By Bishop Ann Svennungsen
As I prepare for my final days as your bishop, I want to share a few thoughts about the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. As much as ever, I love the ELCA. I believe its distinctive witness is critical, especially today, when so many in America seek to use the word “Christian” to mean lots different things – and to advocate for lots of different causes.
Our clarity about the gospel – about God’s initiative, God’s radical forgiveness in Jesus Christ – is vital. So is our clear witness about the freedom of the Christian to love the neighbor, to think critically and thoughtfully, and to courageously engage the public square for the sake of justice. To paraphrase Luther, our understanding of God’s grace frees us “to act boldly and trust God more boldly still.”
In a time when such strong winds blow in our country, when some are flying the banner of Christian nationalism, Luther’s confessional witness about the distinction between law and gospel is as crucial as ever.
“In a time when such strong winds blow in our country, when some are flying the banner of Christian nationalism, Luther’s confessional witness about the distinction between law and gospel is as crucial as ever.”
I believe we – members of the Minneapolis Area Synod, the largest synod in the ELCA – are called to be faithful and discerning stewards of this clay jar we call the ELCA. It’s as important as ever. Yes, we are a clay jar, … broken in many ways, systems of exclusion and privilege continue to have a hold on us.
Still, I believe our clarity about the Gospel of God’s radical forgiveness in Jesus Christ sets us free to do the good, hard, hopeful work of building beloved community for the sake of the world. And, I pray that our synod’s 137 ELCA congregations will be courageous and faithful stewards of this treasure of the Gospel.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Bishop Ann Svennungsen’s final day in the Office of the Bishop will be July 31.