In the early 1990s, I served as a “peace with justice coordinator” for a state synodical women’s organization. Women would gladly fill the shelves of a local food pantry, assemble hygiene kits or set up a home for a refugee. But when I asked a woman to contact a state legislator about a pending trafficking-related bill or to contact a federal representative about funding for food supplements, “I don’t want to get political,” was often the response.
In baptism we are called to be advocates for those whose voices are not heard. It’s not about “being political.” The covenant made in holy baptism includes: “…to serve all people, following the example of Jesus, and to strive for peace and justice in all the earth” (ELW, p. 236).
We have many examples of advocacy in our past: banning landmines, safe harbor laws for victims of human trafficking and more. These are examples of women responding to Jesus’ command to love one another and standing up for neighbors who need us to speak out against injustices whenever and wherever they occur.
This message is excerpted from “’I don’t want to get political.’” by Linda Post Bushkofksy in the June 2019 Gather magazine. Today is Flag Day. Today we commemorate Basil the Great, Bishop of Caesarea, 379; Gregory, Bishop of Nyssa, c. 385; Gregory of Nazianzus, Bishop of Constantinople, c. 389; and Macrina, teacher, c. 379.
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