Dear People of the Northwest Intermountain Synod,
Back in September I had the opportunity to attend Gathering at the Gate in Washington DC with close to 75 individuals from across the ELCA, and several others who joined remotely. The reason for the gathering is described as:
“We are Lutheran Christians—rostered and lay—gathering in a time of growing injustice against refugees, immigrants, LGBTQIA+ people, those experiencing poverty, and many pushed to the margins and harmed by unjust systems. We are compelled by our faith to proclaim good news and act with courage. Rooted in Amos’ call to justice, we gather not only to pray, but to build relational power and pursue sustained change.”
The event unfolded over two days. The first being an orientation and training lead by the conveners in partnership with all the staff of ELCA Advocacy. The second day began with a public witness of prayer, song, and statements held on the drizzly grounds of Upper Senate Park. From there, we headed back to Lutheran Church of the Reformation where workshops were held throughout the day.
The main focus of this second day were in-person visits with members of Congress and/or their staff. I was fortunate enough to arrange a visit with a staff member from Idaho Senator Mike Crapo’s office ahead of time. I had a 20-minute conversation with Matthew Mondello, mostly on healthcare and the challenges of access and funding, especially for small town and rural communities.
My second visit that day was a bit more complex. Leading up to Gathering at the Gate, I was unable to arrange a visit with Senator Jim Risch’s office. On the first day of the Gathering, I was introduced to Sasha Ghosh-Siminoff, Policy Director—Middle East, North Africa, for ELCA Advocacy. Since I was a constitute of Sen. Risch, who is the chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, and because Sasha knew a Legislative Assistant in Sen. Risch’s office we were able to arrange a last minute visit with Callahan Stoub, Senior Policy Analyst, and an intern that worked with her to talk about the war in Gaza, and ways to bring an end to the violence and increase aide. I was able to share about my personal connection to Israel & the Holy Land (family members lived in Jerusalem for several years, and 2 cousins who are Palestinian). Then Sasha and Callahan were able to talk of specific policies and potential actions. It was an interesting and incredible experience overall. Further, through this visit Sasha from ELCA Advocacy has a connection with a high-level staffer in Sen. Risch’s office.
Now, two months removed from my time in Washington DC with Gathering at the Gate and two weeks post-Election Day, I find myself reflecting on how important relationships are. It is easy for me to forget that ELCA Advocacy folks, senior policy analysts, even US Senators and Representatives are all people, just like you and I. The same is true for school board members, mayors, even highway district representatives. And our connections with one another are so important. Each day we have an opportunity to nurture those relationships with family and neighbors and even those in elected office, whether local or state-wide or federal. As you do, know that God is at work continually nurturing a relationship with you as well.
God’s peace be yours,
Phil Misner
Assistant to the Bishop