Extremist Groups

ELCA Churchwide Assembly Action CA95.03.5

Passed by the 1995 Churchwide Assembly in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Resolved
To affirm the memorials of the Montana and Northwestern Pennsylvania synods on peace and violence, misuse of Scripture, and hate groups;

To denounce hate, violence, and intolerance, in all forms, including acts directed at religious groups, at the government, or at those least able to defend themselves.

To reject the blasphemous use of the name of Christ as a devise for those who distort Scripture to further political and personal views which are contrary to the call of our Lord for compassion, tolerance, and love;

To encourage the use of the teaching offices of pastor, bishop, and teacher to preach the Gospel, teach the Scriptures, and publicly challenge the misuse of God’s Word when it is used to promote hate, bigotry, and violence in any form;

To call on members and congregations:

to pray and support all people who confront, challenge, and oppose hate groups;
to continue to study issues of peace and violence, and to engage actively in their communities with a true witness to the Gospel;
to pray for the victims of violence and for the perpetrators of violence; and
to support governmental employees and law enforcement officers who serve the common good; and

To request the Division for Congregational Ministries, the Division for Church in Society, and the Commission for Multicultural Ministries to continue the development and promotion of resource materials that equip the people of God to challenge intolerance, hate, and violence, particularly when advocated under the guise of religion and Scripture.