The Beloved Community

Here's a letter to the editor published in the January 15th edition of the Richmond Review, written by Rev Margaret Cornish, pastor of St Alban, key member of the shelter committee (Spiritual Advisor) and huge advocate for the poor.  We are all fortunate to be part of her beloved community.

King’s message remains urgent here

Editor:
Jan. 15 is Rev. Martin Luther King’s birthday. He was, of course, a powerful advocate for people living in poverty.

King’s voice was everything. It brought a nation to attention and a people to some understanding. His voice spoke powerful truth. He spoke straight from the truth of his own heart to the goodness in our hearts—which he believed in. He never excluded anyone.

The world tries hard to remember him, but our voices are not his voice. We are not as convincing.

King’s message, 43 years after his death, continues to be urgent and of deep relevance.

In Richmond, the number of women, children and men living in poverty grows yearly. Increasing numbers of people use the food bank and church community meal programs. The Inn from the Cold extreme weather shelter at St. Alban opened in 2008 and has also seen the number of guests increase. We’ve had 155 bed-nights this winter so far and 29 different individuals (25 men, four women, all over 19).

The response of the people of Richmond to the needs of those experiencing homelessness on their streets is generous and amazing. Seventy active volunteers and a host of others at Inn from the Cold give of their time and resources to provide a warm and safe place.

On behalf of Larry McIntyre (shelter manager) and co-chairs Sister Cecilia Hudec and Victor Farmer, I thank the community of Richmond for the outpouring of compassion and care demonstrated—including practical gifts and support.

I also want to thank the volunteers and guests of Inn from the Cold shelter for the privilege of being part of their lives. I have learned from them all and been deeply moved by our experience together.

As a person of faith I have felt the love and grace of God in conversation, prayer, and laughter on many occasions. I’ve been deeply moved by the dignity and humility of our guests and the depth of care and humanity among all our guests, staff and volunteers.

It is through this that I have experienced “the beloved community” of which King dreamed.

Reverend Margaret Cornish

St. Alban Church