Pursuing Justice, Mercy and Humility in Our Community

A Letter from Thomas Goetz, long-term mission volunteer in Japan

Fall 2024

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Dear friends and partners in mission,

Greetings of peace and grace to you all.

As we reflect on our mission and calling in this season, I am drawn to the profound and timeless words of the prophet Micah: “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. 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). This verse encapsulates the heart of our Christian mission, reminding us of the divine mandate to pursue justice, extend mercy, and live with humility before God and each other.

The Church of the Northern Light, or Hokou Church of the United Christian Church Japan in Sapporo Japan

In light of this scripture, I want to share with you the significance of an upcoming event in our community—an event that echoes the very principles laid out in Micah 6:8. On September 1, we will gather in Sapporo for an important event titled “Let’s Not Forget 9/1! – Sapporo Gathering on Peace and Coexistence.” This gathering is not just a commemoration but a call to action, rooted in the lessons of history and the urgent need for peace and reconciliation in our world today.

The date of September 1 holds deep historical significance. It marks the anniversary of the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923, a natural disaster that quickly gave way to a human-made tragedy. In the chaos following the earthquake, widespread rumors and misinformation led to the massacre of many Koreans, Chinese, and disabled Japanese individuals—people who were unjustly targeted and brutally killed. These atrocities were committed by ordinary citizens, driven by fear and prejudice, and serve as a stark reminder of how quickly society can unravel when justice and mercy are abandoned.

Our gathering in Sapporo is an opportunity to remember those who suffered and died in this tragedy, but it is also a time to reflect on what we, as a community, must do to prevent such horrors from happening again. In a world where division and hostility often seem to be on the rise, our mission is to embody the values of justice, mercy and humility, and to advocate for peace and coexistence among all people.

As we gather, we will engage in a program designed to deepen our understanding of these issues and to foster a spirit of solidarity. The program will begin with opening remarks and a presentation on the purpose of the gathering, setting the stage for our reflections and discussions. We will hear from speakers like Miae Park, a religious leader and educator, who will challenge us to consider what it means to live in true coexistence, and how we can ensure that the tragedies of the past are never repeated. This will be followed by a discussion on the efforts of the Sapporo Christian Union’s committee that works toward coexistence with Korean and other foreign residents in Japan. This committee has been dedicated to promoting understanding, respect, and solidarity between diverse communities—a mission that is more relevant today than ever.

The gathering will also include an open discussion session, where participants can share their thoughts and ideas on how we can continue to work together for peace in the future. This collaborative approach reflects the humility that Micah speaks of—a recognition that we do not have all the answers, but that by walking together, we can find the way forward.

In reflecting on this event and its themes, I am reminded that our mission is not confined to the walls of our churches or the boundaries of our communities. It extends into the public square, into the conversations and actions that shape our society. To act justly means to stand against injustice wherever it is found, to love mercy means to offer compassion even when it is difficult, and to walk humbly with God means to recognize that our work is part of a larger, divine plan.

As we prepare for this gathering, I invite you to join us in prayer and reflection. Let us ask God to guide our hearts and minds as we seek to live out the call of Micah 6:8 in our daily lives. Let us pray for the courage to act justly, the compassion to love mercy, and the humility to walk with God as we work for peace and reconciliation in our community.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support in this mission. Together, let us strive to be instruments of God’s justice, mercy and peace in a world that so desperately needs it.

In Christ’s service,

Thomas Goetz