The ELCA Conference of Bishops has issued a statement on the need to speak the truth. “We know that the power of truth is greater than the power of deceit,” the statement read, in part. “We, the members of the Conference of Bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, speak with one voice to condemn the hateful, deceptive, violent speech that has too readily found a place in our national discourse. We lament the ways this language has led to hate-fueled action.
The statement continued: “We refuse to accept the ongoing normalization of lies and deceit. We recommit ourselves to speaking the truth and pointing to the one who is truth.
“We find courage in our collegiality and implore the members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, as well as our partners and friends, to join us as we:
• Pledge to be vigilant guardians of truth, refusing to perpetuate lies or half-truths that further corrode the fabric of our society.
• Commit to rigorous fact-checking, honoring God’s command to “test everything; hold fast to what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21).
• Reject the use of humor that normalizes falsehood, remembering that our speech should “always be gracious” (Colossians 4:6).
• Boldly advocate for the marginalized and oppressed, emulating Christ’s love for the least among us.
• Courageously interrupt hate speech, standing firm in the knowledge that all are created in God’s image.
• Lean in with curiosity, engage with those who think differently and “put the best construction on our neighbor’s action” (Luther’s explanation of the Eighth Commandment).
• Amplify voices of truth.”
