A Letter from ELCA Bishops in WI & Upper MI

Beloved in Christ,

As the six bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) representing Wisconsin and Upper Michigan, we come together to speak with one voice about the upcoming primary and general elections.

First, we affirm our trust in Wisconsin’s elections system. The trained professionals who administer our elections are tasked with helping ensure that every eligible voter has the opportunity to cast a ballot, that every vote be counted, and that the will of the people is honored.

As Lutherans, we understand civic life as part of God’s ongoing work in the world. God creates us as people who live in relationship with one another and within communities and institutions. We are called to use our knowledge, wisdom, and power not for self-interest but to serve our neighbors and promote justice.

Voting is both a civic responsibility and an expression of hope. It reflects a belief that our common life matters and that we can work together toward a more just and peaceful future.

Second, we denounce hateful, deceptive, and violent speech and actions. Violence and intimidation have no place in our political life or our communities. Elections are a time to peacefully voice our hopes for the future through voting.

In a time marked by deep division, God calls us to stand for both justice and reconciliation. Political opponents are not enemies. Even in profound disagreement, we are called to see one another as neighbors and to seek the common good. As our church reminds us, “There is no neighbor, no enemy, no politician for whom Christ did not die” (ELCA Faith & Civic Life Social Statement).

When civic life becomes a contest for domination, public service is reduced to a zero-sum struggle for power, and we lose sight of the deeper purpose of government: to promote justice and serve the wellbeing of all, especially the most vulnerable among us.

Finally, we affirm the importance of protecting every eligible person’s right to vote and ensuring meaningful access to participation in free and fair elections. When our social and political structures are distorted away from that goal, they fall short of their purpose to serve the common good. Systems meant to uphold our shared life should never become barriers to participation.

We call upon one another to engage in ways that are shaped by love rather than fear, seeking the common good and honoring the dignity of all our neighbors. Our shared hope is for a future where we live with justice and in peace, where all have access to what they need to thrive, and where fear does not define our relationships.

We pray for those who serve in public office, for those who administer elections, and for all who participate in civic life. We pray for wisdom, humility, and courage – for ourselves and for our neighbors – that we may seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.

In Christ,

Bishop Anne Edison-Albright, East Central Synod of Wisconsin

Bishop Felix Malpica, La Crosse Area Synod

Bishop Joy Mortensen-Wiebe, South-Central Synod of Wisconsin

Bishop Katherine Finegan, Northern Great Lakes Synod

Bishop Martin Halom, Northwest Synod of Wisconsin

Bishop Paul Erickson, Greater Milwaukee Synod