I celebrate with so many people all across our country, that our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters, sons, daughters, neighbors and co-workers are no longer strangers and aliens under the law of the land, but are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God.
Bishop Burkat and Joanne Carlson are heading to Tanzania for the celebration of the North Eastern Diocese's 125th Jubilee next week. Please keep the people of the North Eastern Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania in prayer, along with the bishop, Joanne and all who are traveling to the jubilee.

If you need Synod assistance please contact your conference dean or Ms. Yvonne Curtis, director of operations, by email or at 267.323.3747.

June 29, 2015

 

Those Who Were Far Off Have Come Near

Bishop's Reflection on Marriage Equality

 

So he came and proclaimed peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near; for through him both of us have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God. -- Ephesians 2:17- 19

 

Lightning struck my house last Tuesday night during the storm. At first I didn't realize what had happened until later when I noticed my old stereo and TV as well as the Internet, cable and landline phone were fried. Some things I didn't notice before in my everyday life needed attention.

 

Last Friday, metaphorical lightning quickly and decidedly struck our country with the majority decision by the Supreme Court to end same sex marriage bans across our whole nation. This knocks the power out of long-standing assumptions that most but not all people are equal. For our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters, as well as all those who have worked for marriage equality here in the United States, this is a welcome change and a time for rejoicing.

 

I am thankful this now includes the freedom to marry in all 50 states providing equal protection under the law regardless of one's sexual orientation or religious preferences.

 

As we are assessing how and where this lightning struck, let us reflect on the true equality and freedom that is ours, and has always been ours, in the Gospel of Jesus Christ -- no exceptions.  

 

Peace has been proclaimed to those who were once so far off they never dreamed they would be invited near.  And we rejoice that all have access to God through Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit.

 

I celebrate with so many people all across our country, that our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters, sons, daughters, neighbors and co-workers are no longer strangers and aliens under the law of the land, but are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God.

 

With and in Christ,

 

+ The Rev. Claire S. Burkat, Bishop