In Response to Violence

Westwood United Methodist Church · Oct 1, 2026

Over recent days, my spirit has been heavy with grief and anger at the slow revelation of accounts of sexual violence and the failure of institutions to provide accountability from Cornell University in 2024. There are so many pieces of this story that are heart-breaking, and I pray for the specific people involved, particularly the woman known as Jane Doe.

I also know that this act of violence is not isolated or unique. Far too many of us, especially women, have experienced sexual assault. Far too often, these stories of abuse are not taken seriously, victims are held responsible…