From A Christian to the City On Trinity Downtown and the Houston Avenue Redesign

Hey Everyone,

I've been following the controversial removal of safe active transportation infrastructure on Houston Avenue around Washington, the site where James Midkiff was killed while on a bicycle during a hit and run in December. While I'm sure there are two sides to the story, I've found myself becoming more and more embarassed about the behavior and rhetoric coming out of Trinity Downtown Church, the major driver for the removal of the infrastructure.

As far as I know, when Jesus taught us to love our neighbor, he didn't mean 'love our neighbor, only if they don't make us U-turn into our parking lot'. To me, the church's statements and billboard signs have appeared callous and out of sync with their larger community as well as the most vulnerable among us – in this case, people outside of motor vehicles on their block. To me, this is outside of Jesus's teaching and is contrary to what attracted me to his word as an adult.

I just want to say that there are tons of great churches and Christians throughout the city and region that quietly and without political fanfare, look out for the most vulnerable in their community, advocate for those in need, and take the time to understand those different from them. There are many of us that wouldn't support their own church making statements like the one Trinity Downtown has been making and would be standing alongside the injured, the homeless, and the vulnerable in front of their church and seeking shelter.

No one is perfect, including many, many Christians that are in the media for all kinds of reasons every day, but please don't forget that many Houstonians of all stripes are quietly doing good work that contrast with this.

Finally, I don't know the full story and perhaps Trinity has a good reason for their statements and advocacy. However, the more I learn about the situation the more I find myself shaking my head when thinking about the position they have taken.

Thanks all,

Some_Fly824