Dear church,

In the book of Leviticus we read: “You shall not render an unjust judgment; you shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great: with justice you shall judge your neighbor” (19:15).

Our social message on Community Violence urges us to become more involved in countering the reality and fear of violence in our communities and our neighbors’ communities, pursuing justice and seeking peace no matter how long the journey or complex the challenge.

When a child is allowed to become a vigilante without recourse, we are forced to confront the idols of our society: guns, violence and white supremacy. To be sure, this is not about one person, but indeed about all of us, together.

Today’s acquittal is an injustice. It points to the disorder in which we all live. As we seek to restore justice; so also will we restore God to God’s rightful place at the center of our life together.

In Christ,

The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, Presiding Bishop
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America