The president used federal troops to clear a path through peaceful protesters in order to stand before an Episcopal church make a statement and hold up a bible. Neither the priest nor the bishop were consulted or warned. Not only was this manipulative it was desecration.
The President’s call to return to in-person worship is reckless, divisive, dangerous. We have protocols for returning. The church has not been closed these past months. The Body of Christ is connected and worshiping. Is it ideal? No.This is cynical pandering to a vulnerable base.
In 2017 the Department for Homeland Security released a report that 117,000 Canadians had overstayed their visas. Yet our focus is on our Southern border. Why?
There is nothing in the Lutheran theological tradition that forbids vaccination. Science and religion come from the same source - God. Getting vaccinated serves the neighbor. I and all my family are vaccinated not just for ourselves but for the community.
Until a white majority feels so deeply in our soul that the pain of black and brown people is our own pain, it will continue to be dangerous to be black or brown in America.
#BlackLivesMatter
#icantbreathe
No human institution decides who is human, who is visible, who is valued. Human sexuality and gender identity is a beautiful mystery. Trans people, like all people, are beloved by God.
Storming the Capitol is not a protest. Dear Lord, protect the lawmakers, police, journalists, and staff who are in harm’s way. Strengthen the prayerful witness of the pastors and people of Luther Place and the Lutheran Church of the Reformation in DC.
Jacob Blake. Have we already moved past Breona Taylor and George Floyd? Have we moved past Ahmad Arbery? What about Michael Brown, Tamir Rice,Freddy Gray. No .This is an existential threat to people of color. It must be an existential threat to white people too.
No human institution decides who is human, who is visible, who is valued. Human sexuality and gender identity are a beautiful mystery. Trans people, like all people, are beloved by God.
Vaccines are here. We’re closer to in-person events. We’re almost there. Now is the time to be even more vigilant. Let’s wash our hands, wear masks, practice physical distancing. Don’t pressure pastors and church staffs to have in person worship until it is safe.
While the leaked court draft does not represent the Supreme Court's ruling in its final form; nevertheless, it contradicts this church's teaching. This church teaches that abortion and reproductive health care, including contraception, must be legal and accessible.
Good week for SCOTUS. The court ruled that Title VII protections include LGBTQIA+ people and blocked the administration from ending DACA. This is a good week for our country.
Prayers ascend for Puerto Rico. We know that Christ is the light of the world, the light that shines in the darkness and is not overcome but, for heaven’s sake, can we get the lights turned back on in Puerto Rico?!
We’ve heard online chatter about possible threats to places of worship. There is no evidence from FBI or others that this is true. Of course take care, but these vague threats are meant to spread fear. Tomorrow we will worship hear the gospel pray for peace. That is our witness.
On the
#Pulse
anniversary, we remember that those 49 murdered were not abstract “others,” they are us. The LGBTQ community cannot be severed from our common humanity. We must live the truth that all people are created in God’s image.
I have no idea what to say anymore. Two mass shootings in 7 days. I’m numb. How long, O Lord, until we no longer suffer from gun violence, until we stop killing ourselves? Dear God, inscribe our hearts with justice and guide us in your way of peace.
We should be fostering a world where each of us sees every person – regardless of race, origin, ethnicity, gender or economic status – in the image of God and worthy of dignity and respect. Read my statement on President Trump’s reported remarks:
Jesus identifies with every wanderer, every displaced person, every refugee, asylum seeker and migrant, when he tells the crowd, “I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” (Matthew 25:35).
#WorldRefugeeDay
Our government policy is to separate children from their parents as they seek asylum crossing our southern border. Some children are only 3. Happy Mother’s Day.
Respect the disease. Provide for the spiritual and physical needs of the neighbor. Make use of medical aid. Care for one another, especially the most vulnerable.
Lately, I have been paying closer attention to the use of language, particularly the language around dark and light, black and white, and the values that are placed on those words. Let's consider the beautiful, dark work of God.
Just went through security at O’Hare.TSA staff were professional and focused. They were also worried about missing another paycheck. Find ways to support these folks and pray for wisdom for those who govern.
Notre Dame. Art, music, technology came together as an expression of faith to the glory of God. 300 years to build. A day to burn. Yet the prayers of a thousand years, the witness to Christ, the impulse to reach to the transcendent cannot be destroyed. Our prayers ascend.
As religious leaders representing diverse faith perspectives, we urge the Administration to stop their policy of separating migrant families and pray for the children and families that will suffer due to this policy.
#KeepFamiliesTogether
This is not a protest. This is not only breaking the law but it is a threat to our democracy. We pray for peace and safety for all who are in harms way.
Gender-based violence is sin. It rejects the created goodness and dignity that God gives to every human creature. 51 Trans Americans were murdered in the past year. These are our children siblings parents friends. We mourn. God desires abundant life for all. All.
Pr Betty Rendon, Emaus Lutheran Racine along with daughter, husband, cousin arrested at gun point by ICE. Five yr old granddaughter was present. Pr Rendon beginning PhD at LSTC. Rally tomorrow night (5/15) in Racine. She fled Columbia when her school was attacked by guerrillas.
The trial of Derek Chauvin has riveted our attention these past weeks and troubled our hearts. As we await the verdict let us lift up prayers for all those involved, and that justice may be done. Micah 6:8
Daunte Wright. Another grieving mother. BIPOC communities re-traumatized. Another fatal traffic stop. Is this who we are? Can we change? Are we finally ready to do the hard work to bring about racial equity? God give us the strength and will to work toward the beloved community.
