Day 3, Way 3Continuing with Mississippi Week, I hereby declare this
Put Your Works Where Your Faith Is Friday, where we profile an organization supported by people who believe there is more to faith than wearing the brand logo and increasing market share. And in honor of my personal struggle against the Catholic hierarchy, this week's shout out goes to the Lutherans! What up, dawgs? How's that whole reformation thing working out for ya?
Christus Victor Disaster ResponseThe Christus Victor Lutheran Church in Ocean Springs has set up what looks to be a permanent disaster relief operation. Nothing flashy or newfangled; basically you got your
food kitchen, you got your
distribution center, you got your
medical clinic, and you got your
community work crews, which go out and reclaim flooded houses from the black mold which is trying to eat them.
The nice thing about going through a church is that it's run by long-term residents and therefore, I figure, in better shape to know what to do for the community than just about anyone else. Course, there are some downsides too, as I know only too well. But I mean really, what have the Lutherans ever done to me?
One quick Googling of "Lutheran" and "sexuality" later:
Aw, crap.Well, so the Mississippi Synod is no further along than the Vatican on this point. Well, the need is where it is, and so is Christus Victor, and so there you have it.
For those who are violently allergic to Christianity in any form (I understand, and I sympathize), here's a secular group called the
Grassroots Volunteer Organization which is doing the same kind of cleanup work in East Biloxi. Enjoy.
See you tomorrow,
The Plaid Adder
Day 2, Way 2: Hands On NetworkDay 1, Way 1: Common Ground Collective