In a chapter in my book Above & Below, I recounted what happened in November 2019 when I became a US citizen. In the week of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, I now republish my personal meditation on that day. 

Becoming a US Citizen

Two weeks ago, I went to the U.S. Courthouse in North King Street, Wilmington, to make the Pledge of Allegiance and become a citizen of the United States. Altogether there were 61 new citizens, from 30 different countries. Each one of us had a story to tell, but now our long path to citizenship was about to reach its end. 

How long and twisting that path had been! When dealing with US Immigration, you need superhuman levels of patience and determination, because there is an ocean of forms, interviews, medical examinations, photographs and fingerprinting to be gone through. And money, too. But in the courtroom all those things dissolved into a far off memory, as the reality of citizenship came into focus. 

Of course, there was a delay. The judge was running late. I felt bad for my friends who had taken time off work to come and give their support - some had to leave before the end.

At last the judge appeared, and apologized for being late. She spoke about her own grandparents who were immigrants. Finally, the names of the new citizens were called, one by one, and each in turn stepped forward to receive their Certificate of Naturalization. An Indian woman, who had lived in the US for over sixteen years, was invited to address the courtroom. She recalled the advice of her father, spoken to her before she traveled to the US. He said that she should be the “sweetness” in the mixture. 

Together we made the Pledge of Allegiance and now we were united under one flag. The earlier mood of quiet tension in the courtroom gave way to a party atmosphere. To cap the ceremony, a lady at the back of the courthouse sang the Star Spangled Banner. She didn’t quite hit the top note, but it didn’t matter. I was feeling a sense of relief that this journey was over, and now I had a new identity. 

I wondered what it all meant? I was an immigrant who had come to the USA from Great Britain at the end of 2015, and was married in January 2016. In many ways, my experience had been like a dream. It was certainly nothing I had ever contemplated doing. And yet, here I was, in a new country, with a wife and friends around me, celebrating this new life and identity. 

My new identity as a US citizen is one of many influences, identities and stories that have made me who I am. A human being is a complex organism: a product of upbringing, relationships, work, DNA, finances, location, religion (add your own one here). At the same time, a human being is a creature of habits. My new status won’t change my early morning drink, which is British tea rather than coffee. I miss bakeries that sell meat pies (although I found one in Savannah GA). I like baseball, but for the sublime combination of tedium and excitement, nothing quite matches a five day cricket test match.

If I had to choose the one identity which has had the greatest and most lasting impact, it would be my Christian identity. Whenever I compare myself to the person I was, say, thirty years ago, I know I am essentially the same person, but my identity has changed significantly. The Christian path through life has taken me in different and, at times, surprising directions, due to the benign influence of the Holy Spirit, the love of God the Father, and my love for Jesus. 

I want to share one special memory of my time here in the USA. It is Super Bowl Sunday, February 4, 2018, and the Philadelphia Eagles are in the final. At the time, I was Rector of the Church of the Redeemer, Springfield PA. At the end of our celebration of the Holy Eucharist, I looked out at the congregation, decked in various shades of green, the Eagles’ color. I picked out Bob, whose son sang the official version of the Philadelphia Eagles theme song, “Fly, Eagles, Fly”, and asked him to lead us in singing the song. It was a rousing rendition - indeed, I doubt the congregation ever sang better. 

Later that afternoon, my wife and I watched the Super Bowl at home. In case you don’t know, the Eagles won and, at the end of the game, the players and coach were interviewed by a TV reporter. One by one they gave thanks to Jesus Christ and paid tribute to the power of prayer. I was amazed and moved by their witness, which you would never see so openly proclaimed in England. They were perfectly comfortable in their identity as Christians, and unafraid to give fulsome testimony to their faith. 

I became a Philadelphia Eagles’ convert after that, and I have added “Eagles’ fan” to my long list of identities. However, my central identity is not that of an Eagles’ fan, or of a US citizen, but that of “Christian”. When life took an unexpected turn, and I arrived on the shores of the USA, it was my Christian faith that helped me to make sense of it all. For that I give heartfelt thanks to God, and especially to those who have welcomed me here. 

With blessings

Father David

God bless America!