Dear Friends,
The news of recent anti-Semitic violence on the territory of our synod is disturbing and sad. Over and over again we hear of such attacks. It would be easy to give in to despair and frustration and surrender to the evil around us. But, as disciples of Christ, we know a better way. In this past holiday season, when our Jewish siblings also celebrated God’s light, as we did, we are reminded by these acts that we are called to bring that light into the world. We do that through prayer, through solidarity with those who suffer, through challenging those in our own families and communities who express anti-Semitic beliefs and through active resistance, refusing to surrender or resign ourselves to the darkness that threatens and takes lives and security. We are reminded of those powerful, life-giving words in John’s Gospel: The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. I have seen your faith. I know you are part of God's light.
I commend to you Bishop Eaton’s statement included HERE and whatever you will do to make a positive difference in this world.
In Christ,
Bishop Egensteiner