Lutherans believe faith is a living, daring confidence in God’s abundant grace. This faith stirs us to move beyond ourselves, our congregations, and our communities – and join with others out in the world.
In addition to our faith, we put our trust in people, companies, political parties, institutions, and systems. We believe that the decisions made by leaders of organizations, policies of corporations, and political actions will indubitably bend toward just treatment and equal opportunities for all across society. However, when unfair treatment and disadvantages persist in harming people and communities (based on race, ethnicity, socioeconomic class, ability, sexual orientation, and other forms of oppression) while simultaneously advantaging those with privilege as a group, we must slow down to see the brokenness of injustice that exists within institutions across society and globally. We must slow down to see the image of God (Imago Dei) in each other – that each one is fully deserving of all dignity and respect. Together through our baptismal covenant, we must act to strive toward justice.
This message is excerpted from “Slow down for justice” by Judith Roberts in the October 2015 Gather magazine. Today is the 22nd Sunday after Pentecost and Reformation Sunday.
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