Lutheran Response to Charlottesville

Nothing good ever comes of violence. – Martin Luther

White supremacy has no place in the kingdom of God, only the love and healing of the reign of the Prince of Peace. – ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton

We follow Christ and serve our neighbor. We reject white supremacy and racism. We have much work left ahead of us. Pray! – ELCA Vice President Bill Horne

Read the ELCA commitment to confronting racism and anti-Semitism.

Saturday, August 12, over a dozen Rostered Ministers of the Virginia Synod, Bishop Mauney, Bishop-elect Humphrey, and his wife Barbra Humphrey joined in a peaceful march with Charlottesville clergy and religious leaders of Virginia ahead of the Unite the Right rally. The march was organized by the Charlottesville Clergy Collective with the goal to provide a positive witness in Charlottesville and not to engage with those present for the Unite the Right Rally…. There was peace and witness present this day in Charlottesville that ultimately and tragically fell to fear and violence, leading to three deaths and numerous injuries caused by clashes…. Wednesday, August 16, thousands more marched against racism and violence as students and faculty gathered in a candlelight vigil to “take back the lawn” in an effort of healing for this college town following days of confrontation and tragedy.

We continue to pray for Charlottesville, for its community and congregations, for its authorities and first responders. We pray for the families who lost loved ones, and for those who were injured on the 12th. We pray for strength and witness to continue to reject the hatred and discrimination of white supremacy.

Read the full update in the Virginia Synod weekly news (posted August 17).

Join the clergy conversation about racial justice on Twitter at #CvilleClergyCall and #ELCA4Justice

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Afraid No More

August 22 Webcast

Afraid No More: a conversation with Brian McLaren and Samir Selmanovic

In this one-hour webcast​, you’ll learn about some of what’s being done to ​turn the tables and take our Christian faith farther in these times of terrifying danger and breath-taking opportunity – and you’ll find ways you can join ​​the movement​s brewing under the surface or make your movement more effective.

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FREE Training

Safe & Healthy Churches: Ending Family Violence

September 29-30

Austin, TX

Click here for a PDF with full details.

Register online at http://www.faithtrustinstitute.org/front-page/training/safe-and-healthy-churches-2017 by September 1, 2017.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Clare at clareo@faithtrustinstitute.org or (206) 634-1903 ext. 26.

Featured Resources for August

A reminder that the ELCA has legal resources available on its website at http://elca.org/en/Resources/Legal. The resources include information on some of the most common legal issues faced by congregations, such as employees and volunteers, tax, misconduct, property, and financial issues. While not a substitute for legal advice, these resources can help point you in the right direction.

Save the Date

Celebración de la Reforma

Advent Lutheran, Arlington

October 7, 12n – 5pm

Recent Blog Post

Bishop Gronberg:

Nar We All Get This God Wok: In Mission Together

(https://www.ntnl.org/nar-get-god-wok-mission-together/ published Aug. 15)

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Where in the world is?

Bishop Gronberg:

• Aug. 27 – Ordination of Kate Knutson, Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church, Minneapolis, MN

Pr. Totzke:

• Aug. 27 – St. Olaf, Cranfills Gap

Pra. Bañales:

• Aug. 21 – New/Renewal Team meeting, Good Shepherd, Irving
• Aug. 21-26 – Spanish Coaching Team meeting and Mission Developers and Redevelopers Training, Denver, CO
• Aug. 27 – Installation of Pr. Cindy Carroll, Emanuel, Dallas