Tag Archives: racial justice

Illuminating the Ministry of Joshua Young: His Ministry Still Speaks (sermon)

Posted on March 1, 2016 by KGJ

First Parish Church of Groton February 28, 2016 audio available here Imagine the most notorious train cargo of its time. The body of a man executed for treason. Imagine half the populace is simmering with vengeance and the other half … Continue reading →

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A Prayer for Tamir: One Year Anniversary

Posted on November 22, 2015 by KGJ

We gather at this time 3:30, November 22, because Tamir Rice’s family, and our own sense of integrity and justice, calls us to do so.   In their grief and outrage, they call us to be our best selves, in … Continue reading →

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Showing Up for Racial Justice: One White Person's Wading into the Waters… (Part II)

Posted on July 19, 2015 by KGJ

Part II: C’mon In, the Water’s … You Tell Me I wonder if you might have some time right now to talk with me about racial justice, about what’s going on in our nation, and how heart-breaking it is? With … Continue reading →

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White Skin in The Game: Thoughts on Rachel Dolezal

Posted on June 16, 2015 by KGJ

I know Rachel Dolezal. I have met her. (Not really.) (Well, kinda. Sorta.) I have met versions of her. Diluted versions of her. I have even seen her in the mirror. In case you have been hiding under a rock, … Continue reading →

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Trooper Responsive: The Story Continues

Posted on December 9, 2014 by KGJ

(Earlier today, I sent this letter.  I comment about the response at the end of this post.) Colonel Timothy Alben Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police  Dear Sir: It is not an easy time to be a police officer in … Continue reading →

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Eric and Jesus Can't Breathe: Another Non-Indictment (Part I)

Posted on December 4, 2014 by KGJ

Seeringly poignant, this point. We can advocate for bodycams on police, sign every petition, the national ones, the local ones. We can write to the governor, to our state reps and senators. We can call our local police stations.  We … Continue reading →

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Returning to Langston: Poems of Our Times

Posted on November 29, 2014 by KGJ

When I preached on the Sunday a week after Mike Brown was murdered in Ferguson, Missouri, like many ministers that week, I changed the topic I was going to preach on — like many ministers are choosing to do this … Continue reading →

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Let's not Just Make Noise, Let's Make a Difference: On the Night of No Indictment of Darren Wilson

Posted on November 25, 2014 by KGJ

I am supposed to be moved to write something, or say something, or craft some response to the news from Ferguson, Missouri. Something deep or inspiring. Instead, I am stunned. And sad. Existentially fretful. Deeply discouraged. I have nothing new … Continue reading →

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Nobody, but Nobody, Can Make It Out Here Alone (sermon)

Posted on October 12, 2014 by KGJ

First Parish Church of Groton, Groton, MA Karen G. Johnston, Intern Minister October 12, 2014 (a link to the audio of this sermon is here) Let me begin with gratitude. For you, this body of people who makes a place … Continue reading →

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The Ferguson Challenge: Talking Across Race

Posted on August 21, 2014 by KGJ

I just returned from business travel that required flying in and out of Baltimore-Washington International (BWI) airport. I had to take a taxi from the airport to where I was scheduled to work. Though I tend to be rather non-conversational … Continue reading →

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