Prophets close to home, where the fire is hotter.

It's safe to speak truth to power, but only when that power lies at more than arm's length from out lives. Many Americans have spoken out against Robert Mugabe's reign of terror in Zimbabwe, and more than a few Episcopal leaders have rightly condemned the former Bishop of Harare's public support of Mugabe's atrocities. Some of us have expressed indignation at leaders in the Solomon Islands, which allowed six Anglican religious brothers to be murdered by a mob.

We rail against terrorists and we rant against dictators, and it costs us absolutely nothing. But at least we're faithful to the scriptures: "Whether they hear or refuse to hear, they shall know that there has been a prophet among them" (Ezek. 2:3b-4). And so we've done our part.

For prophets who speak truth to power a little closer to home, it can be quite a different story. Regardless of what the law might say, workers engaged in trying to organize labor unions are usually fired. Clergy who speak out at conventions against dysfunctional diocesan policies can find their future job prospects limited. And parishioners who challenge the priorities of a parish are easily stigmatized as "troublemakers," and even invited to "move on." Our Lord's observation often rings true: "Prophets are not without honor, except in their hometown, and among their own kin, and in their own house" (Mk. 6:4).

Fr. Gehlsen