Weekly Reflection

The women of the Sandhills conference of the NC Synod gathered on Saturday, April 20 at St. James Fayetteville to explore a difficult, but important and interesting topic: “Called to be Political.” 

As Christians, we are called to be political, but not necessarily in the sense that people normally think of when they hear it.  

Jesus was political. He spoke out, sometimes dramatically, against aspects of the society in which he lived, that conflicted with the will and teachings of God. So… our call to be political is also about taking a stand. About doing the right thing in spite of perceived social norms. Kindness. Hospitality. Grace. These are political. 

Martin Luther was political, standing up to the corruption of the Catholic church, demanding that ordinary citizens have the ability to read and understand scripture. 

Lutherans have not always been outspoken against authority. The majority of German Christians during World War II did not confront the terrifying authority of Hitler and the Third Reich. But theologian Dietrich Bonhoffer and the Confessing Church in Germany reacted to the crisis, speaking and acting on their belief that Christians needed to resist the actions of the state. 

Conclusions? Being political, being an advocate for justice, begins with an act of grace: listening. We must listen to each other, hear the voices of our sisters and brothers whose voices are not heard, whose needs are ignored. 

And if we join a protest or two along the way, great. Maybe we turn over a table, so to speak, to get the ear of others who can help. But as Christians… as Lutherans… when we take a stand, let us lead with love. 

Let us lead with the same love Jesus led with when he defied the authorities around him. Let us lead with love for those who are hungry. Let us lead with love for those who struggle with addiction. Let us lead with love for those who live with mental illness. Let us lead with love for our neighbor. 

If you think about it, for  those earliest followers of Jesus… that very act was a political act. They answered the call without fear. 

Can we do any less? 

The NC Synod Bishop's

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