We love this quote captured by the ELCA so well…
“You are not only responsible for what you say, but also for what you do not say.”
While Martin Luther did not live in a time when the public could vote, we can assume he did understand the value of speaking up for what you believe is right. Perhaps that is why we have noticed a few important national and regional ELCA initiatives popping up in anticipation of voting day on November 6th here in Colorado.
From the ELCAvotes! web page:
“As people of God, we have been freed to love our neighbor, seek peace and justice, and care for God’s creation. Faith should inform not only our participation but also how we look at public issues and interpret what is happening in political life.”
From the Rocky Mountain Synod Advocacy Facebook page:
“Dear Colorado...Look for your ballot in your mailbox shortly. Remember, there are thirteen ballot measures that require your faithful deliberation, including ones we support:
- Yes on Amendment A to Abolish Constitutional Slavery
- Yes on Amendment 73 for education funding
- Yes on Proposition 111 to Stop Predatory Payday Lending
Learn more about our positions on our website, lam-co.org. However you vote, we encourage you to fill out your whole ballot - just return it by November 6! #votefaithfully”
The Lutheran church historically has been representative of the society in which it is located. Here in the United States, Lutherans tend to have approximately the same political, social, and economic views as can be found in the general population.
Yet, as people of faith, we bring a particular perspective to our engagement in public life. We believe it is our right as citizens and our responsibility as Christians to let our faith shape our values, and let our values shape our participation in the political process. Both in what we believe, and in how we express it, we seek to follow the word our Lord, who instructs us to “love God with our whole heart, and love our neighbor as ourself.” [St. Mark 12:29-31]
We hope the above links can serve as a resource that helps you engage in a loving and faithful manner. It is but one more way we strive to live together as people who are, “sent into the world as a reflection of Christ.”