By Bishop Ann Svennungsen

What an extraordinary joy it was to represent the Minneapolis Area Synod at the ELCA Youth Gathering, last week! Long before the event began, our synod was deeply engaged in the preparations.

We were privileged to provide funding for the bus that brought 45 youth of color from our synod to the gathering. At the Multicultural Youth Leadership Event (MYLE), youth from the whole church were led and inspired by seven leaders of color from our synod – including the leader of the entire event, Dr. Kelly Sherman Conroy (the first ELCA indigenous leader to earn a PhD in Theology).

“We are all one in Christ Jesus, and we are all called to name the evil of racism and work to dismantle it.”

If you had asked me 12 years ago what sort of leadership role and youth involvement the Minneapolis Area Synod might have at the 2024 MYLE gathering, I could not have imagined what I saw last week.

But, I believe, the Spirit has been at work in our synod:

    • Nine leaders of color ordained as pastors or deacons
    • Thirty pastors or deacons of color currently serving in synod ministries
    • Fifteen years with Rev. Kelly Chatman serving as Advisor to the Bishop for Emerging Leaders
    • A congregational gift of $285,000 providing educational debt relief to leaders of color
    • Felecia Boone serving as Synod Vice President
    • Cheryl Chatman representing our synod on the ELCA Church Council
    • A full-time synod position of congregational organizing focused solely on racial justice – a position that has been filled since 2017
    • A $1.25 million Lilly Endowment award to the synod to accompany our multi-cultural congregations in family faith formation

Our church – and our country – has a long, long way to go in addressing systemic racism. For Christians, the journey begins at baptism. As Paul writes in Galatians: “As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.”

 

WE CHRISTIANS WILL spend our entire existence living into this calling to dismantle racism and all that separates and oppresses others.

We are called to take intentional steps – leaning into this baptismal reality. Some days it will be one step forward, two steps back. Many days, we will feel uncomfortable. But the calling is clear: We are all one in Christ Jesus, and we are all called to name the evil of racism and work to dismantle it.

It has been one of the greatest privileges of my life to be a part of such a diverse, multicultural community as the Minneapolis Area Synod. Thank you for allowing me to attend the Multicultural Youth Leadership Event as one of the last acts as your Bishop.

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And, speaking of giving thanks, …

Words cannot contain the profound gratitude I feel for the privilege of serving as your bishop.

I have felt deeply called to this work; and it has been a calling I have truly loved.

Thank you for the privilege of being partner with 137 congregations working together so “all might experience gracious invitation into life-giving Christian community and live in just and healthy neighborhoods.”

Thank you for the chance to serve with extraordinary leaders: pastors, deacons, elected congregational leaders, elected synod leaders, deans, and synod committee members.

“Thank you for your prayers, your words of encouragement and affirmation, your supportive presence.”

I am deeply indebted to our remarkable synod staff. This has truly been a leadership team; we work hard together. I can’t say enough about the gifts, faith, collegiality, complementarity, work ethic, and incredibly good humor that the staff brings to this work – and to our community called the synod.

I especially want to thank you for your prayers, your words of encouragement and affirmation, your supportive presence – in person, on zoom, through emails, and written notes.

I am thrilled that the synod elected Pastor Jen Nagel as its next Bishop. She brings such incredible gifts of faith, vision, wisdom, and compassion. She and I have spent quality time together during the transition period before her term begins on August 1. You have called a remakable leader and I will be first in line to cheer her on and hold her in prayer.

Finally, thank you for entrusting me with this role. It has been an honor to be your bishop. You will continue in my prayers – prayers filled with gratitude and love.

With heartfelt love for you,
Bishop Ann