February 4, 2025

Dear Friends in Christ,

These are unusual times. While it is not my practice or the policy of Holy Trinity to engage in partisan politics, what we have witnessed in the media and seen carried out in practice is outside the realm of normal politics. We acknowledge that people at Holy Trinity have differing good-faith views on our current political climate; nevertheless, our standing as a church compels us not to take political sides, but our faith demands we speak words of truth clearly and directly. Thus this letter reviews recent developments and provides important information, including possible next steps.

What Happened?

On February 1, inappropriate accusations were levied at Lutheran service organizations using the social media platform X (previously known as Twitter). General Mike Flynn posted a visual with comments that began: “Now it’s the ‘Lutheran’ faith (this use of ‘religion’ as a money laundering operation must end).” Elon Musk quickly responded that “The @DOGE team is rapidly shutting down these illegal payments.” To see what was said, use this link (https://x.com/elonmusk/status/1885964969335808217) or see the image below.

Government funding of these organizations that provide necessary social services has stopped. Lutherans, including Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton of the ELCA and Bishop Lee Miller, II, of the Upstate New York Synod have been quick to respond to clarify how these spending cuts affect the lives of neighbors in our communities. These and other bishops both denounced the mischaracterization of the work of these organizations and advocated for the people who have been served by them. To view the videos, click this link:

What is the Direct Impact?

Lutheran social service agencies are not-for-profit organizations that historically receive funding from the United States government and are considered NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations). As is typical in many such situations, the federal government decided certain important human services deserved support, and opted to contract for these services with existing NGOs through a competitive bidding process.  Such an approach has precedent, and is both transparent and approved by the United States Congress. 

The current administration’s approach to calling for government efficiency has a real effect on real people. People who are poor, marginalized, or who are new to this country no longer have promised funding. For example, refugees who have gone through an extensive process have entered the country legally and have historically been connected with an NGO that helps them resettle and become acclimated to life in the United States. They are now left stranded. Because of these cuts, our new neighbors no longer have the funding they need to get on their feet in their new country, and they no longer have social workers who are assigned to them. They of course don’t have the money to return to their home country, and, even if they could, they would be right back in the conditions that they were fleeing.

Furthermore, funding cuts like these affect local organizations like Lutheran Charities, Journey’s End, Vive (part of Jericho Road), and the Network of Religious Communities food bank. They also affect:

• Global Refuge (previously Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service) – www.globalrefuge.org
• Lutheran Services in America – https://lutheranservices.org 
• Lutheran Disaster Response – www.ldr.org

How Can the HT Community Respond?

We respond first and foremost with love. Regardless of how you voted in the last election, love is the purpose and the glue of this congregation and our community. This is not a moment to debate “who is right and who is wrong.” This is a moment for us to be the body of Christ – to work together for the common good.

We focus ourselves and our attention on our faith and the Bible, which calls us to care for and not to harm or abuse those who are poor (as one example, see the book of Amos). Throughout the Old Testament, we hear the call to care for the widow, the orphan, and the resident alien in our midst. We are called to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God (Micah 6:8). Jesus tells us that the greatest commandment is to love God with all that we have and all that we are, and the second is to love our neighbors as ourselves.

Each of us can respond by:

• Learning about the social service agencies and what their current needs are in this political climate
• Contacting your Representatives and Senators
• Praying for Lutheran and other social service agencies, and the people they serve
• As you are able, consider financially supporting these agencies
• Emphasizing on Holy Trinity’s Welcome Statement
• Reading and reflecting on John 1:1-18
• Leaning on each other for support and encouragement
• Reflect on our draft “Why” statement: Holy Trinity exists as a congregation to nurture relationships here, near, and far so that everyone may live abundantly.
• To read more about these organizations, read this post from Pastor Clint Schnekloth (https://open.substack.com/pub/clintschnekloth/p/musk-and-flynns-attack-on-lutheran)

This is a challenging time, but as a community of faith we can work together to find our way through the challenges.

Pastor Jeff Wilson

In consultation with Holy Trinity’s Executive Team: Linda Horton, Kathy Crissey-Biesinger, Karen Maricle, Pastor Rich Neal, and Jen Yap (past president) 

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The tweet below is from Elon Musk on Feb 2, 2025. The agencies listed include Lutheran Social Services, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, and Lutheran Family Services.