Fill… Spill… Thrill…

Bishop Dave deFreese
Nebraska Synod, ELCA

Let justice roll down the mighty waters, and righteousness like an everflowing stream. (Amos 5:24)

In today’s society, it is nearly impossible to escape the daily noise of politics, public policy and partisan bickering. Cable news channels and news radio have capitalized greatly over our desire to argue about who is right and who is wrong.

This environment makes it difficult for the church to even broach issues of public policy without risking offense to someone. Some… including one well-compensated TV personality… even question whether the church has a role to play in advocating for fairness and justice in our society.

I have heard from some of you with questions about our church’s approach to public policy advocacy. How do we respond to all of this?

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Pastor Damon Laaker
Assistant to the Bishop
Nebraska Synod, ELCA

“I have forgotten what happiness is; so I say, ‘Gone is my glory, and all that I had hoped for from the Lord.’” (Lamentations 3:17-18 )

Stephen Carter writing in a Lenten devotional says, “An economic downturn in the world financial markets entered my world when the value of my investment portfolio went way down in a short time period. My pocketbook also took a hit when gasoline prices suddenly soared, causing me to consider every mile I was driving. The world’s money troubles may be hitting you at home as well: Maybe you or someone you know is out of work, having difficulty getting a loan or struggling to sell a devalued house.”

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Pastor Martin Russell
Assistant to the Bishop
Nebraska Synod, ELCA

Tests… none of us like them no matter when and in what form they come.

I remember taking my ACT test on a Saturday morning. Poised with sharpened Number 2 pencils in hand, I remember my anxiety being elevated as we were told, “This is THE MOST IMPORTANT TEST OF YOUR LIFE!”

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