How does God show His love for the world? I asked that and one seminarian answered, “Through the Gospel of Jesus Christ.” “Yes,” I said. “Any other ways?” A little talking led to the answer, “Through government.” God intends His care to come to all people through church and also the state, each in its own way.
16-year-old Pierre Childs was the innocent victim of a shooting last May 7 but no arrest was made. Pierre’s grandmother was tense when a detective sat down with her but her mood eased when Rev. Maurice McIntosh walked in. She knew and trusted him. “People seem to want to listen to a minister rather than someone from the homicide unit,” said Lt. Fred Turner. “There’s a spiritual side of people that comes out in these situations.” (St. Louis Post-Dispatch, March 16, 2014)
A Concordia seminarian has volunteered to work with the St. Louis Police Department. Last Friday he rode with officers, went to three shooting scenes, and provided a calm, unarmed presence for police and citizens alike. Separation of church and state? Sometimes, but there are times God’s love comes best when both work together.
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