Lutheran (EL
* as of August 19, AD 2009, a liberal protestant SECT, not part of the holy, catholic and apostolic CHURCH.
Be rooted in Christ!
Posted on 02/03/2025 2:51:53 PM PST by lightman
A Pastoral Letter from Bishop James S. Dunlop
Dear Siblings in Christ,
In the past two weeks, we have witnessed political actions and rhetoric that have heightened anxiety in our church and society, especially among marginalized communities. As people of faith, we cannot ignore the harm caused by policies that marginalize the vulnerable and the false narratives that spread distrust. Our faith compels us to respond with the deep assurance of God’s love and justice.
Jesus speaks directly to our anxious hearts in the Sermon on the Mount,“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; or about your body, what you will wear... But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well”(Matthew 6:25, 33). In these words, Jesus reframes worry, inviting us to live differently–where our priorities reflect God’s justice, mercy, and unconditional love.
Recent actions affecting the LGBTQIA+ community, threats to faith communities, and policies causing harm to the marginalized are not acceptable for us as followers of Jesus. We are particularly alarmed by threats to send police into our churches, an unacceptable violation of religious freedom and our identity as God’s people. As Bishop Mariann Budde so faithfully preached on January 21, 2025, at the National Prayer Service held in the Washington National Cathedral, we are called to be people of grace and mercy, even in moments of deep division. Yet, we also recognize that such a message was met with denunciation. As a synod, we stand firm in proclaiming the Gospel: All are welcome, all are valued, all are made in the image of God.
False accusations have circulated about religious organizations receiving too much federal grant money without transparency regarding its use–including ministries of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Our ministries are built on trust, transparency, and service. ELCA-affiliated programs, including Lutheran Disaster Response, ELCA World Hunger, and Global Refuge, have provided essential aid for decades, supporting families, feeding the hungry, housing the homeless, resettling refugees, and responding to natural disasters.
ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton addresses these false claims and reaffirms our church’s commitment to integrity and mission here: ELCA Response. As leaders in the Lower Susquehanna Synod and the wider ELCA, we will not be drawn into cycles of fear. Instead, we will bear witness to the power of God’s love, standing firm in our calling to serve, advocate, and proclaim Christ’s justice.
Within our current political and cultural climate, Christian Nationalism is growing–a movement falsely claiming that America was founded as a Christian nation and that laws and policies should reflect a specific religious agenda. As Lutherans, we believe God’s love is for everyone, and we reject any belief that divides people, diminishes religious freedom, or justifies treating others unfairly.
The ELCA has long affirmed that civic engagement is a vital expression of our faith, as God is actively at work in the public sphere. The biblical vision of shalomcalls us to seek justice and the common good, ensuring that human institutions serve all people equitably. As the prophet Micah reminds us, “What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”(Micah 6:8). We stand firmly behind our preachers, teachers, and leaders who boldly proclaim the gospel in response to this biblical call, even in the face of opposition. Their faithful witness strengthens our shared mission to be a church that serves, loves, and advocates for the wellbeing of all people.
We also encourage you to stay engaged in this holy work by taking these actions:
•Seek resources and equip yourself.Our synod has created and will continue updating a resource page with materials to strengthen our capacity for ministry and advocacy. Visit: LSS Justice Resources.
•Advocate for justice.If you are concerned about recent policies affecting vulnerable communities, contact your state congressional leaders. LAMPa provides tools to assist with advocacy efforts: Find your PA Legislators and Find your Congressional Delegation. Join LAMPa’s email sign-up. Join the ELCA e-Advocacy Network.
•Support Lutheran ministries.Lutheran Services in America works with 300 health and human services organizations and serves over 6 million people across 1,400 communities. If you believe in the work of our social services, consider making a gift directly to Lutheran Services in America: Donate Hereor through your congregations.“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble”(Psalm 46:1).
We trust in the Lord. Our faith is where we stand. May we remain steadfast in Christ’s love, bearing witness to the Kingdom of God in a world longing for mercy and grace.
Yours in Christ, ✠James S. Dunlop, bishop Lower Susquehanna Synod, ELCA
* as of August 19, AD 2009, a liberal protestant SECT, not part of the holy, catholic and apostolic CHURCH.
Be rooted in Christ!
defrock this witchcraft practicing rebel... in every place they pseudoname themselves as Christians.
The man is many things. Lutheran is not one of them. He is a Christian fraud. Matthew 7:15 applies.
“not acceptable for us as followers of Jesus. “ actually it is required mr wolf... but these folks are not Followers of Jesus. the church used to teach... TURN OR BURN.
More gasps from another dying denomination.
Sadly, their heresy and blasphemy reflect on the orthodox Lutherans.
Because Execrable Lesbian Coven of America chase after the whores of Babble-on (media), we good doctrinal Lutherans get washed in their dirty bath water.
We shall persevere.
The church needs a new Martin Luther. Right now.
🙄
You guys need larger MISSOURI SYNOD signs so people can tell the difference afar off.
Dear Bishop Dunlop,
Render onto Cesar what is Cesar’s. Also, GFY!
Signed,
Normal American
Sorry, Jimmy, that's not the gospel. You should carefully consider this:
But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. Galatians 1:8 (ESV)
Dear Bishop Dunlop,
It is easy to see why your denomination is dying on the vine. Please, just go home, sit down and shut up.
Elizabeth Eaton—The head “bishop” of the ELCA:
This means that the population of Heaven includes Hitler and his henchmen, Lenin and Stalin, Genghis Khan, Attila the Hun, and all sorts of murderous savages! Some Church Fathers taught that all can be saved, but not without penance and spiritual cleaning. The majority teaching of Christ and His Church is that there is a Hell, and that it is by no means empty.
The majority teaching of Christ and His Church is that only men can become Bishops!
The arrogance of the ELCA and its mis-leaders is very great. ELCA and other liberal-church parishes that harbor illegals must be entered by the authorities, and the illegals must be deported! Liberal-church leaders and some members may then yell and scream, but the authorities and most Church people must ignore them. They will be getting what they deserve!
Lost me at …Dear siblings.
When NGOs advertise and promise support to people who are taking the long and dangerous trip to this country they are encouraging them to take the chance of being trafficked or harmed in other ways like drowning or dying from heat exhaustion. Sure, it’s great that NGOs are here to help them when they get here but what about the ones who took the chance because of that encouragement that don’t make it.
Do you catholic charities, or the Episcopal, ELCA, and other NGOs that are exercising their Christian ethics feel responsible for their deaths? Why not try to help them make their countries of origin better places to live. Perhaps President Trump’s tariffs and negotiations will help. I’m a Catholic and when the second collection is for Catholic Charities I skip it.
It’s a slop hermeneutic.
Scripture separates the personal from the national.
If you see a poor man, you give him a blanket and a sammich.
If the country next to you is crossing your border with intent to do harm, you rack the action on your M2.
I just threw up in my mouth!
So happy I left the ELCA and joined the LCMS, a real religion.
Siblings in Christ? What happened to brother and sisters in Christ?
It reads like satire.
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