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Dear Church Family,
 
In these days, many of us are feeling a range of emotions as we follow what’s happening in our country. I want to speak with care and clarity: I value you, I respect you, and I believe you are good and faithful people seeking to share Christ’s love in everyday life. Allow me the grace to share with you a few of my thoughts in this week’s enews. 
 
First, our calling to love our neighbor is not selective. 
In Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37), “neighbor” isn’t defined by citizenship, uniform, party, or platform. An undocumented immigrant is our neighbor. An ICE agent is our neighbor. And our political preferences don’t get the final word on how we treat one another. It’s worth remembering that Jesus gathered very different people around him. Among the disciples were Simon the Zealot (a freedom-fighter type) and Matthew the tax collector (seen by many as a collaborator with Rome). They likely disagreed sharply about public policy, yet they learned to follow Jesus side-by-side. Those of the right and the left can disagree and still worship in the same pews.
 
Second, Christians are called to respect civil authority unless obeying it would require us to sin. 
Jesus says, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s” (Luke 20:25). Our Lutheran tradition echoes this (Augsburg Confession, Article XVI). That means laws matter, even when we don’t like them. Issues like immigration, the right to bear arms, due process, freedom of speech, and the rule of law are not optional simply because we feel strongly. In our system of government, trying to enforce change through intimidation or lawlessness cannot be our way. As Christians, we can and should debate, advocate, vote, and work for wise changes to laws. That work is hard, but it’s necessary.
 
Third, many of the situations we react to most quickly are complicated.
What’s happening in Minnesota (and in many places) often involves more complexity than we can absorb in a headline or a viral clip. Sometimes the honest conclusion is that multiple people involved made mistakes. If we want to honor all our neighbors, we must begin with a truth Scripture teaches plainly: we are all fallen, all prone to error, all in need of mercy. That humility should lead us not to quick condemnation, but to careful listening and then to conversation.
 
Fourth, we need to relearn how to talk to one another. 
It has become far too easy to assume that our political or ideological “other” is not simply wrong, but evil. Those with whom we disagree become someone to dismiss, shame, or destroy. Here’s the hard truth: we may not be as right as we think. A professor of mine once posted a sign that said, “Think that you may be wrong.” That’s a surprisingly faithful spiritual discipline. When we can admit we don’t know everything (and when we can admit we might be mistaken) real conversation becomes possible again. And if we assume we already understand “the other side,” it’s worth remembering how much the political landscape has shifted in the last twenty years.
 
This Thursday, interfaith clergy from across our area will gather at New Horizons Seventh Day Christian Church for prayer and conversation as we seek God’s wisdom in response to what we are witnessing in our nation and around the world. Similar gatherings are being planned across the country as well. In a spirit of listening and learning, Pastor Bev and I plan to attend alongside other pastors in our conference. I invite you to join me in prayer that the Holy Spirit would guide our discernment, shape our words, and lead us in the way of Christ.
 
I’m always willing to talk. I genuinely want to listen, to learn, and to better understand what’s happening in your world. We belong to one another in Christ. And whatever our differences, we are in this together, dear church.
 
I’ll leave you with some words of one of my spiritual guides – Mother Theresa who said: “If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.”
 
Peace be with you this week and always,
 
Pastor Steve