We continue our reflection on God’s call to us through the ELCA’s “60-Day Journey Toward Justice in a Culture of Gun Violence.”
Day 27: The Possibility in Devastation
The following is excerpted from a letter by Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton in response to the mass shootings at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, on March 3, 2019. Our love, concern, and support as a church in times of tragedy and need are not reserved for Christians, Lutherans, and full communion partners; they are shared freely with our neighbors of every faith, everywhere.
“Together with our ecumenical and inter-religious partners, we stand shoulder to shoulder in condemning hatred, bigotry, racism and violence whenever and wherever it occurs. We do so because all people are made in the image of God. Therefore, as an act of neighborly love, I urge you to reach out to your Muslim neighbors today and in the days to come to ask how you might offer solidarity and support—joining whenever possible with other ecumenical and interreligious neighbors.
“I leave you with the words of Psalm 16:1: “Protect me, O God, for in you I take refuge.” This is my prayer—for our Muslim neighbors, for the people of Christchurch, and for all who mourn and are afraid. May we see in this devastation the possibility to be Christ’s presence with our neighbors in this world—to be present in their suffering and to be partners in God’s justice and peace.”