ON THIS DAY... The United Methodist Building Becomes A Center For Hospitality After 9/11 Terrorist Attacks
On September 11, 2001, when federal buildings on Capitol Hill were evacuated after the 9/11 attacks, the staff of Church and Society remained, offering a ministry of hospitality to Capitol Police.
On September 11, 2001, the United States endured the deadliest terrorist attack in its history. Nineteen members of the extremist group al-Qaeda hijacked four commercial airplanes.
Two of these planes, American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 175, crashed into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, leading to the collapse of both towers within hours. A third plane, American Airlines Flight 77, struck the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, causing significant damage. The fourth plane, United Airlines Flight 93, was headed for another target in Washington, D.C., but passengers fought back, resulting in the plane crashing into a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
In the midst of widespread confusion, fears of more bombings and attacks circulated. As federal buildings on Capitol Hill were evacuated, the staff of Church and Society remained for prayer and invited Capitol police officers in the United Methodist Building to gather and call their loved ones. Jim Winkler, General Secretary from 2000 to 2014, reflected that during the chaos, “the United Methodist Building offered a ministry of hospitality.”
“In the days that followed, we held special prayer services in Simpson Memorial Chapel,” said Jim Winkler, Former Church and Society General Secretary. “We mourned and grieved for those who died and gave thanks that the Capitol was spared.”
Nearly 3,000 people died that day across New York City, the Pentagon, and Shanksville, PA. Since then, almost 80,000 people have been diagnosed with physical and mental health conditions from exposure to dust, smoke, debris, and trauma from the event.
The attacks also triggered a wave of hate crimes against individuals and institutions perceived to be Arab or Muslim. The events of 9/11 also marked the beginning of the Global War on Terror, leading to the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Today, as it did then, the United Methodist Building stands as a place of hospitality and a reminder that we are called to seek justice and be peacemakers all across the world.
Former Church and Society General Secretary Jim Winkler’s full reflection on September 11 can be found in the book “For Justice and Enduring Peace: One Hundred Years of Social Witness.”
Today, pause and remember the great losses and courageous acts of September 11th 23 years ago. Pray and lift those up who are still affected – families of the victims, firefighters, police officers and first responders, who will always be honored and never forgotten.
United Methodist Building Anniversary Resources and Announcements
UPCOMING SPECIAL ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION EVENT
The United Methodist Building’s 100th Anniversary Celebration Event is planned in front of the building on September 26, 2024 at 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm. The event will be livestreamed and feature Dr. Jericho Brown, Pulitzer Prize winning poet, special guest speakers, musicians, and young voices committed to social justice. Click HERE to join the event and view more details.
To watch four new United Methodist Building video shorts “Celebrating 100 Years of Social Witness,” and for information on the year of celebration click here.
To purchase the 2024 United Methodist Building historical book written by Dr. Jessica M. Smith, For Justice and Enduring Peace: One Hundred Years of Social Witness, visit Cokesbury Publishing.
ON THIS DAY SERIES… Each month in 2024, Church and Society is highlighting notable days offering glimpses into the momentous 100-year history of the United Methodist Building (1924 - 2024) and the people called Methodists often walking along side ecumenical partners living their faith through social witness.