In the second sermon of the series on Exile and Return, Rev. Cari hosts another complex text: Isaiah 43:1-7. Both a word of assurance from a God of mercy and compassion, and (apparently) a promise of favour to a nation prized above all others, the text raises mixed feelings in us.

Rev. Cari wonders if that’s because we’ve noted that claims of “God loves us more than you” have more often contributed to injustice than to peace.

She challenges the Crossroads community (and anyone else who is listening) to consider this promise of restoration in the light of Missasauga Nishnaabeg scholar Leanne Betasamosake Simpson’s work in Indigenous resurgence… identity deepening through the recovery of story, tradition and practice.

Rev. Cari thinks this is work the Christian community needs to engage in as well, in order to participate with integrity in movements for justice in our world.