POSTED SEPTEMBER 27 ON facebook.com/bishopgronberg:
The testimony today of Dr. Christine Blasey Ford about her allegations of sexual assault by Judge Brett Kavanaugh and subsequent questioning have been extremely painful. Regardless of the political divisions of our time, the time since these events are alleged to occur, and the age of the individuals involved then and now, today has been a very difficult day for many in our communities. Memories of abuse, violence, and gender based hostility were stirred up by these hearings.
Far too many women, and men, in our communities are the victims of gender based and sexual violence. Today in our Conference of Bishops Theological and Ethical Concerns Committee meeting we were reminded of the resources attached from the ELCA.
Our communities are not immune to this violence and should be aware of those who bear the scars and open wounds of such violence. I call on our pastors and leaders to be aware, educated about and sensitive to, and prepared to listen to those who have suffered violence. This is not a partisan issue, it is a pastoral concern. I commend these resources as well as the draft social statement on Women and Justice to you.
Let us pray for and be prepared to listen and serve those who have been victimized. May we also work for justice. I know that many of our congregations have participated in the multiple hearings on the proposed Women and Justice social statement. If you have not taken time to read this draft, please do so. https://www.elca.org/womenandjustice #NTNL #ELCA #InMissionTogether
