Dear Partners in Mission:

Today is Election Day in our nation. Although I doubt you need my reminder of this. We have been the subject of messaging, advertisements, speeches, and more in what seems to have become a constant election news cycle. Given all this it is deeply tempting to tune it out. And yet, the decisions we collectively make in this election will have real consequences for our lives, and as disciples of Jesus we know more importantly, the lives of our neighbors.

One of the most troubling aspects of our political state continues to be the willingness to demonize opponents and twist the truth in so doing normalizing deceit. This is a violation of the 8th commandment’s admonition not to lie as well as Luther’s explanation of the commandment charging us to speak well of our neighbor and explain their actions in the kindest manner. As a member of the conference of bishops I signed on to our recent statement about the need to speak truth and reject the rhetoric of violence and hate.

Regardless of the outcome of the elections today we as followers of Jesus have real work to do. Our nation is deeply divided, families are divided, by the politics of winning at all costs. As disciples of the crucified Christ we know true power is found in self giving love. And this should inspire our response to our neighbor and our community. In the coming days and weeks I pray that our NT-NL communities can and well model that self-giving service. To be people of peace and justice in the midst of fear and confusion. To seek and serve those marginalized and excluded. To live into our baptismal identity over any political identity.

In explaining the petition of the Lord’s prayer “Give us this day our daily bread” Luther includes in what is “daily bread” good government. So we pray today for peace, justice, and daily bread for all.

Together In Mission,

Bishop Gronberg