|
Dear people of Eastern North Dakota,
Grace and peace to you in the name of Jesus Christ!
I am writing to you, as people of Eastern North Dakota Synod, in response to recent events in a part of our synod.
A part of the body of Christ in our synod has been experiencing significant suffering in recent weeks. I am writing so that you may be aware and know my response. Specifically, I am writing regarding hate speech directed toward and about Park River Bible Camp, its executive director and board of directors, and LGBTQ+ people broadly. I write to speak a clear word condemning the hate speech and lifting up our ELCA welcome and affirmation for all who identify as LGBTQ+.
As background information, when the ELCA Youth Gathering was canceled, Park River Bible Camp stepped forward to offer a week of camp in the spirit of the Youth Gathering. Speakers were invited who represent a variety of voices that are often relegated to the margins but are important voices in God’s kingdom. The invited speakers are people we should all be learning from, including our young people. The line-up for the week was faithful and bold. The line-up for the week was fitting in ELCA theology and was supported by the board of directors.
Concern was raised by some community members. This initially centered around one of the invited speakers, Pastor Drew Stever, an ELCA pastor who is openly transgender. Pastor Stever had a tweet from 3 years ago that was not what the camp would choose to represent but was his own thought from a number of years ago. Assumptions and extrapolations were made without finding out more information and the camp as well as Executive Director Rebecca Kjelland’s leadership were called into question. Further, it was questioned as to whether a transgender man could speak at an ELCA Bible camp.
My response to this situation is multi-fold. First, I welcome the presence of Pastor Drew Stever in Eastern North Dakota so that we may be in Christian relationship together and learn from each other, especially as we learn from him. His message of God’s boundless love through the lens of his life would have been a gift to us all. Unfortunately, because of the voices at play, Pastor Stever chose to not come to the camp week for safety reasons. I lament that anyone would be made to feel that unsafe in our synod. And I respect and support his choice.
Second, the language and messages directed to Executive Director Rebecca Kjelland both publicly and privately are deeply concerning. One may disagree theologically or engage in conversation or debate on these matters, but we are called to do so in a spirit of community and respect. The hate and vile that was shared went beyond simply uncalled for or inappropriate. Hate speech of this nature is dangerous and should be of concern to us all. I am addressing this letter to the Eastern North Dakota Synod, but do not assume the most vile messages came from within the synod. However, as we are all connected and in community together, it is important to call attention to this situation and condemn this type of behavior.
Lastly, the validity, value, and inherent belovedness of each and every LGBTQ+ person is not of question. I am grateful to every person, community, faith expression, and organization in Eastern North Dakota and beyond who make this clear and work to make safety and welcome for LGBTQ+ people a given.
To the ELCA people of Eastern North Dakota, we have been on a long road with this matter. Church and society do change how they understand God, the Bible, and God’s ongoing revelation to the world. I understand that you might still be sorting out these matters theologically. I look forward to ways we can engage in this together in the coming years as we all live and lean into the limitless love of God.
In confidence of God’s love for us all,
Bishop Tessa Moon Leiseth
Bishop, Eastern North Dakota Synod
| 
