The members of Luther Memorial Lutheran Church were moved by the Spirit after reading this article from the Seattle Times. The congregation’s letter of support:
“Woe to you religious scholars and Pharisees, you frauds! You pay your tithes on mint, dill and cumin while neglecting the weightier matters of the law-justice, mercy and faithfulness! These you should have practiced, without neglecting the others.” Matthew 23:23
As events continue to unfold following the murder of George Floyd, only the latest in a 400 year history of oppression and abuse of black lives, we the people of Luther Memorial cry out, “How long, O God!” We are met by the Spirit who echoes our cry back, “Indeed, How Long?” We are compelled to examine our hearts and our complicity in that oppression. The Church has at times been overt in supporting the systems that perpetuate injustice. Far more troubling is our silence. We pay our tithes and overlook the weightier matters. We stay silent, patting ourselves on the back for acts of charity and congratulate ourselves on our righteousness because we fall on the right side of Civil Rights legislation. Our actions carry the odor of white privilege. We confess our sins, ask for forgiveness and mercy. We repent and offer ourselves, body, soul and mind in order to accompany you in seeking justice and the building of Beloved Community.
We begin by opening our hearts and ears and closing our mouths. We have much to learn and little to teach at this critical time. We offer prayers, but more than that we offer ourselves as Christ would have us do. We stand in solidarity and in awe of what we might learn from your experience; of 400 years and of the challenge of living as people of color in our society. We have much to learn of the God who chose to enter your suffering. We honor and support your work in the Central District. We repent of the sin of gentrification and the ways in which we have been complicit.
“He has told you O mortal what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8
Our God walks with those who suffer, our God walks with black lives. We humbly offer ourselves to walk alongside you for justice and mercy.
In Christ,
Steve Olson- Seminarian
Pastor Julie Hutson- Senior Pastor
Pastor Laura Harris-Ferree- Pastor of Outreach & Community
Julie Moe- Council President
Diane MacKechnie- Treasurer