Tue
Apr 20
2010
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?
It is hard to imagine how the church could fulfill its mission without taking into account how society treats its members who are sick, hungry, incarcerated or living in poverty. Clearly, we are called by Christ to accompany and speak up for those in society who are most vulnerable. That is at the heart of church advocacy.
In order for us as a church to be effective advocates, we need to be in dialogue with one another. This includes educating each other on the issues we should be concerned about. We need to surround these efforts with prayer, Bible study, and humbly listening for God’s guidance.
And, it involves listening to one another as well. We are a diverse church, and each of us has much to offer one another. Our understanding of issues only deepens when we engage each other in meaningful conversation.
Today’s public policy issues are complex. Few issues can be resolved with simple answers. We need the collective experiences of one another to effectively advocate for the hurting among us.
That’s what makes it so vital that we talk about these issues constructively and openly with one another. We do not have to agree completely on every public policy issue facing society today, but we do need to enter the discussion.
You are invited to an open forum to share insight, questions and concerns about how we as the church can best speak out for the vulnerable, voiceless ones. We will be gathering on Friday, June 4 from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the Midtown Holiday Inn in Grand Island. We have invited a representative from the ELCA’s Washington Office to join us and share in the conversation. Watch for more details in the next few days.
And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8)
Outstanding, David! Great introduction to the sorely neglected public witness of our church. Thanks for your leadership!!
THANK YOU! I asked, you responded. This is a gift to those of us who are being asked challenging questions and have no knowledgeable answers! I echo Pastor Michael’s words “thanks for your leadership!”
Thank you Bishop deFreese for this straightforward information and for placing it within an understanding of God’s grace. I look forward to the meeting in Grand Island, and hope to learn more.
Just this month, I wrote a short article in our local church newsletter about the negativity coming from some TV commentators on social justice. We must speak out as Christians for the sake of the Risen Christ!
I appreciate the opportunity, Bishop deFreese, that is being provided to talk directly with someone from the Washington Office. I hope your offer to engage in meaningful conversation with people holding differing views comes to fruition. All too often only one political view is being offered in our church’s advocacy and in the formation of taskforces preparing social statements. The ELCA has had a history of determining the outcome before the discussion. I hope that is changing.