2005 assembly, The

... through other eyes

An interesting perspective from an unexpected source greeted me when I returned to Chicago: a Muslim, Somalian refugee cab driver. He quickly discovered we had been to a church gathering in Orlando, Fla.

"Oh, were you with the Lutherans?" he asked. When I said yes, he asked, "What does it mean that you call yourselves evangelical?" I described who we are, centering our identity in God's grace given through faith for Jesus' sake. "Tell me about Jesus and grace," he said. I told him about Jesus' teaching, his healings, with whom he associated and whom he challenged, his death and resurrection. The driver interrupted: "That is the Jesus I read about in your Bible, not the one I hear about on the radio. It doesn't seem like Christians believe in this grace you are talking about."

He had read that the assembly called for a lasting peace in the Middle East. "It seems like many Christians do not want to understand the struggle of Palestinians and the faith of Muslims," he said. I told him we have links to Rabbi Eric H. Yoffie, an American Reformed Jewish leader, and Bishop Munib Younan, a Palestinian Christian. "Oh, that gives me hope," he replied.

"I like Lutherans," was his startling interjection. "Why?" I asked. "Because I know you help refugees," he said, telling me of his wife and four children who still hope to come to the U.S. The assembly renewed its commitment to Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service and advocacy for refugees, I said.

He wondered about our discussions on human sexuality and homosexuality. I said our church body upholds the authority of Scripture. I explained how we read the Bible and understand the word of God. I described Scripture as revealing God's word of command and God's word of promise, pointing us to Christ.

"You Lutherans do not all agree about gay and lesbian people, do you?" he asked. We agree all are welcome but not all may serve as pastors, I said, adding that response in our church to assembly decisions will vary: Some will be relieved, others impatient and angry, and some disappointed that a clearer word was not spoken.

The driver said he wished we could teach others how to have respectful, honest differences and how to be humble when making difficult decisions.

How important and moving to see ourselves through others' eyes. I pray you will be blessed with such opportunities in your life and ministry.

How important and moving to see ourselves through others'eyes. I pray you will be blessed with such opportunities in your life and ministry.

Copyright Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Oct 2005
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