“We repudiate racism as a sin that demands eradication,” Bishop Claire Burkat writes in a statement in response to the discovery of two nooses in Center City in recent weeks. “A church that proclaims Christ crucified must recognize the crucifixions and unspeakable torture, derision and humiliation” that has faced Black Americans during and after slavery...
Category: Bishop messages
July 12, 2017
Bishop Responds To Noose Found in Center City
“We repudiate racism as a sin that demands eradication,” Bishop Claire Burkat writes in a statement in response to the discovery of two nooses in Center City in recent weeks. “A church that proclaims Christ crucified must recognize the crucifixions and unspeakable torture, derision and humiliation” that has faced Black Americans during and after slavery...
May 5, 2017
Openness, Humility Needed to Address Racial Justice
In her address to the 2017 Assembly, Bishop Claire Burkat broke open possibilities to embody racial reconciliation in the work of congregations and the synod at large. Drawing from themes introduced in her sermon, the bishop encouraged those gathered to be “more open to engage, to explore, to repent, to be humbled, to align ourselves...
May 5, 2017
Bishop: We are Called to Racial Reconciliation
In her sermon opening the 2017 Assembly, Bishop Claire Burkat expressed her confidence that members and congregations of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod are ready for conversation around racism and to do the work of racial reconciliation. Recalling the recent powerful reconciliation work with the Mennonites, inspired by the anticipated 500th Anniversary of the Reformation, the...
April 13, 2017
Easter Message From Bishop Burkat
Dear Friends, As we approach Easter this year, the joy of the Resurrection and the light of the Risen Christ among us is a counterpoint to some disturbing darkness in our world. Some of us face serious illness, while others grieve. Some of us have family members at risk here in the U.S., and others around...
March 1, 2017
‘Return to Me With All Your Heart’
Yet even now, says the Lord, return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; rend your hearts and not your clothing. Return to the Lord, your God, for God is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love. — Joel 2:12-13 Yet even now return to me...
February 28, 2017
Interfaith Leaders Condemn Desecration of Jewish Cemetery
Interfaith leaders from across Greater Philadelphia gathered Monday at the Lutheran Theological Seminary to lament and condemn the weekend vandalism that desecrated the final resting places of Jews buried in Mt. Carmel Jewish Cemetery. Bishop Burkat opened a news conference with Jewish, Christian and Muslim leaders by calling the damage to more than one hundred...
November 12, 2016
Forming A More Perfect Union
In a pastoral message following the 2016 presidential election, Bishop Claire Burkat writes that “it’s time to dust off our Constitutions and remind each other about the principle and values of our American democracy.” In the letter the bishop asks prayers for our president-elect, and emphasizes that many Americans — including some Lutherans — feel...
September 28, 2016
Gratitude from Bishop Munga, NED
“We can witness that the prayers of our sisters and brothers in Christ are sustaining us,” wrote Bishop Stephen Munga of our companion North Eastern Diocese in Tanzania in response to a letter from Bishop Burkat carrying the thoughts, prayers and generosity of Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod members after Sebastian Kolowa Memorial University (SEKOMU) was attacked...
September 23, 2016
Bishop’s Message on Violence at SEKOMU
Bishop Burkat shares news of an attack by armed men on the property of Sebastian Kolowa Memorial University (SEKOMU) in Tanzania on September 1. One guard at the university was killed, another wounded, and two hostels housing nearly 40 students and faculty were set afire. Damage to the facility exceeded $100,000 US. The Synod Council...
June 13, 2016
Bishop’s Prayer for Orlando
On Sunday night, June 12, Bishop Burkat shared this prayer following the nation’s largest mass shooting early that morning in a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida: This is my prayer tonight… God of peace, mercy and justice. The suffering on this day is inconsolable, the tears overflowing, and the fear palpable. The slaying of your...
May 13, 2016
‘A New Dawn for Christ’s Church’
When Martin Luther seized the changes made possible by the printing press, he couldn’t have begun to imagine the exponential changes of our Internet age, Bishop Claire Burkat said in her address to the 2016 Synod Assembly. Despite the stresses posed by constant connectivity, racing schedules and financial pressure, “the Holy Spirit is bringing a...
May 13, 2016
Forward Together in Faith: A Doable Goal
From Bishop Burkat’s presentation to the 2016 Assembly: For a year now, we have used some start up money to begin piloting initiatives for the Forward Together in Faith Campaign. We are confident that together we will equip our clergy and lay leaders with the tools, insights, resources and navigation needed for future Lutheran witness....
May 7, 2016
In the Midst of Fear, Love Prevails
What shapes our lives and ministry? How do we respond to the formidable forces that threaten to pull us into the whirlpool of fear that has formed around us, reflected in public debate and in how people are treating each other? In her sermon at the assembly’s opening worship, Bishop Claire Burkat pulls together threads...
April 29, 2016
Bishop Welcomes New Refugee Partner
Pennsylvania Lutherans have an long history of stepping up to help resettle refugees arriving in our area. This life-transforming work will continue despite the decision by Lutheran Children and Family Services in Pennsylvania to bring their resettlement work to a close. Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) is partnering with Bethany Christian Services to manage...
March 22, 2016
‘Be Cross-Bearers, Not Bystanders’
Be cross-bearers, not bystanders, Bishop Claire Burkat encouraged congregation leaders at the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod Chrism Service today (March 22). At this annual service, held Tuesday in Holy Week, pastors, lay rostered leaders and congregation deacons reaffirm their ministry vows and the bishop blesses oils to be used in baptism, confirmation, and anointing rites over...
January 4, 2016
Bishop Eaton: Putting the Pieces Together
In her January column for The Lutheran, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth A. Eaton notes that “we are church together” — that is, “some days.” But “many days and in many ways we aren’t.” This year, she says, will be dedicated to looking at the future directions and priorities of this church. The complete column follows: Putting the...
December 8, 2015
Religious Leaders Respond to Mosque Vandalism
Area religious leaders have expressed dismay at the desecration targeting Al Aqsa Islamic Society in Philadelphia, where a severed pig’s head was discovered outside yesterday (December 7). “This is a despicable and disturbing act of hatred,” said Bishop Claire Burkat, who knows and respects Imam Mohamed Shehata in their work together on the Religious Leaders...
December 8, 2015
Rejoice in the Lord. Always.
Advent/Christmas 2015 Message from Bishop Burkat Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,...
