This past weekend, our greater church body, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, wrapped up our Churchwide Assembly in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Representatives from congregations across the United States came together for the business meeting of the church. Elizabeth Eaton was re-elected as Presiding Bishop and business was conducted on other matters concerning our church governance.

One of the votes taken was that the ELCA “declares itself a sanctuary church body.” With compassionate discussion and prayerful deliberation, representatives for our assembly voted to affirm our longstanding ministry (over 200 years) of welcoming immigrants and refugees into our nation, communities and congregations. News reports that followed this vote failed to have fair representation and cast confusion.

Please read the letter from our Nebraska Synod Bishop, Brian Maas, who addresses the vote and helps clarify any misunderstandings.

If you have further questions about this, please contact Pastor Rhonda Bostrom, Sheridan’s Associate Pastor for Mission & Outreach.