A note from the council:

At our November meeting, we took some time to discuss the latest unrest in the Middle East. While Shepherd of the Hills is part of the larger church, statements from the ELCA do not necessarily represent our viewpoints as a congregation or as individuals. With this in mind, we asked Pastor Rosemary to share with you, and in our social media, some thoughts that summarize our conversation, but more importantly reflect the gospel.  

Trying to think through and understand all the many layers and complexities of the most recent war in the Holy Land is very hard. It is painful to witness and may stir in us a desire to dig deeper into history, to turn away in despair, or to think that we already know who is right and who is wrong. The setting for this conflict seems to make it feel more urgent since it is occurring in what we Christians think of primarily as Jesus’ birthplace.

I have always believed it to be the ultimate irony that Jerusalem means City of Peace. For as long as there has been history, even back to days that are known to us only in stories, this small region has been contested, conquered, and divided. Based on the track record, there is no particular reason to believe that, regardless of how it ends, this war will bring lasting stability and peace. I do not believe it is because the people who live there are greedier or more violent than the rest of humanity. On the contrary, I think that they, like most of the world, want the same general things. Family, love, peace, a life of meaning and substance, a home. 

There are many who have good reasons to try to convince others to take a side in this particular conflict, some of whom are very wise and have a desire for justice and many who are far more knowledgeable than me about the complex layers of the situation. As the pastor of Shepherd of the Hills, I do not have a solution, nor do I have instruction as to which “side” you should support in this or any war.  

What I do have is the Gospel. In both Luke and Matthew, we read Jesus’ words: You have heard it said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth’…. But I say to you love your enemies.* There are various faithful ways to view this conflict, yet we are, above all else, called to the task of love. Even when it is hard. Even when we do not want to. The war itself is on the other side of the world, but the ancient and grievous practice of antisemitism and all-too familiar rhetoric of Islamophobia is here. Yet it is love that conquers hate; the same love that we are called to practice. 

I know that there are those who would like a definitive answer on what to believe about this issue and may find my comments insufficient. Churches and leaders who have easy and quick answers to our human struggles are popular and numerous. Yet, however much we want straight answers, much of the world will not untie itself for simple solutions and black and white opinions. I encourage us all in this, and in similarly complex issues, to consider our call to love God, neighbor, and enemy as that which surpasses all else and shapes every opinion, answer, and action. The practice of love, as Jesus instructs us to do, will never lead us the wrong direction. 

If you wish to talk about Just War Theory (the long history of the Christian church’s position on when, where, and if war can be done justly), or other topics around this heart-breaking war between Israel and Hamas or any other similar conflict, I am very happy to do so in person. I ask you to continue to pray for all who experience war and violence: the women, the children, the elderly, and the vulnerable, as well as soldiers and leaders who try to navigate the treacherous landscape of justice and revenge. 

Come, Lord Jesus, and bring an end to war for all time. 

God’s peace be with us all

Rev. Rosemary Peek

*Luke 6, Matthew 5, and various other places in the New Testament give supporting teaching.

You can read the statement by the Bishop of the NC Synod, Bp Tim Smith, by clicking HERE