A Pastoral Letter on Rejecting Political Violence and Insisting on Love

September 11, 2025

Dear siblings in Christ,

Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

In these days of heightened division and unrest, we have witnessed how political rhetoric and disagreement too easily give way to hostility, threats, and violence. This is not the way of Christ. Political violence is sin. It desecrates the image of God in our neighbor, wounds our families and communities, and undermines the fragile bonds that hold our nation together.

As Christians, we are called to a better way- the way of Jesus, who embodied love, reconciliation, and peace. As Lutherans, we are called to live our faith not only in the sanctuary but also in the public square. We are called to be neighbors marked by humility, courage, and love. The ELCA social statement Faith and Civic Life reminds us:

“When we disagree, we do so in ways that extend dignity to others and that express our love for them, rather than our contempt. This commitment to love of neighbor extends to how we engage in civic life.” (Faith and Civic Life, p. 19)

Now is such a time for the church to speak clearly and faithfully. Christ calls us to reject violence, intimidation, and contempt in every form. Instead, we are called to insist on love—love that dignifies every person as a child of God, love that seeks justice for the oppressed, love that builds peace across our differences, and love that hopes for a future where God’s mercy and justice embrace all creation.

So I urge you: in your families, workplaces, congregations, communities, and in your participation as citizens—insist on love. Insist on love in your speech, in your actions, and in your choices. Insist on love for the sake of your neighbor. Insist on love for the sake of our nation. Insist on love as a witness to the God who is love.

If you don’t know how to take the first steps, we have some great partners to accompany you. You can connect with ELCA Advocacy, the Lutheran Public Policy Office for in Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Council of Churches, or join the many ministry opportunities in our Synod and congregations.

In this critical moment, may we bear witness to Christ’s reconciling power. May we be instruments of peace and builders of justice. And may we, by the Spirit’s power, insist on love.

In Christ’s peace,

✝ Rev. Felix Javier Malpica
Bishop, La Crosse Area Synod

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America