Dear Friends in Christ,

    We all watched as events unfolded in Iran in the aftermath of its much-disputed presidential election recently. We watched as hundreds of thousands of primarily peaceful protesters lined the streets for as far as the eye could see before the State shut down all communication with the outside world. The images of the violent response by the government were galvanized for us all as we watched a young woman named Neda lying in the street, dying of a gunshot wound as friends tried desperately to save her life.

     Why would demonstrators risk that same fate and continue to come out in the thousands to demand an investigation into what may have been massive voter fraud and a stolen election? Having lived under a repressive government for years, surely they knew what response would be inevitable should they challenge that authoritarian regime. Yet still they poured into the streets, still they asked for a new election, not because they didn't like the outcome, but because they believe the outcome had been predetermined and their votes did not matter. Something basic had been denied them. They kept coming until the repression became severe, because among the deepest yearnings of the human spirit is the yearning for freedom---freedom to express a different opinion; freedom of speech and assembly; freedom to call government actions into accountability. Along with a yearning for peace, freed is a God-given desire in all of us, and we in America are blessed beyond measure to have it!

     As is often the case, these deep yearnings of the human spirit can be thwarted by dictatorial regimes and madmen, and they can be suppressed when people are willing to exchange their freedoms for a false sense of security. The freedoms we so enjoy, right here in America, are freedoms that can also be lost. The Bible speaks of freedom when it quotes Jesus: "You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free." Paul writes, "It is for freedom that you have been set free. However, do not use your freedom as a pretext for evil." Even our faith affirms this deep yearning in our hearts. So, this fourth of July, celebrate the freedom you have as an American, but even more importantly, celebrate the freedom you have as a child of God---the freedom to become all that God has in mind for you to be; the freedom to express your faith and share it with others; the freedom to bear witness to the only truth that can make anyone truly and forever free!

Yours in the Love of Christ and the Church,

Bob

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