ELCA presiding bishop expresses sympathy to the U.S. Sikh community

ELCA NEWS SERVICE

August 6, 2012

ELCA presiding bishop expresses sympathy to the U.S. Sikh community
12-51-MRC

CHICAGO (ELCA) -- On behalf of the 4.2 million-member Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), the Rev. Mark S. Hanson, presiding
bishop, expressed sympathy, love, solidarity and prayers in an Aug. 6 letter
to the American region of the World Sikh Council in response to the Aug. 5
shooting at a Sikh temple in Oak Creek, Wis.
The tragedy there "has touched our lives deeply with sadness and
concern," Hanson wrote. "Violence has entered into our lives and world in
too many places. The actions of individuals in recent weeks have brought a
dark cloud over our nation and lives."
Committed to building bridges of understanding and relationships,
Hanson wrote that the ELCA would welcome an active dialogue with Sikh and
other religious leaders "in order to help those in our country and world to
gain respect, love and understanding about one another."
"There is so much ignorance of religions, cultures and people, and too
often those in the minority bear the heaviest burdens in our shared
society," he wrote. "We believe that love of God and love of neighbor is
what is needed in our communities and in our country, and we extend
ourselves to you brothers and sisters -- as children of God."
Hanson said prayers will be offered in the days ahead for the victims,
families, neighbors in Wisconsin, the Sikh community and for those who turn
to violence.
---
About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States,
with 4.2 million members in 10,000 congregations across the 50 states and in
the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work.
Our hands," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in
Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's
roots are in the writings of the German church reformer, Martin Luther.

For information contact:
Melissa Ramirez Cooper
773-380-2956 or Melissa.RamirezCooper@ELCA.org http://www.ELCA.org/news
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Lutherans Living Lutheran:
http://www.livinglutheran.com