Dear Trinity friends,
I want to share thoughts about political developments that have unfolded in the past 48 hours. As your pastor and a person of faith, I have deep concerns.
If you know me at all, you know that while I am not afraid to talk about issues that are political in nature, I am hesitant to make public statements that can be perceived as partisan. It is the role of a pastor to care for all of God’s people, regardless of their political positions, or mine.
So please know that as I make these comments, I do not do so lightly. I have concerns about policies that are being enacted.
Two days ago, General Mike Flynn tweeted, and then Elon Musk retweeted, a statement on social media about funding cuts that he claims to have made on behalf of the US government.
In the statement, he identifies “Lutheran Family Services” and its associates organizations as places where government money is being ‘laundered.’ A claim was also made that the transfer of funds to the organization is illegal.
Please let me be 100% clear: There is nothing true about this statement. Nothing.
In Minnesota, this organization is known as Lutheran Social Service (LSS). LSS is one of the largest social service organizations in the state, and for that matter, across the country. It is an organization that is known for and prides itself on quality services for people in need. As a non-profit social service organization, it is one of the highest-rated, best-operated social service agencies in the entire nation.
I have friends who work for LSS. They are people of integrity, and all they want to do is help those in need.
Their programs include:
- Resettlement of refugees into communities here
- Mental health counseling
- Financial counseling
- Pre-marital counseling
- Adoption services
- Child safety programs
- Foster care
- Housing for homeless young adults
- and more…much, much more.
I regularly refer people in our congregation and community to Lutheran Social service.
In the United States, 1 in 50 Americans are touched by the work of this organization at some point in their life.
LSS receives funds through direct donations, fees for services and both private and government grants. This is not unusual. All organizations that do this work seek out and receive funds from federal, state and local governments. It is essential to their ability to serve, especially those who are unable to afford these services. Historically, the government has given these grants because they know that if LSS did not do this work, no one would. And because they trust the quality of the care LSS provides.
I do not understand why these statements that cast doubt on the integrity of this organization were made. But I am certain that it was reckless and harmful. We believe strongly in speaking truth. The truth is, LSS has been faithful to its mission. To suggest otherwise is completely irresponsible.
For over 2,000 years, the church has provided care for the poor, the sick and the most vulnerable in our societies. The phrase Jesus used was “Truly I tell you, just as you cared for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to me” (Matthew 25:40) This is our call. LSS has been one of the ways we have lived that out.
Friends, I ask you to join me in prayer for these wonderful social service organizations, and for the lives and faith of the people with whom they work. I encourage you to contact our legislators and encourage them to maintain funding. Their work is necessary, and it is being done well.
If you have any questions, I am more than happy to meet and talk through them with you.
In Christ,
Pastor Todd
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