ELCA Bishops Lead Call for Peace Amid Political Division

ELCA bishops in Pennsylvania are leading a movement for peace in the face of growing political tension, sparked by a violent incident at a rally. Working with Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania (LAMPa), they issued a joint statement calling for dialogue and dignity. The statement has garnered over 380 signatures from faith leaders and remains open for more to join. Read the original article at Living Lutheran.

Christopher deForest (center), bishop of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod, speaks at a Sept. 5 press conference in Harrisburg with other religious leaders from the state advocating for peace during the election season.

In Pennsylvania, a state known for its political influence, ELCA bishops felt the weight of their leadership responsibilities ahead of a heated election. Responding to growing divisiveness and a recent violent attack at a political rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, the seven bishops from across the state knew it was time to act. Coordinating with the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania (LAMPa), they issued a joint ecumenical and interreligious statement titled “Choices and Voices for Peace.”

The statement emphasizes the power of daily choices to treat others with dignity and kindness, regardless of political differences. It calls for dialogue over division and encourages active pursuit of peace, rejecting violence and despair. This message resonated with faith leaders throughout Pennsylvania, gathering over 330 signatures by the September 5 deadline and representing a wide variety of religious traditions.

On September 5, approximately 100 faith leaders joined the bishops at the Pennsylvania Capitol in Harrisburg to present the statement in a public press conference, followed by a gathering at Grace United Methodist Church. There, participants shared in fellowship and learned about Love Anyway Feasts, a peace-building initiative from Common Ground-USA.

The bishops and their colleagues have expressed hope that this moment of unity will grow into a broader movement for peace in Pennsylvania and beyond. With over 380 signatures to date, the statement remains open for all Pennsylvanians to sign, inviting continued participation in the shared mission of peace.