Originally sent on February 18, 2022 to Rostered Ministers in our Synod
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Dear Colleagues and Siblings in Christ,
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I am writing regarding recent actions by the Sierra Pacific Synod and other places in the ELCA that have caused waves of mistrust, anger, and heartbreak across this church.
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I want to state unequivocally that the Northwest Washington Synod staff and council are all committed to God’s call to justice, mercy and love. We stand with all who have had violence perpetuated against them – whether this is from an individual or from a system. We are committed to living into more just systems and continue anti-racism measures throughout this synod.
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I also know that we have not always done this. I confess and ask your forgiveness for both my and the synod’s complicity in racist structures that keep some people in power and others out. At the end of this letter I am offering some ways forward as we continue our anti-racism and justice work.
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Truly, my heart hurts and my fervent prayers are for everyone who is involved in the complex series of events in the Sierra Pacific Synod: for the beloved people of Mision Latino Luterana, for the people who came forward with allegations, for Pastor Nelson Rabell-Gonzalez, for Bishop Megan Rohrer and their synod staff, for the Sierra Pacific Synod, for the Latine’ Lutheran communities, for the Latine’ Bishops, for the families, and for all who have been affected.
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We also are to be aware that there are facts of this (and all) situations known only to those directly involved, no matter how much one might speculate, thinks one knows, feels about it, or reads about it on social media. I ask for you to be aware of those who are hurting and the complexity of all of this before commenting on social media. (You will find the 2/17/22 statement from the Sierra Pacific Synod Council here.)
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In light of this situation, and the many other situations in this church body where violence and complicity has occurred against those without power, I commit to a better way of serving all of the beloved and diverse people in the Northwest Washington Synod. Here are some learnings, guidelines and policies going forward:
  1. Our synod will continue to expect Rostered Ministers to participate in boundaries training in order for our congregations to remain safe places for all people to gather and our leaders to serve with integrity.
  2. Create a task force to review synod policies and procedures in order to ensure cultural competency, protection of victims, and good process is thoroughly considered and implemented.
  3. Continue our anti-Racism work on the synod staff, synod council, the LiVE Project, Candidacy, and other places throughout the synod.
  4. As part of the Conference of Bishops, I continue to engage in the required anti-racism classes together with the other bishops.
In this time of hurt, distrust, pain, and concern, I close in prayer:
O God, you form all humanity to bear your divine image, and you intend for everyone to live together in harmonious dignity. We pray for all people, whether ourselves or others, who suffer the cruelties of racial or ethnic prejudice. Grant your Spirit of power to all who are oppressed. Give healing to victims of violence, protection to the vulnerable and abused, better housing and worthy employment to the mistreated, courage to the fearful, a remedy for rage, strength to parents and caregivers, and hope to children and youth. Purge the privileged of their sense of superiority, and lead church and society to foster communities of equity and diversity; through Jesus Christ, our loving Savior. Amen. (All Creation Sings, p. 50)
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May the Peace and Justice of Christ Reign.
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Your Sister in Christ,
+Bishop Shelley Bryan Wee