A response from Women of the ELCA about the ongoing situation in Minneapolis
“You will keep them in perfect peace whose mind is set on you.” (Isaiah 26:3)
Peace be to you in these difficult times, so that through you peace may grow and expand.
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops yesterday released a statement reminding all Christians that peace begins with respect for all people. This is most certainly in line with the statements of our ELCA Bishop Yehiel Curry, who has said, “The ELCA is committed to upholding and guaranteeing basic human rights for the safety of migrants and their families. Our church works toward just and humane policies affecting migrants in and outside the United States. We decry language that dehumanizes immigrants who are beloved children of God and escalates tensions between federal agents and communities.” (January 9, 2026, Bishop Curry Issues Statement on ICE Shooting in Minneapolis.)
Additionally, Global Refuge yesterday denounced the murder of Alex Pretti and issued a statement reminding Americans of the need for respect for all people. They noted to all those who have been supporting the work of Global Refuge that “lawfully-admitted refugee families who fled persecution and passed the most rigorous, stringent vetting processes have been detained, transported far from home, and now face the unthinkable prospect of forced return to the danger they so painstakingly escaped.”
Today, as we watch the news, we lament the deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Good. We lament the detaining of small children. We lament the arrests of citizens pulled from their homes and clergy arrested while they sang hymns. We lament that so many people are afraid to go to work, school, church, and even the grocery store.
Yesterday, there were many vigils around the nation. (If you are looking for an ecumenical prayer vigil that focuses on the recentering of trust in God, you may watch this recording from First Congregational UCC in Plymouth, WI, where I was invited to give a welcome.) On social media, we see a lot of posts. Posts of laments. Posts of prayers. There are also posts that make arguments. On one side, some suggest that the media are reporting false facts about the situation. On the other side, some claim that prayers and love are insufficient. Rather than engage in a Facebook dispute, we invite you to take part in two opportunities below to discuss and pray about these issues.
Dr. Jennifer Hockenbery, Interim Executive Director
Women of the ELCA
Truth, Post-Truth, Serious Skepticism, and Conspiracy Theories
On Thursday, January 29th from 7-8pm Central we will have a Zoom presentation and discussion on the topic: Truth, Post-Truth, Serious Skepticism, and Conspiracy Theories. Using insights from Scripture (especially Proverbs 9), Saint Augustine, and Martin Luther we will consider the difference between a theory and a conspiracy theory and the difference between healthy skepticism and dangerous relativism. If you wonder “Who can I trust?” and “How can I talk to those who disagree with my view of the facts?” this session is for you. Register now.
Prayer, Just Love and Craftivism
On Wednesday, February 4th from 7-8pm Central we will have a Zoom presentation and discussion on the topic: Prayer, Just Love and Craftivism in which we will discuss Scriptural accounts of God listening to the cries of his people and the great commandment. We will also discuss different forms of activism, including “Craftivism” that is happening among women in the UK and the U.S. Register now.