“We Will Not Grow Weary”: Lutheran Bishops Condemn Aggressive Immigration Actions
Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry and ELCA synod bishops from Minnesota have issued a joint pastoral video message condemning recent aggressive immigration activity and offering a word of faith, lament, and hope to the church. The message responds to growing fear and uncertainty experienced by immigrant communities and by those who stand in solidarity with them across the country. youtube.com/watch?v=GX5LsIgUyl0
In the video, the bishops acknowledge the anxiety and disruption many are experiencing in Minnesota and beyond, while grounding their response in the promises of Christ. They remind the church that lament is a faithful response to suffering—and that even in moments of deep uncertainty, God’s people are not alone.
“Our call as the church,” the bishops affirm, “is to bear witness to God’s justice and mercy, even when doing so is costly.” Rooted in the Lutheran conviction that every person is created in the image of God, the message names the moral harm caused by policies and practices that undermine human dignity and tear families apart.
This pastoral word reflects a broader Lutheran commitment to accompany those who are vulnerable, to speak truth with courage, and to trust that God’s promises remain steadfast. The bishops call the church not to grow weary, but to continue praying, organizing, and showing up in love for neighbors facing fear and uncertainty.
The message is shared by Minnesota’s ELCA synod bishops:
The Rev. Regina Hassanally, Bishop, Southeastern Minnesota Synod
The Rev. Patricia Lull, Bishop, Saint Paul Area Synod
The Rev. Jen Nagel, Bishop, Minneapolis Area Synod
The Rev. Amy Odgren, Bishop, Northeastern Minnesota Synod
The Rev. Dee Pederson, Bishop, Southwestern Minnesota Synod
The Rev. William “Bill” Tesch, Bishop, Northwestern Minnesota Synod
Members of the Grand Canyon Synod are invited to watch and share the video as an expression of prayerful solidarity and faithful public witness.
Watch the pastoral message: