Many of us awoke today to the horrific news of yet another deadly attack on the Jewish community, gathered for a Menorah lighting ceremony marking the beginning of Hanukkah at Bondi Beach in Australia.
This incident has already reverberated around the world, striking fear in the hearts of our Jewish neighbors. As the ELCA, we have rejected antisemitism and incitement to violence and pledged ourselves to oppose the anti-Jewish bigotry and hatred. (A Declaration of the ELCA to the Jewish Community, 1994.)
On this third Sunday in Advent, Gaudete Sunday, we reflect upon rejoicing. Yet today our joy is confronted with the anguish and fear experienced by our siblings in faith. Let us remember that our rejoicing is in God’s life-giving promises, promises first extended to the Jewish people in God’s irrevocable covenant.
So, on this day and in the days to come, I encourage you to find concrete ways to share God’s life-giving love with our Jewish neighbors as an antidote to hate, and as a comfort amid fear and grief.
Please join me in prayer:
We whose lives are held captive by your Word ask your blessing upon our urgent desire to live out our faith in Jesus Christ with love and respect for our Jewish neighbors, amid unspeakable violence. Empower us to stand in solidarity with each other to oppose the deadly working of every kind of bigotry, both within our own circles and in the society around us. O Maker and Keeper of us all, reform our faith and our living to reflect more boldly your endless peace. Amen.
The Rev. Yehiel Curry
Presiding Bishop, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
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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 2.7 million members in more than 8,400 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
