The conference of bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), representing 65 synods (geographical regions of the church), have sent a letter to every United States Senator opposing the budget reconciliation measures currently being considered by the Congress. The letter was signed by every bishop in the ELCA, and the presiding bishop of the church, in a demonstration of the church's solidarity with the poor and opposition to the radical policies of greed espoused by the Republican leadership in Congress.
The letter is available on the website of
ELCA Advocacy
In part, the letter reads:
The Biblical record is clear. The Scriptural witness on which our faith tradition stands speaks dramatically of God 's concern for and solidarity with poor and oppressed communities while speaking firmly in opposition to governments whose policies place narrow economic interests driven by greed above the common good.
I was prompted to write this diary because I am sick and tired of the voices of progressive Christians being drowned out by the frothing and foaming of the theocratic Christian Right. It is notoriously difficult for progressive Christians to receive equal coverage in the MSM: messages of tolerance, equality, justice, peace, and love just aren't that controversial compared to the ravings of Pat Robertson, James Dobson, and Jerry Falwell.
But progressive Christians ARE speaking out on behalf of the poor, the marginalized, and the oppressed. It is our duty and our obligation, and it is encouraging to see the national churches realize this duty and obligation as well.