As God’s people process the conviction of Derek Chauvin in the murder of George Floyd on April 20, 2021, the Virginia Synod Office of the Bishop acknowledges that this is one step of accountability in a long journey of justice, restoration, reparation, and reconciliation.
We are resurrection people, and yet sin still permeates our world. People are still dying. Our sin, both known and unknown, perpetuates a broken system. And yet, God walks with us always – breathing life and hope into us, in all of the emotions of day. God has been with us as we awaited the verdict. God is with us now. God will still be with us when the next tragic event happens. Take a breath. God’s goodness persists. “Return to your God, hold fast to love and justice, and wait continually for your God.” (Hosea 12:6)
We pray together:
Out of the darkness we cry to you, O God. Enable us to find in Christ the faith to trust your care even in the midst of pain. Assure us that we do not walk alone through the valley of the shadow, but that your light is leading us into life. Amen. (ELCA End Racism Sunday, 2015)
Resources
Bishop Elizabeth Eaton’s “A pastoral word on the verdict of George Floyd’s murder trial”
Worship
- End Racism Sunday (ELCA, 2015)
- All Creation Sings
For Bible Study & Discussion Groups
- Ten Commandments of Difficult Conversations
- Group Discussion Guidelines from “Troubling the Waters Bible Study”
- Troubling the Waters Bible Study (ELCA, 2004)
- Explanation of the Declaration of the ELCA to People of African Descent (ELCA, 2019)
- This document explains the Declaration, offers historical and theological context, and includes a thorough recommended resource list.
