05/07/2026
A MESSAGE FROM THE JUSTICE ADVOCATE FOR THE PRESBYTERY OF NEW YORK CITY (PNYC):
LOUIS D. RODRIGUEZ, MPS
A Call to Faith, Freedom, and Faithful Action
Beloved Presbytery of New York City,
Grace and peace to you.
There is a familiar saying we all know: freedom is not free—you have to fight for it. In the same way, democracy is not free—you have to stand up, speak out, and protect it. These are not just political ideas; they are deeply moral and spiritual concerns, because they touch the dignity and worth of every human being created in the image of God.
In these times, we have witnessed decisions that have shaken the foundation of voting rights in this nation. Moments like these remind us that progress is never guaranteed. Rights once secured can be weakened. Justice once advanced can be delayed. And so the question before the Church is not whether we will respond—but how?
Scripture reminds us in Hosea 4:6: “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” This is not just about information—it is about awareness, responsibility, and action. The Church must be a place where truth is spoken, where people are equipped, and where justice is pursued with wisdom and courage.
We are also reminded of the power entrusted to us. We often say the pen is mightier than the sword—and it is. But above all, we declare that God is mightier than all. Our hope is not in systems alone, but in the God who calls us to transform them. The apostle Paul, in Philemon 1:8-11, writes not with force, but with love:
“Though I am bold enough in Christ to command you… yet I would rather appeal to you on the basis of love…”
Paul appeals to transformation—not coercion. He calls for a change of heart that leads to a change in relationship and responsibility. Likewise, we are not merely commanded to act—we are called to act out of love: love for neighbor, love for justice, and love for God.
Our own constitutional foundations as Presbyterians affirm this calling. The Book of Order reminds us that one of the great ends of the Church is “the promotion of social righteousness” (F-1.0304). Moreover, the Book of Confessions declares through the Confession of 1967 that God’s work of reconciliation includes the establishment of justice in society.
This means, beloved, that our faith cannot remain within the walls of the sanctuary. It must move into the world. It must speak when silence is easier. It must act when inaction is more comfortable.
So I appeal to you—not out of obligation, but out of love:
Love for those whose voices are at risk of being silenced
Love for communities seeking fairness and dignity
Love for the God who calls us to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly
Let us be a Church that is informed.
Let us be a Church that is engaged.
Let us be a Church that stands faithfully in the gap.
For freedom requires vigilance.
Democracy requires participation.
And faith requires action.
May we rise to the moment—not in fear, but in faith.
God bless you and keep you, Amen.
