I have lived in Mathews County for over 20 years. It is my favorite place on earth. We have so many good and helpful people and organizations. Many of us feel peace here. But we are not peaceful now.

I am from South Carolina. My great-grandfather enlisted in the Confederate army at age 14. He saw so much suffering that he refused to ever talk about the war. My great-great-grandfather served in the 1st Regiment Rifles. He owned 40 enslaved human beings and died at Chancellorsville. He left behind a wife and 5 children. Do I feel bad for these relatives suffered so much? Yes, I do. Do I believe in their cause? No, I do not! The best I can do is offer the words of Jesus, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.”

Today in Mathews, we are largely a Christian community. We have many churches. On Sunday morning, our church parking lots are full.

My Brothers and Sisters in Christ, what has happened to us? Our community is marred by fear and intimidation. Enormous Confede...