The blog this week...

As you may be preparing to celebrate Independence Day, we offer two blog pieces from different ELCA contributors today. The first is a reflection on this week's gospel in light of the need for peace in our world. The second is a response to the recent Supreme Court ruling, offered by ELCA bishop Elizabeth Eaton. 
We remember that celebration does not occur in isolation; we hold in tension the importance of celebrating and coming together on days of great importance with the knowledge that we remain a nation and a world in great need of healing, peace, and love.
Cities of peace
by Cory Driver, ELCA misisonary serving as the director of graduate studies at the Evangelical Theological Seminary of Cairo"I don’t know about the rest of you, but these last couple of months have left me feeling burdened. Far too many of our streets, stores, schools and places of worship are dangerous or even deadly. I want to feel, and I want all our neighbors to feel, peace and safety in our lives. I believe this longing for peace in our cities is intimately tied to God’s reign. . . ." [Continue reading]

Bishop Eaton issues pastoral message on SCOTUS ruling regarding Roe v. Wade
by Bishop Elizabeth Eaton

"Whatever personal perspective one might take on the June 24 abortion ruling from the Supreme Court, it is the legal framework in which we now minister, and I wish to speak a pastoral word at this time. . . .
I wish to remind everyone that this church supports peaceful means of expression within a diverse society. Peaceful protest is a crucial element of civic engagement; violent protest is not, and this church reproves it. Likewise, this church is on record against hate speech. Let us be instruments for peace where there is none. Let us listen to one another. Let us serve the needs of neighbors in all the complexities life presents. God calls us to be for others, just as God in Christ is for us. . . ." [Continue reading]