church. 

 

Please join YongSeok Baek in his prayer for Asian Heritage Month: 

God of All Peoples, you created us in your image—
diverse, beautiful, and beloved.

Yet, in our world and even in our churches,
racism distorts our vision,
divides our communities,
and diminishes your truth.

Forgive us for the ways we have been ignorant  to the pain of others.

Open our hearts to stories that are not our own.
Give us courage to confront injustice,
even when it is uncomfortable or inconvenient.

We pray for those who carry the burden of discrimination.
We pray for those who have been told their voice doesn’t matter.
And we pray that we may be transformed into people of compassion, humility, and justice.

Let your Spirit move through us as we build a church where every language,
every story,
and every culture is celebrated—
not merely included, but embraced as sacred.

In the name of Jesus,
who broke down walls of division,
we pray.

Amen.

 

May the Peace of Christ be with you, 

Rev Michiko

 

Image: Public Domain/Government of Canada