Post election letter from conference ministers to pastors and congregations of Western District Conference:

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

We write with a heavy heart following last week’s presidential election.  Our concern is not about which political party won or lost.  Rather, we lament the division, anger, and pain reflected in the election and present in our nation.

Within Western District Conference, we recognize the frustration of those who feel unheard and disadvantaged, or sense that their values are threatened in today’s society.  We hear the voices of those for whom the outcome of the election raises fear of deportation, discrimination, racial profiling, or sexual harassment.

It is time to ask again, in the words of WDC’s theme for 2016:  What does it mean that we are “held together in mission”?

As people of God’s kingdom, we believe this is a time to proclaim our trust in God, our allegiance to the reign of Christ, and our belonging in the body of Christ that transcends political, ethnic and national boundaries.

This is a time to demonstrate God’s love for all people, and to recognize Christ in both the neighbor and the stranger.  It is a time to stand with those in our congregations and communities who are most vulnerable.  This is a time to offer words of encouragement in the face of fear, and prayers for hope in the face of despair.  It is a time to speak and act for justice and peace.

How is your congregation called to bear witness to the reign of Christ in this time?  Perhaps it is to offer encouragement to your sister church in WDC or work toward fair immigration policies.  Perhaps it is to host refugees, to reach out to a neighbor, or to renew a commitment to prayer.

However the Spirit leads us, let us join our hearts and hands as sons and daughters of peace, as people of hope and reconciliation.

“But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.”  – Jeremiah 29:7

In the peace of Christ,

Heidi Regier Kreider, Conference Minister

Kathy Neufeld Dunn, Associate Conference Minister

Byron Pellecer, Associate Conference Minister