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Statement from the South-Central Synod of Wisconsin Reconciling in Christ TeamOn March 6, 2025, the synods RIC team in cordination with Bishop Joy released a statement in support of our 2SLGBTQIA+ siblings. As with many items that come from a synod level or churchwide level, they are not meant to be read as mandates, but as faithful guides that we should be in conversation with. Whenever such a statement from the synod or wider church is provided, I do my best to have transparency with you all by passing this information along. Whether you agree or disagree with the statements that are made, they provide us with an opportunity to gather as people of faith and ponder their subject matter. The grace and peace of God be with you. God bless you always as we continue to follow the call of the Spirit of God in all times and all places. Blessings, Pastor Joseph Doegen Statement in Support of Our 2SLGBTQIA+ Siblings
“[Jesus asked]: ‘Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?’ He said, ‘The one who showed him mercy.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Go and do likewise.’” (Luke 15:36-37, from Jesus’ Parable of the Good Samaritan)
“I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; that I know very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes beheld my unformed substance.” (Psalm 139:14-16a)
Bishop Joy Mortensen-Wiebe, along with the members of the South-Central Synod of Wisconsin’s Reconciling in Christ1 team, write today out of deep concern for the struggles faced by our 2SLGBTQIA+2 community, and particularly for our transgender siblings in humanity.
Recent executive orders and related actions seek to deny the personhood and existence of transgender people in the United States, by way of denying them necessary health care, excluding them from the armed forces, and banning female transgender athletes from participating in school sports teams that align with their gender identity, to name but three examples. As a result, fear is spreading amongst our transgender and non-binary neighbors: what new wounds will be inflicted on their identity and ability to live freely in the days to come?
As Christians of the Evangelical Church in America (ELCA), we believe that all human beings, including our transgender and non-binary neighbors, are created in the image of God. Our call, poured out on us in the water and Word of our baptism, compels us to work to ensure that each person can experience the wholeness and abundance of God. We believe that families who have transgender and non-binary youth matter and belong in the church. We support efforts to make our communities safe spaces for all people.
We live in a world of nuance and reject that we are being forced into binary classification. Further, we reject any attempt to erase the identity or existence of our transgender neighbors.
We reject the scapegoating of some of the most vulnerable people and even, at times, trying to falsely portray them as a threat.
Finally, we reject the notion that supporting our transgender and 2SLGBTQIA+ neighbors is a political or partisan issue. Rather, this is not an “issue” at all, but is recognition that there is an attack on our fellow human beings, who are as deserving of access to health care, a sense of peace and well-being, the ability to serve in the military or in any other profession, as any other citizen and human being. This is, quite simply, a matter of morality. Those affected are our neighbors, coworkers, friends, and members and leaders in our congregations and ministries – those Jesus calls us to love, to show mercy to, to treat with dignity and compassion, and to work alongside of for the sake of the gospel.
May we answer that call through our continued support for our transgender siblings in faith and the entire 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
In Christ, Bishop Joy Mortensen-Wiebe The SCSW Reconciling in Christ Core Team
1The Reconciling in Christ program works to “ensure the welcome, inclusion, celebration, and advocacy for people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions; work for racial equity and commit to anti-racist work and support the national program [of Reconciling Works].” Visit https://www.reconcilingworks.org/ric/becomeric/ to learn more. 2 2-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, + additional ways individuals choose to self-identify |
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Strengthening our Bonds"These forty days called Lent are like no other. It is our opportune time to return to the God who rescues, to receive the gifts of God’s grace, to believe with the heart and confess with the mouth the wonder of God’s love in Jesus, and to resist temptation at every turn. This is no small pilgrimage on which we have just embarked. It is a struggle Jesus knew. It is a struggle Jesus shares. The nearness of the Lord, in bread and wine, water and word, will uphold and sustain us." -Sundays and Seasons Luke 4:1-13 (NRSVue)
1 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, 2 where for forty days he was tested by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over he was famished. 3 The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become a loaf of bread.” 4 Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘One does not live by bread alone.’ ”
5 Then the devil led him up and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. 6 And the devil said to him, “To you I will give all this authority and their glory, for it has been given over to me, and I give it to anyone I please. 7 If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.” 8 Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.’ ” 9 Then the devil led him to Jerusalem and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, 10 for it is written, ‘He will command his angels concerning you, to protect you,’ 11 and ‘On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.’ ” 12 Jesus answered him, “It is said, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’ ” 13 When the devil had finished every test, he departed from him until an opportune time. |
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Zoom Bible StudyAre you still looking for a Lenten practice this year? Join us for a new bible study on Monday nights at 6:30PM in the digitial space via Zoom. We will spend time looking at the previous week's texts and pondering the ways the Spirit continues to call us today.
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86331979728?pwd=KJEjIK0frS8EywE4Pxuf2txCACgCMR.1 Meeting ID: 863 3197 9728 --- One tap mobile --- Dial by your location Meeting ID: 863 3197 9728 Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kGaMcxoBu
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Women's BreakfastOn the second Tuesday of every month, there is a gathering of women that meet at River’s Edge for breakfast, bible study, and conversation. For more information, please contact Donna T., Bethany WELCA President |
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Equal Exchange Coffee and Tea |
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Synod NewsThe 2025 Synod Assembly is May 16 and 17 at the Marriott Madison West (1313 John Q Hammons Drive, Middleton, WI).
On January 27 an email was sent to congregations and rostered leaders detailing how to submit resolutions and memorials for consideration by the assembly. Click here to view that email. You may also view the information on the Resources for Congregations and Leaders page on the synod website.
All resolutions and memorials must be submitted to Jill Sim, the SCSW Administrative Assistant, by March 3, 2025. |
