Complicity Disguised As Pragmatism
A Meditation by Rev. Cameron Trimble
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds.” — Romans 12:2
Yesterday, the United States broke with its European allies and voted against a U.N. resolution condemning Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.1 Instead, the U.S. introduced a watered-down measure, sidestepping accountability and calling only for an end to the conflict—without naming the aggressor. It’s a sharp departure from the past, and the fracture is undeniable.
“European diplomats are livid,” one expert noted, not just because of the vote itself but because of how the U.S. undermined the process—abandoning trusted allies at the last moment, leaving them off-balance and betrayed.2
But this is more than a political shift. It’s a moral one. Silence in the face of injustice, avoidance when clarity is required, and neutrality when oppression is evident—these are not the values that lead to peace. They are the conditions that allow violence to thrive.
Desmond Tutu famously said, “If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.” What we are witnessing now is not neutrality—it’s complicity disguised as pragmatism. It’s the refusal to call out wrongdoing because doing so might upset powerful relationships.
The Christian tradition, alongside many others, reminds us that peace is never born from appeasement. True peace—shalom—is not the absence of conflict but the presence of justice. When we soften our language to avoid discomfort, we betray the vulnerable. When we refuse to name harm, we empower the harm-doers.
And this is not just about geopolitics. It’s about how we live our lives. How often do we, too, violate our values for the sake of keeping the peace? How often do we silence our conscience because speaking up might cost us approval, comfort, or relationships?
The path of justice asks more of us. It asks us to stand with those who suffer, to name oppression when we see it, and to remain faithful to the values of compassion and truth, even when it’s inconvenient.
We are being asked, once again, to decide who we will be in this moment. Will we abandon our allies and violate our values, or will we stand in solidarity with those whose lives are shattered by war and oppression? If I were writing US foreign policy, I’d be standing with Ukraine.
We are in this together,
Cameron
Reflection Questions
Where in my life am I tempted to soften the truth to avoid conflict?
How can I practice courageous solidarity with those facing injustice?
What relationships or institutions am I called to hold accountable in love?
A Prayer for the Day
For the Courage to Stand Firm
God of Justice and Peace,
Grant us the courage to speak truth when silence feels safer.
Give us the strength to stand with the oppressed,
Even when it means standing apart from those in power.
May we be guided not by fear but by love—
Not by convenience but by conscience.
Shape us into people who seek peace rooted in justice,
And who never mistake silence for wisdom.
Amen.
Spiritual Practice
Practicing Moral Clarity
Pay attention to moments when you’re tempted to stay silent in the face of wrongdoing—whether in personal conversations, community settings, or news coverage. Pause. Ask yourself: What is the truth here? Who is being harmed? What would solidarity look like in this moment?
Then, choose one small action: speak up, share accurate information, support an organization working for justice, or pray for those caught in the crossfire.
Let this practice build your muscle for moral clarity—so that when larger moments arise, you’ll be ready to stand firm.
Upcoming Events That Might Be of Interest…
STARTING SOON!!! February 27, 2025, 12-1:30pm - Margaret Wheatley and I are offering a 4 or 8-session course called “Are We Made for These Times?” If you know Meg’s work, it’s going to be extraordinary. If you want the deep dive, the 8-session course is for you. You can read about the shorter 4-session course here. Scholarships are available. I sooooo hope you can be a part of this!
March 4, 11, 18, 25 2025, 7-8:30pm - Dr. Matthew Fox and I are scheming a Lenten series that we are calling “From Darkness to Dawn: Spiritual Courage and Political Action in the Age of MAGA.” Modern mystic, Mirabai Starr, will be our guest on March 4! Andrew Harvey on March 11! The amazing Bishop Yvette Flunder on March 18! Father Adam Bucko on March 25! REGISTER HERE!
March 4, 2025, 12pm ET - Rev. Damien Lake and I are collaborating on hosting a cohort for new congregation developers that will meet monthly. Ecumenical. Interfaith. Free. Join us.
April 1, 2025 - Rabbi Benjamin Ross and I are collaborating on a new leadership program called “All Together Now: A Collaborative Cohort for Jewish Congregational Leadership Teams.” You can read about the program here.
July 20-25, 2025 - The Art of Wilding: A 5-Day Expedition in Wyoming for Women Leaders. Click here to learn more. Only one spot left!
August 11, 2025, 2pm ET - Dr. Andrew Root and I will be hosting a 6 part series on Spirituality in the Secular Age based on his research. The dates are August 11, 18, September 8, 15, and October 6, 13. Mark your calendars! More on this soon.
September 4, 4:30pm ET - I will be collaborating with the Anderson Forum for Progressive Theology to host a conversation with Thomas Jay Oord on Open and Relational theology. It’s a FREE event. Register here.
October 15-18, 2025 - Converging 2025: Sing Truth Conference (all musicians invited!) at Northwest Christian Church in Columbus, OH. Register here!
I drafted a Strategic Framework for Congregations as we move into the coming years of increased authoritarianism around the world. If interested, you can download it here.
https://apnews.com/article/un-russia-ukraine-war-resolution-trump-zelenskyy-cde221e5850196776525403e788c272c
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/24/world/middleeast/us-un-russia-ukraine-war.html
Thank you so much for your compelling reflections, questions, prayers and practices. We in Germany are particularly horrified by the Musk/Vance backing of the AfD. And, as you note in your reply to Charles, almost 80% of the German vote was against the fascist AfD. US is nowhere near that, but your percentages can rise, too. Thank you.
Agreed. We in Canada have many Ukrainian citizens running from the war. Thanks for the explanation because we too are baffled. By the way, some here have wondered when President Trump will be Premier of our 11th province. That is said very much tongue in cheek because we have many friends and relatives in the US. Hopefully a smile for your day amidst much deep concern on both sides of the 49th. Rev. Scott Brown