Have mercy.

In March 2025, Westmoreland UCC hung a banner saying Have mercy on an exterior wall. It is inspired by Washington Episcopal Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde. During her sermon at the National Cathedral’s Service of Prayer for the Nation in January, she asked President Trump to “have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now.”

The Christian tradition teaches us repeatedly to have mercy. “And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God" (Micah 6:8).

Westmoreland UCC strives to promote mercy and justice in our community and world. We seek to speak up when we can. Our church’s location offers the chance to invite passersby to remember or question the role of mercy in their lives. And perhaps it calls them to deepen commitments or act in new ways, regardless of religious tradition or lack of religious affiliation.  

We lift up mercy because our hearts break due to the ways political leaders are treating immigrants and refugees; LGBTQ community members; dedicated civil servants; those who are fighting for democracy; and more. We recognize that it is common for a group’s views to be at odds with an Administration’s and that elected leaders pursue changes that not all agree with. But, this national moment is especially troubling. In addition to disagreeing with actions being taken, we disagree with how they are being carried out. There is simply too much disrespect for humanity, community, the law, and thoughtful process. There is a lack of recognition for how reckless decisions and actions are unnecessarily harming people – and what the ripple affects will be on our nation and democracy.

In a healthy democracy, process matters. In healthy religion, mercy matters. In all things, people matter.

Leaders and members of Westmoreland UCC strive to be welcoming and inclusive, whether or not people believe or practice faith as we do. Ultimately, we are grounded in care of humanity and community. Moreover, we care about how people interpret our motives. Have mercy does not convey judgment. We are not telling anyone what to do. Instead, we are sharing an important part of who we are, how we are called at this time, and what breaks our hearts and gives us hope.  

We hope our banner – our witness – is welcomed. We hope it helps you center, reflect, remember, and act. We hope those suffering feel our desire to be in solidarity. If you do not agree with our witness, we invite conversation in a humble spirit of desiring to understand your perspective. We pray for mercy in such relationships.

With the prayer that all of us – political leaders, religious leaders, community leaders, and community members – show and receive mercy well, we offer this witness.

Yonce Shelton
Transition Minister

P.S. Want to help us promote the campaign? Get "Have mercy" tee shirts and more here. (Product pricing based on cost plus small donation.)