Halifax Airport September 11, 2007 What to say on the sixth anniversary of what we all call 9/11? I could reflect on the way our world has changed as a result of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 as well as other acts of senseless violence since then. I could comment on the way we co-opt God for the cause of hatred rather than love.
How about generosity and hospitality as the topic for the day? We were living in Halifax, Nova Scotia six years ago and as a result of the attacks forty five international flights made unscheduled landings at Halifax airport. Thousands of people were suddenly in a country they had not intended to visit, dealing with fear and a sense of dislocation. The governments and people of Nova Scotia responded magnificently.
I was at a meeting of Presbytery that evening and we discovered that a number of churches had already offered their space as shelter for these refugees. The congregation I served made the same offer although we weren't called upon, but many others did provide a "home away from home" during the next few days.
It was a heart-warming story of welcome in distressing circumstances, a gospel story. Last year, on the fifth anniversary, Condeleeza Rice visited Halifax to express gratitude on behalf of the American people. That expression of thanks was well deserved.
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