Christine Louie and her teammates have spent time in the Pacific Rim for the past two months. Recently they started a new ministry involving cardboard signs…
I stood outside on the sidewalk with a sign that said “Want an
apology?” A group approached and asked me what I was trying to apologize
for. I briefly introduced myself and the World Race and told them that I
am a follower of Christ and I wanted to apologize on behalf of how
Christians have misrepresented Jesus.
“I’m sorry for how we fought and killed Muslims, Jews, and gypsies in
an attempt to take over Israel during the crusades. I’m sorry we cared
more about being right than about being loving. I’m sorry for the hate
crimes Christians have committed against homosexuals. I’m sorry for how
Christians had advocated slavery in the past, justifying it by saying
that it was presented during the time of Moses. Just because it’s part
of the social institution does not make it right. I’m sorry for the
sexual abuse that had happened in the church. I’m sorry we are sometimes
judgmental and live as hypocrites. I’m sorry for the times I haven’t
taken to care for you and others and chose to be completely
self-absorbed. I’m sorry for the times I’ve misrepresented Jesus.”
The Jewish woman from the group came up to me and gave me a hug. The
group thanked me. Group after group, individual after individual, I only
received thanks and positive words for the next hour or two. One woman
told me that she was a lesbian and that she’s thankful that even if I
don’t agree with her lifestyle that I can choose to love her rather than
judge her. Another woman told me that she’s thankful that there were
Christians that were different because all she’s experienced in the
church was ostracism and condemnation. I got a chance to bring hope and
comfort to a high school kid who told me “I hope that tomorrow will be a
better day.” I told him “I’m sorry that yesterday and the days before
haven’t been how you’ve wanted it to be, but tomorrow is a gift from God
that can be better.” Another man told me that he wanted an apology for
all the things he’s wanted to say, but didn’t say and for all the things
he should’ve done that he didn’t do.
I realized the power of humility and a simple apology. Where there
was regret, pain, and hatred, there was now hope, gratitude, and
forgiveness.
