Pastoral Letter: Epiphany Light in Times of Crisis
Dear beloved in the Lord,
Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
In recent days, our communities have again been shaken by events unfolding in Minneapolis. Sadly, we are not strangers to such tragic and chaotic events, especially those that bring unrest and inflamed division. The riots of 2020 no doubt quickly come to mind.
The death of Renée Nicole Good in Minneapolis during an encounter involving federal law enforcement has become another flashpoint of unrest and angst. Sides are being taken. Protests are amassing. Tension is thick. The spiritual forces of evil (Eph. 6:12) would have us despair, rage against one another, and descend into anarchy. There is darkness all around.
However, the season of Epiphany directs our eyes once again to Christ, the Light of the world, who shines in the darkness and is not overcome by it (John 1:5). In such times of unrest, anger, and uncertainty, Epiphany reminds us that God has not abandoned His creation. Instead, He has revealed His Son for the salvation of all, bringing clarity, peace, and order through His Word, even amid the brokenness of this fallen world.
Any loss of human life is grievous, and as Christians we rightly mourn with those who mourn (Romans 12:15). We commend the family, friends, and all who grieve Renée’s death to the mercy and comfort of God, praying they receive the hope and life that comes through Jesus Christ.
At the same time, moments such as these require clear Christian teaching, careful discernment, and faithful pastoral care. As members of Christ’s Church living in this world, we are called to live faithfully within God’s ordering of both His spiritual kingdom and His earthly kingdom. The current unrest lifts up the duties of our vocations—the responsibilities of our God ordained stations of life.
Scripture teaches that governing authorities are established by God for the preservation of order and the restraint of evil:
“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” (Romans 13:1)
The Fourth Commandment (Ex. 20:12) and its meaning remind us that honoring father and mother includes respect for all those placed in authority over us. This includes civil servants and law enforcement officers who bear the difficult responsibility of upholding the law. While authorities, like all people, are sinners in need of God’s mercy, and can certainly err, Christians are not given license to despise or disregard lawful authority.
At the same time, the Gospel shapes how we regard every person we encounter. Jesus taught:
“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:39)
“I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” (Matthew 25:35)
Christians are called to show mercy, patience, and compassion toward all, including immigrants, as well as all those who live with fear or uncertainty. Compassion, however, must not be confused with the rejection of lawful order. Lutheran teaching holds these together through the doctrine of the Two Kingdoms: God governs the world through civil authority and the Church through His Word and Sacraments; neither is to be confused with the other but are to be held in balance. It’s not always easy, but we have one another to bear these burdens together (Gal. 6:2).
Throughout the Reformation, Martin Luther addressed similar tensions, especially during times of unrest. He firmly rejected rebellion and violence while also calling rulers to exercise their authority justly and responsibly. His scriptural teaching in the Small Catechism’s Table of Duties reminds us that Christians must not inflame disorder or excuse or participate in lawlessness, even while urging authorities to act justly, with wisdom and restraint.
Thus, considering current events and our inflamed environment, I urge you:
Pray earnestly for those in authority at every level, as Scripture commands (1 Timothy 2:1–2). Some of our congregations are offering prayer services and I encourage you to attend them as you are able.
Offer care, hospitality, and Christian charity to those who are grieving, fearful, or distressed.
Exercise your vocation as citizens who obey the law, engage in appropriate avenues of dissent and redress, while bearing witness to Christ through humility, peace, and love.
Support, respect, and obey law enforcement and civil servants as God’s instruments for maintaining order.
Avoid rhetoric that stirs anger, fear, or division, especially language used for political gain rather than godly wisdom.
Our ultimate hope does not rest in earthly authorities or political movements, but in Christ crucified and risen. Yet while we await His return, we are called to serve faithfully where God has placed us — as citizens who respect and obey the law, neighbors who show mercy, and Christians who pray for peace.
May the Lord grant restraint, compassion, and unity among us; may He guide all who bear authority to act justly and responsibly for the good of those they serve; and may He grant all wisdom in the words they speak and the actions they take.
As Epiphany reminds, let us fix our eyes on Christ, the Light of the world, who shines in the darkness. Remember the darkness of His tomb could not even extinguish that light, for Christ is risen! The Light revealed to the nations will guide His Church on earth until He comes again.
In Christ’s service,
Rev. Dr. Lucas V. Woodford
President, Minnesota South District
The Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod
