Bishop's Office Message for April, 2005

Dear Partners in Ministry,

Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! The triumphant shout of Easter propels us out into a world that is suffocating under a culture of fear and death. We have another story to tell, one that brings life and hope to people who know only death and despair. Because Jesus lives, we too shall live. Since we no longer need to fear death, there is nothing else to fear. The world is waiting to hear such a message in word and deed.

Thank you for praying for the group who traveled to Colombia for the visit with our companion synod. My report on this trip is being circulated through the synod mailing, and will be available on the internet along with pictures in a few days. In a country that has experienced a 50 year civil war, it was wonderful to hear stories of hope and life, and to walk with our sisters and brothers as they deal with the reality of war every day.

This Easter season, our members are reacting to the resolution regarding a local option for the blessing of same sex unions. I ask that we be urgent in prayer for the ELCIC, and I encourage all our congregations to study this resolution carefully in light of the Bible and the Lutheran Confessions, so that the delegates to the national convention in July will be well-prepared to discern the will of God in this and in all other matters. I wish a blessed Easter to you all.

+Stephen P. Kristenson,
Bishop Synod of Alberta and the Territories
Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada
10014 - 81 Ave. Edmonton, AB
T6E 1W8
Phone 780-439-2636
Fax 780-433-6623
Email: SKristenson@elcic.ca
http://www.albertasynod.ca