calendar September 10, 2010 in Bishop, Bishop messages

Remembering Sept. 11

In recent days and weeks the media have been filled with reports of controversies and discord that focus on radical fringe groups of many faiths and place religious followers in an unfavorable light. With the anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks tomorrow, we’re providing two resources below. First, comments from Bishop Burkat on the need for interfaith cooperation. Second, resources from the ELCA to mark the anniversary.

Statement from Bishop Burkat:

Christians, Muslims, Jews, and people of good will of all faiths, seek ways to build bridges among our faith traditions, with mutual respect and concern for the world that we share.

When escalating anxieties and competing judgments claim our attention, let us to turn to God who is larger and stronger than our fears. These volatile and mercurial times are an opportunity for people of faith to pray for and promote understanding, dialogue, and peace.

The Interfaith Center of Greater Philadelphia, along with the Religious Leaders Council of which I am a co-convener, advances trust, understanding and cooperation among faith communities, in order to work together for the common good of the region. For resources and information to help your community promote peace and good will, contact the interfaith center at www.interfaithcenterpa.org

 

From the ELCA Washington Office:

A National Day of Service and Remembrance will be observed on Sept. 11. The tragic events of 9/11 moved Americans to unite in a spirit of compassion. The day continues to evoke strong emotion and also serves as a reminder of Americans coming together for action.

In 2009, President Obama signed into law the designation of September 11th as a National Day of Service and Remembrance, which came about as the result of years of hard work by 9/11 families and service organizations.

This year, Americans are asked to honor those lost and injured, and pay tribute to the many people who rose up and served together in response to the attacks by committing themselves to engage in service to their communities, and our nation.

If your congregation is in need of litanies, prayers and hymn suggestions to observe the day, they are available on the ELCA Website.

If you are planning September 11 Day of Service activities, or have other activites planned that coincide with the week leading up to Sept. 11, here are some ways your congregation can get involved:

1. Post your service activities on or around Sept. 11 by going to “register your project” on Serve.gov so that they appear when people search for opportunities related to the Sept. 11th Day of Service and Remembrance.

2. If you are planning a particular activity, worship service, or inter-faith service that you’d like to consider highlighting in the media or on the Serve.gov blog, please contact Jodi Deike at "">.

3. Spread the word about your 9/11 service activities by using the various United We Serve media tools available on Serve.gov.

4. Identify stories of service projects that are bringing people and communities together. Submit these stories to the ELCA Washington Office at "">. These examples will be used in communication and support of the 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance.

If you aren’t able to plan or hold activities for or around the September 11th Day of Service and Remembrance, we hope you’ll spread the word and encourage people to find ways to observe and perhaps commit to taking action individually. For ideas on individual action, check out www.911dayofservice.org on the web.

Thank you,

ELCA Washington Office