June 9, 2020 in anti-racism
Deans Express Concerns About Racial Injustice
The committee of Deans of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod express their deep concern for the ongoing racism and racial injustice that is deeply embedded in the fabric of our society. We have chosen to respond with words of Holy Scripture, knowing and trusting that God’s Word brings both comfort and challenge.
Pastor Erika Wesch, Dean of Upper Bucks Conference and Pastor of Little Zion Lutheran Church, Telford
“For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it.” – 1 Corinthians 12:2, 26
Pastor Bryan Penman, Dean of Lower Montgomery Conference and Pastor of St. Mark’s Luther Church, Conshohocken
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such hostility against himself from sinners, so that you may not grow weary or lose heart. – Hebrews 12:1-3
Pastor Ron Wesemann, Dean of Chester Conference and Pastor of St. Peter Lutheran Church, Chester Springs
To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. – 1 Corinthians 12:7
Pastor Regina Goodrich, Dean of Central Philadelphia Conference and Pastor of Mediator Lutheran Church, Philadelphia
But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. – Amos 5:24
Pastor Jane Marston, Dean of NE/NW Philadelphia Conference and Pastor of Tabor Lutheran Church, Philadelphia
For if you keep silence at such a time as this, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another quarter, but you and your father’s family will perish. Who knows? Perhaps you have come to royal dignity for just such a time as this. – Esther 4:14
Pastor Norbert Hahn, Dean of Lower Bucks Conference, and Pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Somerton
The words of Jesus: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these, you did for me…. Whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.” – Matthew 25:40-45.
Pastor Christopher McKinstry, Dean of Upper Montgomery Conference and Pastor of St. James Lutheran Church, Limerick
“If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. – Isaiah 58:9-10
Pastor Marcia Bell, Director of Mobility and Chair of the Committee of Deans
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
Pastor Christian McMullan, Director of Interim Ministry and Pastor of Grace and Emmanuel Lutheran Churches, Pottstown
I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect. – Romans 12:1-2
Pastor Leslie Richard, Dean of Delaware Conference and Pastor of Grace, Broomall
If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to You; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to You” – Psalm 139:11-12
