Letter to Roger Butts from the Muslim Community of the Quad Cities

At a service Lisa Killinger from the Quad Cities Muslim Community and I put together on the idea of surrender, Lisa read a letter to me from the Muslim Community as I prepare to leave for Colorado. It was totally unexpected and a real gift. Thanks Lisa and all my friends in that community!

A Love Letter From the Muslim Community

Dear Reverend Roger,

So many years ago, you reached out to the Muslim Community in love. It is classic Roger to think and act inclusively. When you reached out, the Muslim Community was very young; we were just getting on our feet. You made sure to invite us when there was an interfaith event. You reminded others in the interfaith community of our presence, and always kept us in the loop and in your thoughts.

For a small minority faith, that meant the world to us. We have, since those early days, gotten to stand together with you and your flock at the ‘Peace in the Park’ events, the ‘Yom Heshoa Service’, and a zillion PACG gatherings. We say together at an event with rows of National Guard soldiers’ boots, remembering those who lost their lives in Iraq where we struggled to read the names of those who had died, while fighting back tears (profoundly unsuccessfully I might add.) You have generously housed so many events here in this church, in the name of peace, good stewardship of the earth, and social justice.

You are a good man, Reverend Roger, an excellent leader, and a wonderful friend. We know the mountains of Colorado have called you for service there, and soon you will answer their call, take your dear family, and go. There is no doubt that your journey will take you to experience and be a part of great things. But understand that you will be greatly missed.

This community, Muslim and Unitarian, Christian and Jewish, Pagan, and Athiest, Buddhist and B’hai, will long remember you Roger and the example of love, peace and, yes, surrender you have lived here among us. The Quad Cities have been forever enriched by your time and service here and you will never be forgotten for who you are and what you stand for. We hope your journey will some day bring you back so we can welcome you as our much beloved guest. You are a dear soul and a dear friend.

From the Muslim Community to you, Asalamualikum (May the Peace of God Be With You.) Godspeed.