A day so amazing it deserves two collage photos. This morning we were honored to participate in the consecration of Ibrahim Azar as bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land. It was an amazing service that began with a procession from Jaffa gate led by Palestinian student scouts on bagpipe, drums, and brass. Outgoing bishop Munib Younan gave a heartfelt and encouraging address to both the incoming bishop and to all who care for and support the ELCJHL.
Worship continued with the rite of consecration. The laying on of hands by bishops from around the world. What a honor to participate in this, my first bishop consecration, in such an historic place and time. It was an intense moment of unity in which we celebrated worship in Arabic, German, and English while also hearing prayers in 6 others languages. The unity of the church crossing borders and walls to proclaim the good news of Christ.
All this while hearing alleged words from our president referring to some places, including Haiti who is remembering the suffering of the earthquake just 8 years ago and those in west Africa where our partners in Sierra Leone live, in vulgar language. Our presiding bishop Elizabeth Eaton has responded and I concur with her words. http://www.elca.org/News-and-Events/7906 We are not to seek division or to disparage those made in the image of God. Instead we are to build up, strengthen, and expand God’s kingdom message of love, truth, and justice. That is what we were about today in Jerusalem. I am grateful for the opportunity to represent the Northern Texas-Northern Louisiana Synod and the ELCA. #NTNL #ELCJHL#Azar #InMissionTogether