Myself, and a team from my church, were in Tegucigalpa, Honduras the summer of 2009 when that country went through a political coup. In the middle of the night, the military helicoptered the president out of the country and out of power. I will never forget waking up that Sunday morning to complete silence. No cars were on the road and there was no electricity, water, or phone and internet service anywhere in the city. In retaliation to the removal of the president, the president’s girlfriend cut off all utilities!
The mission house we were staying in was on a mountain overlooking the downtown area of Tegucigalpa. From our perch we could see the protests below and the military helicopters above. We were told to stay inside for fear of violence. The entire experience was surreal.
Caught in the middle of this volatile situation I remember thinking to myself, “I’m glad I don’t live here. Something like this would never happen in the United States.”
Today, reflecting on that event, I realize the inexcusable arrogance of that statement. I now understand our governmental system is no better (and maybe worse) then any third-world country.
I am worried about my country. I am anxious about what may take place this week. I can’t believe what I am seeing.
And what I am really struggling with is the complicity of the evangelical church in damaging our democracy. I used to wonder how Christians in Germany could have supported Hitler. After the last four years, I understand.
It could happen here.
It is happening here.
More than anything, we need a new rendition of the Confessional Church in the United States.
Until then, I need to go to Honduras, where I feel safe and secure.
Floods of Justice 