In the face of the current administration’s lies, chaos, selfishness, and cruelty, a political solution eludes us. The rapid rate of changes to government and its domestic and foreign policy is breathtaking. Yet, we believe that the Word of God can break through the deceit that calls into question the dedication of government employees, that tears apart the families of immigrants, and that takes away the food and medicines from the vulnerable. The Word of God helps us separate truth from lies, and in Christ it invites us to show compassion to all those now being hurt by our government. Moved by the love of God, Christians of different political persuasions can unite around the need to protect the innocent. In this mission they join hands with others who share that goal.

Below is a declaration of concern, and for many of us, a confession of faith. You are invited to read, discuss, endorse, and share it with your friends, pastors, congress people, and others.

The Confessing Church in America

Some German Christians in Nazi Germany wanted to change the church’s ministry to reflect the racist ideology of German nationalism. Other Christians opposed those efforts. A group of German church leaders thus endorsed the Barmen Confession, which was written mostly by Karl Barth, and which, on the basis of the Word of God, opposed the introduction of racist German nationalism into the German Protestant Church. As a “confession,” it was a statement of profound belief for which one was willing to suffer. Martin Niemoeller, one signatory, spent World War II in prison. Another signatory, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, criticized the declaration for being too narrow. He said it should have opposed the whole perverted nationalism of the Nazi regime which was responsible for the deaths of millions of Jews and others. He was later executed.

Would it be possible for ordinary Christians in the United States from a variety of traditions to make a similar confession of faith? The issues of faith that are relevant today are in some ways similar to those that faced the German Christians. Racism is again present, evident in the elimination of programs designed to recruit talented people of under-represented groups, and in rhetoric that seeks to blame these programs for hardships and tragedies. People are rounded up for imprisonment and deportation based on the color of their skin and the language they speak—even though some of those rounded up turn out to be citizens, veterans, and legal immigrants, including refugees. Beyond this racism, however, is a cruel selfishness that cuts off aid to those in need, both at home and abroad. Social service programs funded by the government but administered by church-based institutions in the United States are carelessly labeled as “money laundering” and are targeted for cuts, even though the programs are embodiments of the churches’ faith commitments to care for refugees and the poor. Even as leaders characterize the United States as a “Christian nation,” they contradict the teachings of Christ by dismantling USAID, the agency that has fed the hungry, cured the sick, and comforted the oppressed worldwide for decades. By cutting off aid for the world’s most vulnerable people, this administration is causing the misery and death of thousands, if not millions. This goes against the Word of God but also against the convictions other religions and simple human decency. Below is an attempt to forge such a confession. We look forward to the discussion and circulation of this confession. We invite you to share it with your friends, pastors, church leaders, congress, and local government officials.

Confession of Christians Concerning the Present Actions of the U.S. Government

1) As Christians, we believe that God made all people through Christ and that his life is the light for all people (John 1:1-4). His life was and is one of compassion, in which he died and rose for the salvation of all people. All people reflect his sacrificial love in their families, their communities, and their generosity to the hurting and vulnerable. However, that natural concern for others can be ruined by selfishness, greed, and the desire to dominate and control others for glory and power.

• We affirm: The belief that the commitment of people of many faiths and nations to help the less fortunate is in accord with Christ’s teachings, and that this commitment has led to the overwhelming generosity of the world’s people to help those in need through churches, charities, NGOs, international organizations, and beneficial governmental policies.
• We reject: The belief that the world is so evil that governments are justified is using cruel and violent methods against their own citizens, refugees and migrants within their borders, and people of other nations to secure their nation’s prosperity.

2) Confessing Christians in America support efforts around the world to feed the hungry, ensure access to potable water, heal people and prevent illness, liberate innocent prisoners and involuntary workers, help people gain access to employment and housing, and bring peace instead of war.

• We affirm: The idea that the United Nations’ Millennium Sustainable Development Goals are important targets for the world’s nations and peoples and are in accord with Christ’s teachings.
• We reject: The idea that national interests are in conflict with helping the world’s people. This idea has led to nations withdrawing from international organizations that are working to achieve a better life for the most vulnerable people in our world.

3) Christians are joined by Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and others, including those with no religious affiliation, in affirming the Golden Rule that we should do to others as we would have them do to us (Matt. 7:12). Though diverse in faith and religious practice, those who affirm this Rule have as their highest concerns the benefit of all people, not merely those of their own faith.

