You and I live in a world where violence and fear lead to more violence and fear. When we watch the news, it’s easy to be concerned by the troubles and uncertainty all around us. In recent weeks, a gun was found on the grounds of my old elementary school in Iowa. 250 military troops are being sent to Eagle Pass, the Texas town on the Mexican border where I served as a pastor for six years. Conflicts abound all over the world: Yemen, Venezuela, Nicaragua, Nigeria, and so many other places. All this violence is counter to the vision of peace that Jesus teaches. He implores us to love our enemies and work for reconciliation. Indeed, as people of faith, we are called to be peacemakers.
For over seven decades, Lutheran Peace Fellowship has provided resources and support to help individuals and congregations follow their conscience and live lives of justice and reconciliation. In the 1940s, LPF raised more than $16,000 in support of Lutheran conscientious objectors assigned to Civilian Public Service camps during World War II. Since then, LPF has raised awareness and encouraged advocacy on important issues like nuclear disarmament, apartheid, military spending, violence against women, and chemical weapons. Thousands of people have used our resources and programs to learn more and take action on such topics. I distinctly remember viewing the broad history of over 140 peace & justice movements around the world and throughout history, walking along LPF’s dramatic 150’ “Path of Hope” exhibit at the 2009 ELCA Youth Gathering.
We give thanks for the ministry and service of our outgoing National Coordinator, Glen Gersmehl. Since 1994, Glen led LPF in the creation of countless educational materials and advocacy efforts. He played a key role in getting Congress to approve the Chemical Weapons Ban, and was the US delegate to United Nations meetings in India, helping plan the largest peace education effort in UN history. Under Glen’s leadership, 31 ELCA synods endorsed LPF’s resolution for the ELCA to make the Decade for Peace a priority. It was approved by the Churchwide Assembly and sparked scores of trainings, resources, and activities. Glen’s passion for social transformation and his background in public policy, community organizing, and education have guided LPF as an organization working toward God’s Shalom in the world. During this time of leadership transition,
I am privileged to continue LPF’s legacy as I begin my new role as National Coordinator. I’ll be based from my home in Madison, Ohio, where my wife, Brandi, serves as a pastor. My position with LPF will be half-time as I continue serving in a local congregation. (Glen will continue with LPF in a more limited role, coordinating key administrative tasks from the Seattle office). I will be balancing the education and advocacy work of LPF and the day-to-day realities of parish ministry. I hope my decade as a Lutheran pastor in a wide variety of contexts can inform my work with LPF. I acknowledge the challenge of proclaiming Jesus’ nonviolent message in the midst of a society that isn’t always ready to hear it. In suburban San Antonio, I served a congregation deeply connected with military culture and the economy of local Air Force bases. I served Spanish and English-speaking members on both sides of the Mexican border in southern Texas. The Ohio community I now serve lives in the reality that its industrial manufacturing past is in a precarious position today. I recognize the value of interacting with people holding many viewpoints.
My hope is that LPF can continue its long legacy as a prophetic voice for peace with justice. We have many materials to help congregations explore and practice nonviolent peacemaking as a spiritual discipline, practical skill, and advocacy focus. These need to be shared and curated, as we also continue to develop new resources and explore new possibilities. I’d love to expand our network of trainings and leadership opportunities. In the months ahead, I plan to meet with active LPF members, as well as potential members, in congregation, synod, and churchwide events. I’m eager to hear your LPF stories, issues you’ve worked on, and your dreams for LPF and for peacemaking.
The work of LPF is sustained by the generosity of so many. If you have donated to LPF in the past, thank you. Through your contributions, you have been part of our story of nonviolence and justice. Whether you have, or have not, previously supported LPF financially, I invite you to do so now, and be part of the next chapter of Lutheran Peace Fellowship. Click here to donate online.
More than anything, I ask for your prayers as we head into this season of Lent. Prayer is advocacy. Pray for the board of Lutheran Peace Fellowship and for new leaders to step up during this time of transition. Grant us a spirit of wisdom and purpose. Pray for congregations that take holy risks to preach and engage the message of peace. Pray for all those ensnared in systems of violence. Pray for all those impacted by war.
Blessings and Peace,
The Rev. Paul Bailie
National Coordinator
Lutheran Peace Fellowship