I had the honor of being the lay person of color for the Northern Illinois
Synod at the ELCA church wide assembly in Phoenix Arizona along with Clara Solak
who was the young adult representative for the synod. Representing both the Synod
and you, the Bethany Lutheran congregation, we tried to share and reflect as much
information as we could through our Facebook page with a daily recap and discussion.
Those videos go into more detail about everything that happened day by day at the
Assembly. We did get a lot of work done in the desert. We elected a new presiding
Bishop and secretary. We also elected many church council representatives, we passed
a Civil Life and Faith statement that I think comes at an important time in our history. We
approved several memorials. Most notably one passed in the Northern Illinois synod
Assembly this year along with 10 other synods. That memorial was to establish a day of
remembrance for the Native American boarding schools. We also passed several
amendments to our constitution and we updated and clarified some wording in some of
our previous statements. The full list of details can be found on the ELCA website and
on our Synods website as well.
While all of that was important, I want to talk to you about the future of our church. I
want to bear witness to what I saw and heard that made me feel so much hope. I saw a
diverse group of people with differing perspectives and opinions come together and
share their points of view passionately and respectfully without dehumanizing and
belittling each other. I saw people hurt other people with words or actions and be
confronted by the effects of those words and actions and they reflected and apologized.
I saw those grievances forgiven and reconciled. No one was doxed or vilified for their
errors; we grew in understanding and in compassion. Those moments and
conversations are not over; we will always be learning and growing. We must always
keep our hearts and minds open.
I saw people rise beyond political parties, racial, social and economic identities. I saw
people push all those things aside and unite with each other in our shared humanity.
That is not to say all of those identities don’t matter but respect for all our shared
imperfect humanity came first.
I saw the brilliance of our youth and young adult leaders who comprised 16.5% of all the
voting members present. They spoke passionately and intelligently on their future with
the church.
Did we agree on everything? Of course not, I don’t believe any diverse body with people
from all over the country could or would ever speak as one voice on everything, but the
respect and genuine desire to make sure everyone’s voice was heard echoed
throughout every session and meeting. It made me realize that real progress, real
positive change is not going to come from a politician or some pundit online or TV
looking for clicks and engagement, but it’s going to come from us. Real people listening
to each other, people like you caring for our community and our world.
That’s what gives me hope, that’s what the future could and should be. The church
spent a week showing how we can unite as a country with a little grace, and a whole lot
of respect, and a willingness to listen to our neighbors.
God bless you all,
Hector
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