A Kairos Moment for the ELCA

Dear friends,

Events have been unfolding in the Sierra Pacific Synod of the ELCA over the last

year that has quite frankly been breaking my heart. These events are bringing to

light just how far we can fall short as a denomination and as a church when it

comes to being a sanctuary for all people. Even the church is not immune to

systemic racism and white supremacy. We all have a lot of work to do together to

change policies, procedures, and attitudes if we are to live more fully into God’s

dream of the beloved community.

If you are just learning about the saga of the Sierra Pacific Synod, I encourage you

to begin by reading this letter written by our Oregon Synod Bishop, Laurie Larson

Caesar, on June 1st here.

Here are some of the events that occurred since Bishop Laurie’s letter went out:

On June 4, the Sierra Pacific Synod Council issued a vote of no confidence in Rev.

Rohrer's leadership and called for their immediate resignation. That evening Rev.

Rohrer resigned, though it was not immediately made public.

On June 6, Presiding Bishop Eaton reversed course and announced she would

initiate a suspension and disciplinary process.

On June 6, Rev. Rohrer announced their resignation.

All of this is agonizing and full of reminders that we are ALL saints and sinners,

simultaneously. And in need of one another's forgiveness and prayer. If you would

like to participate in a Zoom or in-person discussion about these events and what

they mean for the whole church, please reach out to me by email

(pastordavid@comchristchurch.org) and we find a date, time, and location that

will work for everyone.

God’s peace,

Pastor David