United States: Grave concern over racism and violence

LWF General Secretary writes to ELCA Presiding bishop 

(LWI) – The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) has expressed grave concern over racism and systemic violence against African Americans and other people of colour in the United States of America, following the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis this week.

“Knowing that no words can sufficiently offer comfort, I would like to express my heart-felt sympathy and solidarity with the family of Mr. Floyd,” wrote LWF General Secretary Rev. Dr Martin Junge in a letter to Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton.

This violence “is a sign of brokenness and injustice that must be addressed urgently,” wrote the LWF General Secretary. The sin of racism must be countered, and that is what we are called to as churches.

“Your voice and actions, as well as the witness of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) to counter racism and to stand against those who perpetrate it while ministering healing to those wounded by it, make a difference.”

“Your voice and actions, as well as the witness of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) to counter racism and to stand against those who perpetrate it while ministering healing to those wounded by it, make a difference,” wrote the LWF General Secretary, expressing his gratitude to Bishop Eaton and the ELCA.

“We pray for you and stand with you in your ministry, asking you to let us know how we can, as your communion of churches, walk with the ELCA as it addresses this deeply traumatic incident, speaks out and works against racism to heal communities and nation.”

Statement of ELCA Conference of Bishops