This question recently appeared in my in-box. The author posed the question based on their observations of various positions this church has taken in recent years, along with their perspective on reading multiple social media sources. The next day a different person wrote encouraging further engagement in the issues of our day. Both of these people are active members of congregations in our synod.

This all occurred before the recent decisions of the current Supreme Court regarding access to guns, Roe v Wade and Climate Change, among other actions. These decisions alarmed many of us, including myself, while I know, some applauded the decisions. Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton offered a detailed response to the Roe v Wade decisions last week. You may read it here.

My personal views on these matters can be succinctly summarized as follows:

Guns for hunting, Olympic-style competition, and certain controlled and regulated situations seem appropriate. But, assault-style weapons designed and intended for military conflict should not be made available to the general public. In between these poles is open for discussion, but in my view, our increasingly volatile society is at greater risk if irresponsible gun ownership continues.
Abortion should be rare, safe, and legal. I have personal experience with friends who needed abortions for various reasons, including the mother's health, sexual assault, or long-term complications for the life and well-being of both the mother and the child. No one I have ever known enters this decision lightly.
Climate change is our most significant crisis. Yet, another Court decision making it tougher to regulate the gases contributing to atmospheric devastation is short-sighted, corrupt, and immoral.

I recognize readers of this post may disagree. But this is where I stand on these matters. Is the ELCA becoming too political? Judging from the emails I receive, the answer is clearly yes. So there you have it—the dis-united states of America. We reflect our wider societal divide.

In my experience, the question that serves as the title of this essay is often asked when this church or a leader takes a position that is in opposition to the perspective of the one posing the question. If someone says something I disagree with, the church is getting political. If they say something I agree with, it's cast as speaking prophetically. Then toss in Facebook, and the conversation takes an unhelpful turn.

A better question to the title would be, "How should the church engage politically?" In my view, engagement with the societal issues of our day is not an option. The Christian church has a long history of engagement. If we choose not to engage, that's also a form of engagement. If we decide not to speak and act, we say, "We agree with the way things are."

Recently, a colleague of mine shared a helpful way of considering how to engage. It can be summarized as follows:

The Church as Refuge - The church should refrain from taking political stances to create a sanctuary where people come together to worship regardless of political lines.

The Church as Mediator - The church should promote healing and understanding across divisions and teach skills to engage with different perspectives, listen to marginalized voices, and be agents of reconciliation.

The Church as Prophetic Voice - The church should be a prophetic voice amid tensions. Responsibilities of the church include speaking about political issues, pursuing justice, and advocating for righteousness.

The complete chart in both Spanish and English can be found here. It could be a helpful way to engage in conversation at an adult forum, council, or another format. One wonder I have about this chart is how individuals and congregations may find themselves in different places on the chart, depending on the issue. Perhaps a mediator is more valid for you regarding one problem, but you sense a calling to be prophetic on another matter. In other words, I don't think it's static.

As we progress through these challenging times, I call to your attention three resources I mentioned at our recent Synod Assembly.

The first resource is the Episcopal Church's curriculum on race relations called Sacred ground. As I mentioned, I find this an excellent first step for people to begin exploring this topic. This is not the only resource available, but I commend it to you as a helpful entre. More information can be found here.

The second resource relates more specifically to this letter, and likely sits squarely in the Church as Mediator category. At our Assembly, Rev Mark Beckwith described his work with Braver Angels. This organization strives to bring Americans together to bridge the partisan divide and strengthen our democratic republic. While not overtly faith-based, I believe its principles resonate with who we are called to be as disciples of Christ. More info can be found here.

The third focuses on Climate Change. Again, our New England Synod Creation Care team, aka the Green Team, has some good resources. In addition, Pastor of Creation Care, Rev. Nancy Wright, is available as a resource.

Yes, the ELCA is becoming more political than in its quietest past. Could we better connect the biblical, ethical, and theological foundations for this activity? Yes, we need to frame the conversation in that manner. If we don't, we come across as the ecclesiastical version of a particular party. We are better than that. But, we also live in times where the voice of the gospel can and should speak to the issues of our day.