In turbulent times, our shared faith is both a source of solace and a beacon, guiding us towards the path of understanding and unity. With our nation grappling with all sorts of divisions, it is vital that we seek not to fight one another, but rather to engage in open and compassionate dialogue.

This comes after recent events have left our hearts heavy. Reports of church burnings in Southern Arizona, protests at our churches that openly welcome LGBTQIA+ members, and ongoing racial tensions nationally have underscored the urgent need for us to live out our call to be peacemakers and bridge builders.

In the face of such adversity, it can be all too easy to come at these complex issues as though we already have all the answers. However, as followers of Christ, we are called to a different approach. Instead of claiming to know everything, we must strive to listen, learn, and understand.

Our faith teaches us that the first step in this process is creating a space for conversation. This means opening our hearts to the experiences and perspectives of others, especially when they challenge our own views. It requires us to listen carefully, to speak thoughtfully, and to seek common ground.

In the words of the Apostle Paul, " Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer everyone." (Colossians 4:6). The “salt” in our conversation is not the salt of incisiveness or harsh words, but rather the salt that preserves dignity, respects differing perspectives, and upholds our shared humanity.

We are called not to be right, but to be righteous; not to win arguments, but to win hearts and minds towards the love of Christ. We are to work towards reconciliation, justice, and peace, acting not out of fear or anger, but out of love for our neighbors and our shared belief in the transformative power of God’s love.

Let us also remember that Christ is a model of how to engage with others, even in times of great disagreement and strife. He listened, he empathized, he loved unconditionally. He stood up against injustice and reached out to those on the margins, offering love and acceptance.

I encourage all of us to pray for guidance and wisdom as we navigate all challenging issues. Pray for those affected by the recent attacks, and for those who feel targeted because of their race, ethnicity or sexual orientation.Pray for our nation, that we will rise above divisiveness and embrace the unity that is found in our shared humanity.

With you in faith, prayer, and solidarity,

The Rev. Deborah K. Hutterer
Bishop
Grand Canyon Synod of the ELCA