October 29, 2005
It is with a sense of great
sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Rosa Parks, a
courageous woman whose resolve focused our nation's attention on
civil rights. It is my hope and prayer that as we remember Rosa
Parks' life, her legacy might provide an occasion for us to
renew our commitment to building a society that reflects the
richness of racial and ethnic diversity, and the rejection of
racism. Such resolve will require bold acts of conscience such
as those Rosa Parks made on a Montgomery bus.
We as the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America have made a clear public declaration that we
seek to become an intentionally anti-racist and multicultural
church. As people of faith we must also work to ensure all
people have access to fair wages, affordable housing and quality
health care. May the Holy Spirit give us power that we might
continue to confront the painful reality of divisions while
bearing witness to unity and diversity as God's gifts. Thanks be
to God for the life of Rosa Parks.
The Rev. Mark S. Hanson
Presiding Bishop
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
