Separation of Church and State.

I think it is time to discuss the separation of church and state. Would you please pull up a chair. This past month has presented several opportunities to clarify this precious distinction. When Episcopal Bishop Mariann Budde urged President Trump to “have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared now,” she raised the need for a distinction to a new level. She went on to specifically mention LGBTQ children and migrant workers. In her sermon she invoked biblical teachings about being merciful and loving toward others. She opened the door to a necessary discussion. What do you think? Was it right for her to request the President to show mercy and compassion?



Our national ELCA Bishop Elizabeth Eaton thinks so. She reminded the Church in her 1/28 email that we must always pay attention to the impact of government policies on our neighbors. Do those actions by our government “affirm the dignity of every person, protect their well-being, and stand against actions that demean or exclude?” She reminded Lutherans of their one simple but all-encompassing question: Is the neighbor being served? In closing, “Let us be bold in our witness to the gospel, steadfast in our prayers for those in authority, and tireless in our efforts to seek justice for all.”

Bishop Budde’s words sparked much criticism, condemnation and government pushback. She has been asked to apologize to the President. Some sought a congressional resolution to condemn the sermon. Others called for the government to seize the Washington National Cathedral from the Episcopalians. It is clear to some she ought to be deported. She’s received death threats.

Last Sunday, in response to the inauguration prayer service, many preachers across the nation, and perhaps the world, stood in solidarity with her (not all for sure). I have several summaries of sermons in front of me. I choose to quote a Bishop Andrew Doyle of an Episcopal Diocese in TX. “I believe in religious freedom from the government. Our allegiance is to God’s kingdom, not to the state – that is always secondary. In Christ, there are no borders, no superior races, no earthly rulers who can claim ultimate authority.”

It is rare to have such a vivid, real-life event so explicitly speak to the relationship between “Church and State.” As followers of Christ, we are not shaped by Democratic or Republican agendas, not bound by any political ideology. If in your claiming your God-given identity, you ruffle some feathers, just know you are in some pretty good company. Yes, in the face of authoritarianism, “You Christians can be so annoying.”

I admire her faithfulness to the teachings of Jesus. I was going to ask you to pray for her safety, but I recently heard her say, “I am well supported and well protected, please pray for those who aren’t.”