Friends in Christ:
I am forwarding here a pastoral statement on the killing of Sonya Massey, written by Bishop Greg Busboom of the Central/Southern Illinois Synod of the ELCA, where this killing took place. I encourage you to read it and share it, and to hold all those impacted by this senseless tragedy in prayer. I also invite you to remember that events like this impact many more than those who may have known Sonya Massey or live in the community where it happened. Too many of our siblings in Christ, especially members of the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color community, have seen and experienced violence and abuse by those in power who are sworn to protect and serve, and events like this can open old wounds and bring fears and anxieties to the surface. I invite us to listen to one another, to hold space for the sadness, fear, anger, and whatever other emotions might surface, and then I call upon us all to work together to create the beloved community that we so desperately need and so deeply long for.
In Christ,
Bishop Paul Erickson
