Our Bishop, Jim Mauney, along with about 20 other pastors from the Virginia Synod were in Charlottesville to gather peacefully with other clergy and people of faith to pray for peace and to stand in opposition for the hatred which was gather in Charlottesville.   Here is Bishop Mauney’s reflection on the day.

“We have had quite a day here in Charlottesville. You have seen much on national coverage. This morning we had a march by religious folks with about, I’m guessing, about 900 to 1000 participating. There were well over twenty [Lutherans,] people and pastors marching today. I am so grateful for each one of you who sought to make a difference today by your presence. Thank you very much!

The morning built in heightened concern as more and more white [supremacy] groups kept arriving. But before 1 o’clock the authorities decided to deny the permit for use of Emancipation Park and sought to disperse the gathered Rally. This led to a dispersion of protesters and anti-protesters finding each other in different parts of the downtown area. You have heard of the three deaths and the 35 injuries thus far.

I ask for your prayers for Charlottesville, for its people and congregations, for its authorities and first responders. I ask your prayers for the families who lost loved ones today, and for those who were injured today. I ask for your prayers for our Lord to do far more than we could ever ask or imagine here and among us all. I pray that I may do more than I have for the sake of others in our nation. How much better and richer and wiser and gentler a nation we are by our abundant mixture of people.” – Bishop Jim Mauney

Prayer at worship at St. Michael on August 13, 2017

Let us pray.  Unwavering God, even in the midst of our selfishness and sin, you remain faithful and love your people.  Inspire us to love one another as you have loved us.  Help us to see in one another your image, so that we might overcome hatred and cultural biases.  Remind us that we are all part of the body of Christ and that the diversity of our gifts makes us stronger.  Guide your people into ways of peace and grant comfort to all those who are hurt, hurting or grieving.  Especially we remember all those effected by the violence in Charlottesville.  We ask for your healing presence to surround those who were injured, for your strength for all those who responded to try and keep the peace and for your comfort for all those who mourn those who lost their lives.  Make us all instruments of your peace and bring about cooperation and understanding among your people.  In your name we pray.  Amen.