Today’s blog comes from St. Paul Area Synod Bishop Patricia Lull and within the writing contains a video message from ELCA Bishop Elizabeth Eaton.

Bishop Lull’s full letter was published on February 17, 2025 and can be found HERE.

I … want to elaborate on how we show up as members of this synod in a time of abrupt changes in policies and national strategies. No matter our personal political loyalties, as ELCA Lutherans we share a common conviction about all neighbors and the respect and dignity they deserve. At our Synod Assembly in 2021, we adopted a bold Welcome Statement. I invite you to read this afresh so that these convictions inform your judgments, speech and actions.

As your bishop, I want to share the concerns that weigh most heavily on me these days. While it is the privilege of each newly elected president to introduce directives for reforming complicated infrastructures and laws, the Trump administration has introduced many changes all at once and has caused an immediate interruption of funding for a vast array of agencies and programs. This has impacted services to refugees (who are lawfully in this country), scientific and medical research, humanitarian and global health initiatives, higher education and more. I cite those examples in order to name work that matters to all of us.

As I have listened to your phone calls and read your emails, I have been sobered by your distress and heartened by the depth of your care for how we show up in the world as a nation and as a church. Such concern is part of our broad responsibility as citizens. I am grateful for a constitutional structure that includes three branches of government. With few checks and balances being exercised by Congress, I am keeping my eye on the actions of the courts to clarify what is a legitimate policy decision and what is not. In a recently released video, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton appropriately calls on each of us to use our public voice to speak to the crucial issues of the day.

Watch it here:

 

The issues that divide us as a nation are deep-seated and long standing. Addressing massive issues like immigration, foreign aid, public health, and care for those who are most vulnerable will take time and wisdom. In Galatians 6:2, St. Paul enjoins people of faith, to “bear one another’s burdens.” That is work to which every one of us is called; not just today but for the long haul.

Know that I appreciate your prayers, as well as your feedback whether we agree or disagree.

Yours in Christ,
Bishop Patricia Lull