In the aftermath of the brutal killing of George Floyd, and in light of the wider issues of social injustice this tragedy highlights, we at Girton join all those who stand against violence and oppression, condemn racism, and affirm that black lives matter.
Today we are observing a two-minute silence at 2pm in memory of George Floyd who died two weeks ago. This silence expresses our solidarity with George Floyd's family and all who suffer with him, including those in our own community: it is about listening to grief and anger, drawing breath to speak out, and aiming to work together for a better, fairer world.
In that spirit, after the silence, some may wish to listen to our Chaplain, Revd Dr Malcolm Guite, read his new poem 'Cry Out Loud' - a response, in light of these events, to Psalm 94, itself an ancient call to speak out against injustice, and not to be silenced by fear.
https://vimeo.com/426995744/0f016c77bf
Cry Out Loud
My saviour stands and keeps my soul serene
But also sends me back into the world
To speak his word and challenge the obscene
Injustices we take for granted, sold
As we are on systems that preserve
Our privilege and barter truth for gold
Putting our souls to silence. We reserve
Our judgement but the psalmist makes it clear
Justice is coming for God’s poor. We serve
Him best if we can serve them here,
Rise up and take their part against the proud
Deliver them from harassment and fear.
We have been pietistic, quiet, cowed
But we must come out publicly and cry
For equal rights and justice, cry out loud.
A reflection by our Chaplain, Revd Dr Malcolm Guite, on Psalm 94, in light of the news of the past fortnight.
This poem is part of a series Malcolm is writing responding to the book of psalms. In the course of writing these poems he has been reminded forcefully of God’s concern for the voiceless and oppressed and how imperative it is that we should advocate and speak up for one another.