Bishop Hutterer: A Message of Peace and Hope after the Election
Bishop’s Letter: November 6, 2024
Christ, our peace, you break down the walls that divide us;
Christ, our peace, come, make us one body in you.
— Christ, Our Peace: All Creation Sings, 1037
As I reflect on the election results in our nation and in our swing-states synod, I recognize that emotions across our communities are varied and deeply felt. For some, there is joy and hope; for others, uncertainty and worry. In this moment, we turn our gaze once again toward Jesus, our unchanging source of comfort and strength in uncertain times.
For those who are filled with joy today, I ask for your prayers, support, and compassion toward those who may feel fearful or lost. For those who are anxious, may you know the comfort of a God who holds you close. Jesus sustains us all, inviting us into a spirit of action and healing, no matter the season or the outcome.
Jesus has always offered peace to those who face the unknown, guiding us to be compassionate and kind, especially when emotions run high. No matter the outcomes we face, God’s presence is here, reminding us that we, as the church, are called to be communities of hope, love, and resilience.
This election, like many before it, has stirred a wide array of feelings, yet we can find assurance in knowing that our democratic process held strong, with countless voices casting their votes.
As people of faith, we trust that God is at work, weaving our voices into the greater tapestry of God’s vision—a future we may not yet see but trust is filled with grace and purpose.
For those who preach this Sunday, I encourage you to announce the Good News of God’s enduring love over and over and over again. May sowing the seeds of the Gospel sustain you as you shepherd your communities, reaching out with care to those who weep and those who rejoice. Together, we are the body of Christ, working to bring love and comfort to a world that so deeply needs it.
I invite you to pray with me:
Gracious God we pray for all public servants, that they do their work in a spirit of wisdom, charity, and justice. Inspire them to use their authority to serve faithfully and to promote our common life. Guide our leaders to govern in a way that all people enjoy a peaceful and just society. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
In faith and hope,
The Rev. Deborah K. Hutterer
Bishop
Grand Canyon Synod of the ELCA