Dear friends,

It was within the church that I learned, from an early age, that all human beings are made in the image of God.

It was through a deep dive into the Lutheran Confessions in seminary that I understood the sacraments as a great equalizer in terms of salvation and dignity for all of God’s children. Anything we do or do not do that diminishes the worth of another human being, including depictions of other human beings as animals, is sin.

In light of the president’s recent post depicting former President and Mrs. Obama as apes, I turn to those familiar words in our baptismal service: “Do you renounce the powers of this world that rebel against God.”

My answer: I do. And, especially right now, I renounce the sin of racism.

And I invite you to join me.

I have been blessed many times over by the gifts of people who differ from me. I am grateful for leaders of all ethnic and racial groups who lead our church today. I value diversity as an intrinsic piece of God’s creation that allows us to bloom and flourish as God’s people and I refuse to be complacent when our elected leaders suggest that ANY human being is anything less than human.

Together, let us renounce the sin of racism and proclaim the dignity of every person.

Together in Christ,