[1] Dreadful disasters such as we have just experienced create a renewed sense of solidarity among people. Certainly we have seen our nation come together in prayer, in mourning, in determined resolution, and in many acts of self-giving service on behalf of the victims. What other manifestations of solidarity may we hope for and pray for? Unquestionably we need solidarity among the peoples of the world to dismantle the machinery of terrorism and its horribly distorted vision of reality. However, as Christians there is still more to hope and pray and work for. We can as a people take from this experience a deepened sense of solidarity with the sufferings of all people. Can we, then, as the world’s most powerful country, exert our leadership with a heightened spirit of generosity and determination in solidarity with all people to make this a more just, peaceful and hopeful world?
James M. Childs is Joseph A. Sittler Emeritus Professor of Theology and Ethics at Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus Ohio.