California church removes Trump from prayer list because it’s ‘literally a trauma trigger’
In a new report, an Episcopal church in Pasadena, California is eliminating the mention of Donald Trump’s name from their prayer lists and services because it traumatizes people, “literally a trauma trigger to some people.”
The post on Heat St. article details how the church will continue offering prayers for those in power, but it will no longer use proper names, said rector Mike Kinman in a blog post, because “prayer should never be a trauma-causing act.”
“We are in a unique situation in my lifetime where we have a president elect whose name is literally a trauma trigger to some people – particularly women and people who, because of his words and actions, he represents an active danger to health and safety.”
“The question is—does saying the president’s name in prayer in this way compromise the safety of the worshipping community?” Kinman wrote.
“Let me be clear that I believe this is a high bar… much more than ‘I disagree with the president’ or even ‘the president deeply offends me.’ This is the level of compromising the safety of the worshipping community.”
Kinman said the church will reconsider the decision in a few weeks, after speaking with congregants, as well as thinking about and praying about the decision.
“I ask you to continue to pray not only for our president and president-elect, but for our nation – and particularly those most fearful and vulnerable among us in this hour.”
The Blaze had a video from the church where the pastor talks about real trauma that “people of color,” immigrants, women and LGBT people experience every day.
It will be curious how the church responds now that President Trump has officially assumed office.
From their ABOUT page: All Saints Church is a lively place. In a multitude of ways participants seek to make the inclusive, transforming love of God tangible through Spirituality, Community and Peace & Justice. Through glorious worship, transporting music, inspired preaching, and stimulating forums and classes, the teachings of Jesus are fresh and relevant in a faith that is lived out on a daily basis. Jesus’ central message of compassion and respect for all people undergirds all that All Saints undertakes, leading this parish to reach across all divides and to challenge one another and the institutional church to live out the message.