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Posted Oct. 25, 2002

Reston Clergy Talk About Fear

To the editor:

Fear. It is here. Fear. It is real. Fear. It is understandable. Furthermore, in light of the randomness and viciousness of the recent sniper attacks in the Capital Region, one may indeed have more to fear than fear itself.

Going about the ordinary activities of life, stopping by the gas station, loading groceries into a car, crossing the street, these ordinary activities have been the locus of unexpected and unexplainable death.

What then are we to do in the face of this palpable fear? Are we to be held hostage to the whims and wickedness of a wretched and depraved deviant? In spite of the reasonableness of the fear, we, the clergy of Reston, emphatically, boldly and unwaveringly declare that the citizens of this area need not be held hostage to fear. Rather, we can move forward in faith.

Our nation has borne witness to the power of faith throughout its long history. Whenever danger, internal and external, came upon us, we have been able to turn to the source of ultimate hope, security and peace. In God, we have found help in ages past. Surely, God is the source of our hope.

When life, when circumstances, when situations are at their darkest, God is still God. God is still present; therefore, trusting and depending on God, we can move forward by faith in God, in spite of the fear that is as present as the air we breathe.

We hasten to add that the God of which we speak is not confined nor adequately defined by any denomination, religious doctrine, creed, nationality, or belief system.

God is that truth that we encounter in our innermost being that gives our lives meaning, hope, and rest. By reaching out with hands of grace, by talking and praying together, we can claim a little more faith than the fear that has gripped us.

We are indeed grateful for the tireless and compassionate work of all of the law enforcement officials. With gratitude, we acknowledge the diligence and determination of government officials and countless others.

Nevertheless, it is to God whom we look for ultimate serenity, strength, and hope. Let us then, face each new challenge, each new struggle and each new day with more faith than fear.

The Rev. Clarence W. Davis, The Rev. Dennis J. Daniel, Rabbi Rosalind Gold, Ms. Lynn Handwerk, The Rev. Teresa Hannon, The Rev. Dr. I. Bruce Irwin, The Rev. Sandi John, The Rev. Susan Lindsey, The Rev. James A. Papile, The Rev. Debra Peevey, The Rev. Suzanne Rudiselle, Ms. Billie Sutter, and The Rev. Jackie Thomson, The Rev. Sydney Wilde

Reston