Violence in Egypt, Libya, elsewhere condemned by ELCA presiding bishop

CHICAGO (ELCA) -- In letters to Coptic Orthodox, Islamic and Muslim
leaders across the United States, the Rev. Mark S. Hanson, presiding
bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), denounced the
hate video "Innocence of Muslims" and shared his commitment to speak
against the violence and hate demonstrations that have erupted in Egypt,
Libya and elsewhere.
In his Sept. 19 letters, Hanson expressed sadness about what has
unfolded in recent days, especially the tragic deaths of Ambassador
Christopher Stevens and others. He lifted up the importance of
standing "shoulder-to-shoulder with people of other faiths" in working for
a "world where peace, love and concern for one another may be a reality."
Hanson noted that the ELCA is committed to caring for people in
tangible ways, particularly through ELCA Disaster Response and The
Lutheran World Federation, a global communion of 143 member churches in 79
countries all over the world. The ELCA is the federation's only member
church from the United States.
In cooperation with the federation, ELCA members are responding to
the material needs of Syrian refugees at the Zaâ€TMatari camp in northern
Jordan. Many of the Syrian refugees there are Muslims.
Hanson wrote individual letters to Dr. Maher Hathout of the Muslim
Public Affairs Council, Los Angeles; Dr. Sayyid M. Syeed of the Islamic
Society of North America, Office of Interfaith and Community Alliances,
Washington, D.C.; and His Grace Bishop Serapion of the Coptic Orthodox
Diocese of Los Angeles, Pomona, Calif.
Hanson commended each for his leadership and strong public witness,
and he expressed hope for a world where children may live without fear and
hatred, and where peace and love for one another may be known in daily
life.