Elizabeth A. Eaton, presiding bishop of the ELCA, has issued a pastoral message in support of our Jewish neighbors. “For many months we have seen an alarming spike in anti-Jewish, anti-Muslim and white supremacist hate,” the message read, in part. “It has been reported that extremist groups are planning a national ‘Day of Hate’ tomorrow, targeting Jews. This evening, as the sun sets and Shabbat begins, our Jewish neighbors are living in fear.”
The message continued: “As Christians, we are called to love our neighbors and to be peacemakers. We stand firm in our commitment to love and respect our Jewish neighbors in our local communities and across the nation and globe. We reject as a sin and as an affront to the gospel all calls for hatred of the Jewish people and all forms of white supremacy. We are ready to protect and defend Jews, people of other faiths and people of color.”
Eaton invited church members to consider how they can live out their common calling and commitments through the following suggestions:
- Speak out against this “Day of Hate” as evil and counter to the love and peace we are called to embody.
- Reach out to your local rabbi or synagogue, as well as your Jewish friends, colleagues and family and offer your support in whatever way they might most appreciate.
- Post signs in the windows of your home expressing support for the Jewish people.
- Pray for all people, including those who proclaim hate, that God’s love will prevail.
