August 2002
Dear Pastors, (a similar note was
sent to rostered lay leaders)
Many of you are preparing for the
increased demands of fall schedules and are in my prayers. I trust
you had opportunity for rest and renewal over the summer. As I
travel throughout this church, I thoroughly enjoy the opportunity
to be with you for worship and conversation. The ELCA is blessed
with incredibly gifted pastors.
It is my hope that in these
occasional e-mails I can share with you reflections on topics
relevant to our shared ministry. One theme that emerged from synod
assembly conversations on changes and challenges facing the ELCA
was a concern for families. Some voting members spoke of "the
breakdown of the family," "the decrease of family
connectedness," or "the loss of family values."
Others described the changing roles within families and the
various definitions of what constitutes a family.
The expectation that--together--we
in leadership should take concrete steps to strengthen families is
both an opportunity and a burden. What gives me encouragement is
the sense of a deep longing for something the culture seems unable
to provide. We desire more than nostalgia for a family life that
perhaps was never as ideal as we seem to remember.
In the midst of the rich diversity
of families that surround us, there may be some emerging consensus
regarding that for which we yearn. I offer these as premises to
test in conversations:
- We desire to have prayer,
Scripture, and faith formation more central in family life.
Parents, however, often feel inadequate for such a task, but
gain confidence from the many helpful resources
available.
- We recognize it is almost
impossible for families to have quality relationships without
spending significant time together. When I was a parish
pastor, a counselor said to me, "Mark, it seems you are
more preoccupied with tending to tasks than to relationships
in your family." Looking back on those days, I wonder if
the schedules of the congregations I served--multiple program
offerings seven days a week--was the best way to support the
baptized for our many and varied callings.
- We realize it is almost
impossible to have healthy families when there is inadequate
income, child care, housing, education, and health care. I
appreciate how many of you are giving leadership to developing
just responses to the disparities that exist in so many
communities. Your work is evidence of a commitment to strong
families.
- We look increasingly for
expansive definitions of families. As people of faith we will
always be challenged to rethink our tendency to define
families too narrowly. Jesus' words still startle us,
"For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my
brother and sister and mother" (Matthew 12:50).
I am encouraged by how many of you
stress that in Baptism we are adopted into a family that spans
time and space. I trust you share a commitment to provide
opportunities to experience Christ's richly diverse family in a
world increasingly segregated and fearful of difference.
It would be good to ponder with you
how we address these concerns. Keeping our conversation grounded
in the rich and stunningly varied stories of families in Scripture
is essential. Building upon the insights of family systems theory
is important. Tending to our own significant personal
relationships is a priority.
Ione and I often comment on how our
diverse family reminds us daily of the joys and challenges of
living in an inclusive world. As a family, we work to understand
one another. In the midst of struggles, we have experienced deep
love and resiliency. In a very real way I have found resiliency to
be a modern word for God's grace.
May the grace of God in Christ
Jesus bring you joy, wisdom, and strength. On behalf of this
church, thank you for your ministry and the partnership we share
in God's mission.
In God's grace,
Mark S. Hanson Presiding Bishop
