Jan. 22, 2025

Dear Idahoans in the NWIM Synod: ELCA,

The state legislature is back in session. Various legislators and the governor gave us previews of what to expect and the first few weeks have already seen a flurry of bills. In the summary of the ELCA’s 1991 Social Statement Church in Society, we read, “God’s restless church is called to serve and advocate in response to such diverse social situations as disasters, poverty, discrimination, social policies and economic arrangements. The statement says the church should keep enough critical distance from society to act, when appropriate, like the prophets of Scripture. Prophets challenged the culture, exposed the power of sin and idolatry, and spoke out on behalf of the poor and powerless.”

Our cranberry ELW hymnal has beautiful prayers for those who govern. Please pray for them often during worship and on your own. Get to know our legislators and those on their staffs. The more real relationships we build, the more meaningful conversations we can have. Rejoice when they pass legislation that helps those most on the margins of society. Unfortunately, those moments do not always get the most press. 

I am particularly mindful of the legislation being proposed around the following issues, legislation that could adversely impact the most vulnerable in the state. I hope you will join me in opposing the following:

• A repeal of Medicaid expansion
• Legislation that further erodes women’s reproductive health
• Taxpayer support for private and religious education (which could end up underfunding public schools and burdening tax payers) 
• Legislation that dehumanizes and threatens immigrants and refugees (see the letter from the Region 1 ELCA bishops on immigration)
• Legislation that dehumanizes our LGBTQ siblings and takes away their human rights (see our synod’s 2023 resolution on Transgender Dignity)

I will also be watching for scheduled executions and will join others who protest them (see our synod’s 2023 resolution condemning the use of the firing squad and all forms of the death penalty). 

On the other hand, any legislation that addresses food and housing challenges, I will follow closely and hope to support whole heartedly. The 1999 ELCA Social Statement Economic Life “addresses economic life in light of the moral imperative to seek sufficient, sustainable livelihood for all.” I want all Idahoans to have enough and believe the legislature could help solve food and housing scarcity.

Bishop Meggan Manlove