In Washington D.C. today there is violence and turmoil as people breached the security of the United States Capitol interrupting the process to certify the results of the 2020 Presidential Election. 

The images coming from the Capitol are a tragic example of what happens when one allows rhetoric to fan the flames of hysteria. Words matter and we must choose them carefully whenever we speak or write. The attempted insurrection of the Capitol of the United States is inconsistent with our nation’s tradition of law and order and with our understanding of who we are as Lutheran Christians. 

I am asking all of the people of the New England Synod to exercise the gift of the Holy Spirit and Pray for Peace.

Let us pray for peace and calm in our nation’s capital.

Let us pray for safety for those in harm’s way, and especially for the protection of law-enforcement professionals called to guard the people and places of our government. 

Let us pray for peace and calm in our congregations as members express their own opinions in civil discourse and dialogue. 

Let us pray that our nation’s leaders will exercise appropriate authority to de-escalate the violence in Washington D.C. 

 Let us pray that peace will prevail so the joint session of Congress may reconvene in order to ensure a peaceful transition of power in our nation.

Bishop James Hazelwood