Dear Canadian Friends,

Je suis désolé

The Peace Arch Park, on the border between our nations, bears witness to a shared story with shared commitments on a shared continent. It is also the place our family was blessed to witness shared vows between our son and his wife. Our family life is unthinkable apart from the gift that is Molly, along with her dear family. Our ministry is unthinkable apart from movements, schools, churches and partners in Canada that are as kindred in our core mission as is possible—what Aristotle would call the deepest kind of friendship (deeper than utility or pleasure).

The Peace Arch itself near Blaine, Washington and Surrey, British Columbia is a monument to this friendship.
Our side says, “Children of a common mother.”
Your side says, “Brethren dwelling together in unity.” From Psalm 133

Our side owes you an apology. Je suis désolé. I am sorry. I wish I could speak for all of us, but I can only speak for myself. I don’t believe this is the way that friends treat friends. You have been good friends to us in times of national tragedy, expressing sympathy, standing together against tyranny, and standing for human rights. You have sent help when we needed it.

I don’t find any humor in the disrespectful ways you have been treated in word or deed. I’m sorry for the dishonor. You are not a vassal state, nor should your leaders be humiliated by trolling-name calling. I know you to be “the true north strong and free.” Your compass reliably points you in the way of resilience, friendliness, and fairness. Your welcome and warmth has been experienced by so many from around the world, also by me.

I grieve that this trade war will impact you in ways that could make it the worst economic season for you since WWII.

May God sustain you. And, may God give you the grace to be open to repair, when we realize what we have done. And, I pray that we will realize what we have done soon.