ROHR TELLS ELCA YOUTH: "TAKE RISKS AND RESPOND"

     NEW ORLEANS (ELCA) -- Steve Rohr told thousands of young people at the Louisiana Superdome, "Responsibility means our ability to respond." Rohr spoke to the Youth Gathering of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, meeting here July 23-27.  The event has brought 30,000 teens to the city for celebration and learning.
     "We all have to reach, to risk, to put ourselves on the line," said Rohr, "and sometimes that means doing the unpopular thing."  But it is our responsibility to reach out and keep our promise to Jesus Christ, he said. Rohr recalled a time when he was confronted by fear.  He had to take a risk, he said, and overcame his fear with the help of a friend.  His experience turned into one of powerful witness, he said.
     "With one kiss Judas betrayed our Savior."   Rohr said, "Fear prevented the disciples from keeping their promise to Jesus.  Fear can keep you from keeping your promise to Jesus."
     Rohr, 27,  is a member of St. Francis Lutheran Church, San Francisco, and director of operations at Wollberg/Michelson Personnel.  In 1992 he participated in an ELCA youth leadership program on public speaking, "Life Every Voice."  He led a pre-gathering workshop on "Public Speaking for Wimps."
     "I come from a  unique' family," Rohr said.  He is Japanese-American and grew up in a multicultural family with a number of racial groups represented among his siblings and parents.
     They lived in Montana and northern Idaho at a time when adoption of minority kids was not well accepted, Rohr said.  He encountered neo-Nazi groups.  "Charming, those neo-Nazis," he said sarcastically.  "Racists and homophobes were always the loudest," said Rohr, "and I wondered when the good people would start making some noise."

     The young people cheered and clapped, making noise to claim their identity among "the good people."  Rohr said his parents were "the good people," for him.  They are his heroes and taught him: "Never apologize for who you are, and never be afraid!"
     Rohr told the young people: "It is time to respond and make some noise about prejudice against minorities, women, young people, gay and lesbian people, the mentally and physically disabled, and even the earth. It is time because there is not a moment to lose, a minute to waste."
     "We can't stop until our young women believe they can be bishop of this church or president of the United States, we can't stop until our handicapped brothers and sisters have access to every building, park and playground."  Rohr continued, "We need to take the risks that will bring us that freedom, because that, my friends, is truly what life's all about."
     The Superdome became a church as the assembled youth celebrated Holy Communion.  The Rev. Gladys Moore, assistant to the bishop in the ELCA's New Jersey Synod, was the presiding minister.  The evening closed with music from the Augsburg Gospel Choir and Band from Augsburg College, Minneapolis.
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