The bishop who gained fame after performing the wedding of England’s Prince Harry and Meghan Markle has landed in Texas. Michael Curry, presiding bishop and primate of the Episcopal Church, was appointed the first black presiding bishop in 2015. He’s come to Texas for an Episcopal convention that occurs every three years. He will also hold a prayer service at the T. Don Hutto Residential Center in Hutto, Texas, which is currently home to detained immigrant women.
Curry, like many other Americans, is shocked at how the government has filled detention centers.
“We go to pray that our nation will find a way forward that is compassionate, that is just, that reflects loving of neighbor, that has the capacity to be both humanitarian and to provide for security,” Curry says. “We can do both.”
While Curry understands and appreciates the sentiments behind the “thoughts and prayers” often offered to victims of some unfortunate event, he believes that more than prayer is needed. In fact, he cites the Bible. Yes, he says, Christ prayed in the garden at Gethsemane, but he then died on the cross – for our sins. Curry uses this example to point out that prayer isn’t the only answer to societal woes.
“Prayer and action go together,” Curry says. “In terms of our public policy, I don’t believe that loving your neighbor as yourself ever means you separate a parent from a child when they’re seeking refuge.”
For Curry, this is a moment where Americans of all creeds can unite under what always made America great.
“For my brothers and sisters who may be atheist or agnostic, we share some other common values as Americans,” Curry says. “When America has been at its greatest, it has stood for truth and liberty and justice and human compassion and decency.”
Written by Kevin Wheeler.