As LEAN continually strives to advocate for “the least of us” at the Nevada Legislature, and throughout the year, with the support of our local Lutheran and Episcopal faith communities, we also keep in mind and heart all who fall victim to fear, ignorance and injustice in the world at large. The following open letter by ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton to Muslim-Americans seems a timely and vital reminder of how God and the Holy Spirit work through us in many ways, across any real or perceived cultural or religious divide.

In a Dec. 11 letter to the Muslim-American community, the Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), said, “I am writing on behalf of many Christians in this country who wish to share a word of solidarity, love and hope with you in these difficult days.”

“In our love for you, our Muslim neighbors, we are distressed by the ways in which you are being forced to bear the fears held by many in our nation,” Eaton wrote. “Therefore, we renew our commitment to find even more effective ways to protect and defend you from words and actions that assault your safety and well-being. We believe God calls us to resist what is divisive, discriminatory, xenophobic, racist or violent, and we want you to look to us as allies and friends.”

The full text of the letter follows:

Grace and peace to you. I am writing on behalf of many Christians in this country who wish to share a word of solidarity, love and hope with you in these difficult days.

In this season of Advent, we, your Christian neighbors, are preparing to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who commanded that “you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart … [and] you shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:30-31, NRSV).

In our love for you, our Muslim neighbors, we are distressed by the ways in which you are being forced to bear the fears held by many in our nation. Therefore, we renew our commitment to find even more effective ways to protect and defend you from words and actions that assault your safety and well-being. We believe God calls us to resist what is divisive, discriminatory, xenophobic, racist or violent, and we want you to look to us as allies and friends.

The global refugee and migrant crisis and the acts of terror committed in this country and around the world are challenges that demand our collective efforts and our common prayers. Therefore, we will seek to stand shoulder to shoulder with you as agents of peace, justice, understanding, welcome and reconciliation for the sake of the world that God so loves.

In this holy season, when we anticipate the light that the darkness cannot overcome (John 1:5, NRSV), we are reminded of God’s gift of life abundant for all. Together with you, we are committed to building a stronger society based on the dignity of each human being, the value of diversity, the holiness of creation and the common good. We pledge our partnership and invite our local communities into continued dialogue and engagement to this end.

You can download a PDF of the letter here.

This story from the Los Angeles Times reveals a sea change among that city’s law enforcement agencies when it comes to the scourge of sex trafficking. They recognize children caught in this web for what they are — innocent victims, not prostitutes. May this realization take root in every city in America, and lead to true legislative change to rescue, treat and protect all young people involved.

Los Angeles sheriff gets real on sex trafficking

In response to announcements from anti-Muslim activists intending to protest outside U.S. mosques and Muslim community centers this weekend, the Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), released on Oct. 9 the following statement:

“As Christians, we are freed in Christ to love and serve our neighbors. Today our neighbors include Muslims – upstanding faithful Americans. The enemy we face is not Islam but hatred and fear. I join my sisters and brothers in calling for gestures of solidarity with our American Muslim neighbors. Together we can witness to the world that God’s love will have the last word.”

Eaton’s statement is one of several from U.S. religious and other leaders made available through the Shoulder to Shoulder Campaign: Standing with American Muslims, Upholding American Values. The ELCA is a founding member of the campaign.

Recently the Rev. Mike Patterson, LEAN’s advocate to the Nevada Legislature, took part in a nationwide advocacy event in Washington, D.C., along with LEAN Policy Board member and retired Lutheran Pastor Jack Ericson. These photos capture moments from their experience.

Pr. Jack Ericson (center) and Rev. Mike Patterson (right) with Grand Canyon Synod Bishop Steve Talmage.

Rev. Mike Patterson with the Most Rev. Dr. Katharine Jefferts Schori (right) and an ELCA Bishop from the Midwest.

Participants view a speech by Pope Francis

Pr. Jack Ericson speaks with two fellow Advocacy Gathering attendees.