Pastoral Message Concerning Racial Injustice and Civil Unrest
Dear Members and Friends of First Lutheran Church:
The worship service for this Sunday (May 31) was recorded on May 28 (Thursday morning). Regretfully, in this worship service we do not address the expressions of grief, anger, and protest that have emerged in the wake of George Floyd’s death and the recent deaths of other black Americans. For the church to stay silent on these matters would not be right. I urge you to watch the video below, which I hope offers a faithful response on behalf of our community.
With this video, we’re also including two resources—one is an infographic that I’ve found especially helpful, shared with me on social media. This infographic helps me examine personal and societal attitudes that can contribute to racial inequality and harm. The second is a link to a recent statement provided by our denomination, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. This statement also includes links for further reading and reflection.
Today we also pray for the safety of those who live and work in the neighborhoods where there is unrest—not just in Minneapolis, but all across America. We pray for the safety of those who protest in peace, and we pray for police officers, members of the National Guard, and first responders who serve in communities where there is strife today.
Prayerfully yours,
Pastor Katherine Olson
Associate Pastor of Caring Ministry, First Lutheran Church
Click here to read the response from the ELCA.