October 2019
Pastoral Messageto ELCA members:
Accompanyingthe Evangelical Lutheran Church of Hong Kong,
Hong KongLutheran Federation,
Hong KongChristian Council
and allthose living in Hong Kong
We, the Evangelical LutheranChurch in America, have witnessed demonstrations in Hong Kong protestingseveral decisions by local authorities and expressing ongoing concerns aboutthe future of the territory. These decisions have included the introduction ofa controversial extradition bill, which has since been withdrawn, and severalnew regulations, issued in response to the demonstrations, that restrict civilliberties. Fears remain about what more these restrictions might mean forrights, liberties and governance. The demonstrations initially were verypeaceful, but more recently engagement with local police has sometimes resultedin violent confrontations.
Members of the Christian community in Hong Kong hold varyingviews on the situation; some support the demonstrators while others opposetheir activities.
I have sent a message to the churches and other people there in recent days.
Last month, the 72 Protestant and Catholic churches all overHong Kong came together for an event, “Pray for reconciliation, healing, and away out for Hong Kong.” As the people of Hong Kong discern their future, Icommend their Prayer of Commitment to members of our church. We pledge oursolidarity with them in this time of turmoil and join in prayer for a peacefulresolution of this crisis.
Prayer of Commitment
Introduction: In Hong Kong, where social turmoil has broughtrapid changes, we rely on the unchanging Triune God to make a commitmenttogether:
Leader: We are baptized into Christ by faith and united inHim regardless of race, gender or status (Gal. 3:28).
Response: We are determined to be humble, gentle, patient,and tolerant, to be peaceful, to maintain the unity of the Holy Spirit (Eph.4:2). We refuse to let political disputes or any differences to divide the bodyof Christ.
Leader: Over the past three months, many people in body andspirit, as well as the entire society, have been deeply traumatized. For this,we must confess our sins and pray for one another (James 5:16).
Response: We are determined to be diligent to follow JesusChrist to heal the wounded physically and spiritually, and rely on the power ofthe Holy Spirit to resist the power of evil (Eph. 6:12).
Leader: Everyone is created in the image of God. Eachperson’s dignity must be respected.
Response: We are determined not to regard people as inhuman.We reject all words and deeds that degrade human dignity. We win through theLord without hatred. We overcome evil with good (Romans 12:17).
Leader: The Lord commands us to do good, seek justice,rescue the oppressed, defend the orphans, and plead for the widow (Isaiah1:17).
Response: We strive to follow the teachings of Jesus Christand love others as ourselves. We are determined to help those who areoppressed, regardless of political views; to defend the rights and interests ofthe minority groups, no matter the different stances; to act justly and to lovemercy and to walk humbly with our God.
Leader: Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life(John 14:6). The Lord hates lies and loves honesty (Proverbs 12:22; Psalm 5:6).
Response: We strive to witness to and practice the truth, toseek and defend the truth. We are determined never to confuse right and wrong,but to be blameless and to do no harm.
Leader: In the face of the current political stalemate inHong Kong, violence has been spreading and people are confused and fearfulabout their future. But we still believe that the Lord is in charge of history,and we are convinced that the Kingdom of Heaven will be fully realized.
Response: We are determined, no matter what the situation,to hold fast to our conviction that love and faithfulness will prevail overall.We will not be moved because we know that no matter what happens, nothing inall creation can separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus ourLord (Romans 8:38-39).
Both: Amen
God’s peace,
Elizabeth A.Eaton
PresidingBishop, ELCA
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About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 2.8 million members in more than 8,500 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work. Our hands.," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.
For information contact:
Candice Hill Buchbinder
Public Relations Manager
Candice.HillBuchbinder@ELCA.org
