U.S. elections: Prayers for unity and peace
Voters in the United States prepare to cast their ballots in the presidential election on 3 November. Photo: US Embassy in Bern (CC-BY-SA)
LWF General Secretary assures ELCA members of prayers from around the global Lutheran communion
(LWI) - The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) General Secretary, Rev. Dr Martin Junge has sent a message to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) offering “prayers for unity and peace” as the nation goes to the polls for a presidential election.
In a letter addressed to Bishop Elizabeth Eaton, Presiding Bishop of the ELCA, Junge speaks of the “many anxieties surfacing in these days.” He notes with gratitude the election statement published by the ELCA leadership on 28 October, inviting Lutherans to “participate in the electoral process as a way to serve God and the common good.”
The LWF leader assures all members of the ELCA of “the prayers of sisters and brothers from your global Lutheran communion” as the people of the United States cast their votes ahead of and on Election Day on 3 November. In the election statement, Bishop Eaton noted that many Americans are concerned about “voter suppression and voter fraud, the near-certainty of delayed results and fear of election-related unrest or violence.”
We live in hope, we serve with hope, because of what God continues to do in our world.
Referring to the 503rd commemoration of the Reformation, celebrated on 31 October, Junge urges all ELCA members to continue to be “a witness to God’s transforming presence in our midst.” He concludes: “We live in hope, we serve with hope, because of what God continues to do in our world.”
