A Message to the Southern Ohio Synod

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you;
and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem,
in all Judea and Samaria,
and to the ends of the earth.
(Acts of the Apostles 1:8, NRSV)
Dear Southern Ohio Synod,
We are witnesses of the good news of Jesus, here and to the ends of the earth. For many years, the ELCA and the Southern Ohio Synod have faithfully supported the work of Lutheran Social Services (LSS) and Lutheran Services in America (LSA). Our call as followers of Christ is to care for our neighbor —not only those we know, but also ones we have yet to meet. When harm comes to any part of the body of Christ, we are called to respond—with prayer, with service, and with love.
Many of our congregations partner with food pantries, shelters, and social service organizations at the local, state, and national levels. This vital ministry of accompaniment and care must continue. When one part of the body suffers, we all suffer. We pray for those who serve alongside us, as well as those who step in when we cannot.
Our faith calls us to hold fast to what is right and good. As the prophet Micah reminds us: “What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8). Our answer is a resounding yes—yes to justice, yes to mercy, yes to walking together in faith.
In tomorrow’s Synod newsletter, we will provide updated resources from AMMPARO and Global Refuge. We encourage you to check them out. We will continue to share resources as circumstances evolve.
Late yesterday, Bp. Elizabeth Eaton, Presiding Bishop of the ELCA, issued a video statement on LSS and LSA. You may view this video here.
Pray with me…
God of grace and mercy, in the midst of turmoil and change, your steadfast love endures forever, and your strength does not fail. Where there is falsehood, bring truth. Where there is division, bring trust. Where there is harm, bring healing. Shape us to be faithful witnesses of your Gospel, standing firm in Christ’s love and guided by your Spirit. May our words and actions reflect the grace we have first received, so that whoever our neighbor may be, they see Jesus in us. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.
In Christ,
+ Bishop Suzanne Darcy Dillahunt