Why are we killing each other? Why are we killing our children? Our country’s fabric is torn. Dear church now more than ever we must be a witness to the unity we have in Christ and the indisputable reality that we are members one of another.
Alarmingly hate speech and violence is increasing against Asian Americans. ELCA we cannot be silent. Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are our church. We are also neighbors, friends, family, colleagues. Assault against Asian Americans is an assault against all of us
Today is
#WorldRefugeeDay
. God of all, you have cared for refugees throughout the ages. Use us, we pray, to show compassion to refugees and keep us mindful that we are all strangers and pilgrims on earth.
Just received word that Lurther Place in DC was also targeted. Their BLM sign was torn down. These acts of destruction cannot stop the truth that Black Lives Matter. It is into this brokenness that God sends the Prince of Peace.
Media reports say the Trump administration will stop funding the Lutheran World Federation operated Augusta Victoria hospital in Jerusalem. AVH provides care to Palestinian children and others with life-threatening conditions. Call the White House hotline 202 456 1111.
When will we understand that when we kill another we are killing ourselves? When will we understand that an attack on one faith community is an attack on all? We ask, Where is God? I say do not lay this on the Holy One. We must take action and not vengeance.
#synogogueshooting
We pray for Asbury United Methodist and Metropolitan AME in DC. Both churches were vandalized - their BLM signs were torched. Historic Black Churches are strongholds of faith, strength, and resilience. We stand with them in solidarity and love against the hate of racism.
Today's acquittal is an injustice. It points to the disorder in which we all live. As we seek to restore justice, so also will we restore God to God's rightful place at the center of our life together.
I am so grateful for all of you who have said yes to public ministry in this time. The church in all its beauty can be a vehicle of grace but also when abused an agent of harm. At this time and against all odds you have said yes
We join in grieving the death of
#AhmaudArbery
, and with many others in calling for a federal investigation of his death as a racially-motivated hate crime.
#JusticeforAhmaud
It is so clear that life is not equal in this country. But we believe in and serve a God who brings about good even out of evil, who brings healing out of pain, and brings life out of death.
Watch
@ELCABishopEaton
's most recent video message below.
Over the weekend, we saw horrifying, anti-Semitic and white supremacist messages directed at our Illinois Governor J. B. Pritzker. We will not stand by silently in the face of hatred, and we will continue to abide by the government policies intended to protect all of us.
To our Muslim neighbors: “Protect me, O God, for in you I take refuge” (Ps.16) Together with
@S2Scampaign
partners,
@ELCA
is committed to protecting and defending against violence, bigotry, and hatred by showing up, speaking out, and walking with you.
#NewZealandMosqueShooting
It is a year since Parkland. Since then there have been more mass shootings and scores of lives lost to gun violence. Enough. Common sense gun control is possible.
Again this weekend in Illinois we saw protesters with anti-Semitic placards. Similar things are happening elsewhere around the country. This is despicable and dangerous and must be denounced.
There is still more work to be done, and we will do it. But we know that we are moving closer to the time that our LGBTQIA+ siblings cannot be made invisible by the church or by the country.
Thank you
@RickSteves
for including
@ELCAWorldHunger
in your Climate Smart Commitment grants!
@RickStevesTours
is contributing $100,000 to support small family farms as they adopt sustainable practices, adapt to a changing climate & increase food security.
Four mass shootings in one week. People were shopping, at a festival, a night out, a domestic dispute. Gun violence is a symptom of a deeper sickness. This isn’t about “them.” It’s about us. Time for reflection and action.
Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship or distress or persecution or peril or sword? As it is written For your sake we are being killed all day long...No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
#SriLanka
For Jews the Sabbath begins at sundown on Friday. We have been invited and encouraged to “Show up for Shabbat.” Now is our opportunity to stand with our Jewish brothers and sisters and against anti-Semitic bigotry and hatred. Contact local synagogues and ask how you can help.
Herbert W Chilstrom, first presiding bishop of the ELCA, died at home early this morning. His family was with him. In 1987 He held the then improbable hope that God had raised up an ELCA witness to the gospel. His hope was not disappointed. I grieve the loss of this saint.
I am trying to understand the president’s decision to cut aid to Guatemala El Salvador Honduras. The rich and the governments of these countries will not bear the brunt, the poor who are leaving to seek asylum will.
Overturning Roe v. Wade and placing decisions about abortion regulation at the state level encumbers and endangers the lives of all persons who need to make decisions about unexpected pregnancies.
The US has a proud tradition of being the world leader in refugee protection. Now that has all changed. Still the
@ELCA
will continue our ministry to offer protection, advocacy, and support for migrants and immigrants, particularly through
#ELCAAMMPARO
.
The psalmist reminds us that “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). Our nation is bracing amid reports of acts of political violence planned for the coming days at state capitols and in our nation’s capital.
(1/11)
Today, we ask our
@ELCA
family and friends to join together in prayer for the president, first lady and all who are affected by COVID-19 in the White House, as well as all the people and their families in our nation...
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As I anticipate verdicts for some high-profile cases, I pray for BIPOC communities. Black and brown people too frequently are murdered and justice is never received. White supremacy is an existential threat to people of color, it must be an existential threat to white people too.
So, here’s the dear husband had this commissioned for me as a birthday present. The artist is retired and on disability. Your best bet is to take a screen shot and contact a local artist or bring your own design or photo to a neon design artist.
13 of our military killed in Kabul. They gave their lives so that Americans and Afghan allies might live. They didn’t waver in their mission. We honor them by taking up their mission to make a way for Afghan allies to find life and freedom here.