• We affirm: The belief that in matters of simple human decency and aid for people in distress, we are united by our common humanity and our religious or humanitarian values. Furthermore, not only are we united in generosity but also in our opposition to heartless policies that destroy people’s lives.
• We reject: The use of our religious loyalties by our governments to advance the selfish interests of the nation and its politicians, and to justify policies that target people of other races or religions.

4) Never before has the world been so integrated through communications, travel, trade, immigration, and the common concerns for the planet on which we live. This interpenetration of cultures and ideas, as well as neighbors different from ourselves, have caused fear, disorientation, and a threat to our identity and our place in the world.

• We affirm: The conviction that in the universal perspective of our faith and values (John 3:16) we can overcome our fears, welcome diversity, and work together to address the challenges of our world.
• We reject: The use of national, cultural, and religious differences to erect barriers to working together to solve our common problems in our rapidly changing world.

5) Because of poverty, unemployment, and the lack of hope in many nations of the Global South, people have looked for security and welfare by joining gangs and terrorist groups, or by emigrating to richer nations. Wealthy nations are closing their borders, and some like the U.S. are deporting migrants and refugees to their homelands or imprisoning them in camps. Much of this is done in secret and the public is unaware of whether the process is legal, fair, or humane.

• We affirm: The position that in accord with Lev. 19:33-34, because all refugees and migrants are obligated to obey the laws of the nation in which they live, there is a reciprocal obligation of the state to provide them with the protection of the law, as is guaranteed to those who are native born.
• We reject: The prejudice that since many have entered the country outside of the legally prescribed pathways, they are criminals and have lost their rights to a trial, appeal, and appropriate justice.

6) Governments are not sovereign but were created by God, the Lord of all. We are to fear God and honor the king (1 Pet. 2:17). The power and authority of the state is limited by God, who works through the consciences and human values of all people, in the state and those outside its borders. These people make their voices heard through international institutions, protests, and God-pleasing disobedience (Acts 5:29).

• We affirm: The notion that governments deserve our respect and obedience when they exercise their power lawfully to keep the peace, protect their citizens, promote the welfare of all their citizens, and refrain from unjust wars.
• We reject: The idea that governments are justified in using their power to reward the rich and powerful at the expense of the poor, the weak, and the vulnerable (Psalm 82: 2-4). We live in the hope and knowledge that all such governments will fall and that the Word of God and the hopes of all people will prevail.
• We also reject: The use of petty historical labels such as “Marxist,” “communist,” and “woke” to describe concerns for the welfare of the poor and vulnerable that arise from following the timeless Word of God.

We invite you to share this confession with you friends, pastors, congress, and local officials and to endorse it if this reflects your beliefs.

From Martin Luther:

“To rebuke rulers is not seditious, provided it is done in the way here described, namely by the office to which God has committed that duty, and through God’s word, spoken publicly, boldly, and honestly. To rebuke rulers in this way is, on the contrary, a praiseworthy, noble, and rare virtue, and particularly great service to God, as the Psalm here proves. It would be more seditious if a preacher did not rebuke the sins of the rulers, for then he makes people angry and sullen, strengthens the wickedness of the tyrant, becomes a partaker in it, and bears responsibility for it.”

Luther on Psalm 82:1 (1530) Luther’s Works, 13:50

In writing to members of Congress appeals might be made to their faith, their compassion, and kindness, and desire to do what is right according to their vocation.

Lutherans in the Congress:

In the House of Representatives, members with Lutheran affiliation who were reelected are Jack Bergman, R-Mich.; John Carter, R-Texas; Angie Craig, D-Minn.; Ron Estes, R-Kan.; Glenn Grothman, R-Wis.; Sydney Kamlager-Dove, D-Calif.; Zoe Lofgren, D-Calif.; Tracey Mann, R-Kan.; Donald Norcross, D-N.J.; Scott Peters, D-Calif.; Chellie Pingree, D-Maine; Stacey Plaskett, D-U.S. Virgin Islands; Lloyd Smucker, R-Pa.; and Ryan Zinke, R-Mont. Additionally, newly elected Derek Schmidt, R-Kan., joins the House.

In the Senate, member Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., won reelection. Members Joni Ernst, R-Iowa; Ron Johnson, R-Wis.; Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyo.; and Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., are continuing in their positions. Newly elected Tim Sheehy, R-Mont., joins the Senate.