“Lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith (Hebrews 12:1b-2a)
To our Siblings in Christ in the Iowa Annual Conference:
We find ourselves in a moment of uncertainty and fear for many of us, our neighbors, and our churches. Our country struggles with the pain of dehumanizing words, anti-immigrant rhetoric and practices, along with fears of Christian Nationalism, a stifling of commonly accepted human rights, and abuse of scripture that leads to oppressive and discriminatory practices. Our way of life is not only threatened by those outside our circles, but also by our own hands and voices, our own actions and inactions, and our own words or silences.
As a new year allows us to reflect on the challenges and failings of the past, it also gives us the opportunity to renew our covenant with God and one another for the sake of the world. We recommit to growing in our discipleship as a people of hope and of justice, rooted in the passion of Jesus.
First, we call all congregations to acknowledge and celebrate the precious image of God expressed within each unique person in our world in a spirit of belonging. Let us build relationships church to church, person to person, and neighbor to neighbor.
Second, we invite our churches to embrace our Wesleyan roots of social witness that introduces a misled world to a true God of love and justice. Let us be present at the margins where people are being threatened and dehumanized, and through small groups and community ministry listen for the needs being expressed by our neighbors and advocate for and amplify their voices.
Finally, with the rise of anger and injustice, we call congregations to prepare to respond boldly, immediately, and in genuine love if threats or tragedies strike our communities.
This is a challenging time to be the church of Christ, but may we together, “lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith (Hebrews 12:1b-2a).”
In Solidarity,
The Bishop's Leadership Team
Clint Twedt-Ball
Mark Johnson
Nitza Dovenspike
Amy Johnson
Heecheon Jeon
Ruth Yan
Eric Schubert
Lisa Crow
Linda Van Roekel