Dear Friends in Christ,
As we continue on the way of Christ together, we are all called to love, heal, and engage like Jesus. Here in Northeastern Pennsylvania, we are deeply aware of the common historical journey of our forebears – immigrants to this country, speaking a foreign tongue, practicing a different faith, accused of crimes, of stealing jobs, and using up resources – strangers in a strange land. Our ancestors faced prejudice, but also found neighbors who welcomed and included them, many in the name and in the way of Christ.
In these times of division and fear for many, opportunities to live out our Christian and Lutheran values may come upon us quickly and unexpectedly. One of those ways, I am now taking as your bishop, and I invite you to join me – as individuals, and as congregations, especially if you live or work in the Lehigh Valley.
On Wednesday, February 5 at 6pm, the Allentown City Council is meeting to discuss and vote on a new policy to affirm Allentown as what’s called a “Welcoming City.” This will be the only item on the agenda in what I believe is a special meeting. The particular bill reads as follows:
Bill 4: Refer to Public Safety: An ordinance of the Council of the City of Allentown Pennsylvania requiring the city to obtain and maintain a “Welcoming City” rating and work towards a score of no less than three stars from “Welcoming America”; codifying the city’s practices related to the provision of city services without regard to refugee or immigration status and requiring city council to advocate for the adoption of similar practices and policies by other municipalities; providing for the repeal of inconsistent ordinances; providing for the severability of the ordinance; and providing that the ordinance shall take effect in accordance with Pennsylvania law.
I think this Bill came forward just two weeks ago. If you are curious for more background, I encourage you to Google “Welcoming City Allentown” to see the brief news reports and articles. I was informed about it from our synod advocacy partner, LAMPA (Lutheran Advocacy Ministry of Pennsylvania) late last week by email, and they followed up with contact late Monday. They are working with an organization called Pennsylvania Immigrant Coalition (PIC), as well as the national organization called Welcoming America. Both appear to be non-partisan, and doing good work that aligns with our faith and values.
What do we believe as the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America? Over the last four decades the ELCA has deliberated and created together consistent and clear messages and statements affirming our posture of welcome. If you wish to read more, I refer you to our Social Message on Immigration, written and ratified by our Churchwide Assembly meeting in 1997.
Following in this tradition, as your bishop, I have decided to do the following:
- I am sending a letter to the mayor and council
- On Wednesday evening, Feb. 5, I will attend the Allentown City Council meeting by 6pm. If the public is allowed to speak, I will make a statement to the council directly.
I am inviting all of you:
- To read the letter for your information - there is a lot of data about why this is a positive policy.
- Share my letter with anyone in your congregation or community.
- Consider if you wish to send your own letter, especially those living in
Allentown.
- If you have any questions, and wish to refer others to me – please feel free to contact me directly on this topic, using a special NEPA Synod office phone number (484-402-6745) or by email.
- Feel free to encourage others to write their letters or call the mayor. (610) 437-7546 - Matt.Tuerk@allentownpa.gov
- Feel free to attend Wednesday night’s City Council meeting with me.
- Pray that this policy will pass, so that we can bring some peace and comfort to thousands currently living in fear.
Thank you for your prayers and support. This is what it means to Love like Jesus, Heal like Jesus, Engage like Jesus. This is what it looks like when we are Growing Young, Gaining Strength, and Going Beyond Death to Life.
Serving Christ Together,
Bishop Christopher deForest (he/him)
Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
