Dear Friends in Christ: The following statement of resolve in the wake of yesterday’s election comes to you from The Rt. Rev. Michael Hanley, Bishop of Oregon in consultation with the Very Rev. Nathan LeRud, Dean of Trinity Cathedral and several clergy leaders of the diocese.

There are moments in our history in which the Church is presented with an opportunity to affirm who we are, and who we endeavor to be. Too often, we have been passive in the face of injustice, bigotry, and oppression. We confess our complicity in political and religious systems that have perpetuated injustice over many generations. We confess that fear and the desire to keep the peace has often led us to issue statements rather than the harder task of working for a more just and equitable society.

As Christians we are called to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ with clarity and conviction, particularly as that Gospel compels us to work alongside those in every faith tradition to confront forces which threaten the lives and safety of the most vulnerable.

As a people committed to the incarnation of God in the human body of Jesus Christ and the mystical body of the gathered community, we affirm that our very bodies must serve the cause of healing, love and justice. We believe in the goodness and holiness of the human body in all of its varied and diverse forms, and we commit to the protection of bodies and souls in the face of forces that demean, disenfranchise, threaten and abuse the children of God. We renounce the evil powers of this world which corrupt and destroy the creatures of God. Therefore we commit:

To protect and defend the human dignity of immigrants, refugees, and those who fear deportation. Our churches will be sanctuaries for those whose safety and security is threatened;

To stand and work with those whose race or religion is threatened by the vitriolic and violent language and action of white supremacy in American society;

To confront bigotry, fear, ignorance and hatred whenever and wherever we encounter it. We will not be silent or passive in the face of language that harms the children of God;

To protect the physical, psychological, and spiritual safety of women, people of sexual and gender diversity, the elderly and the physically impaired;

To pray for our president and elected leaders and hold them accountable to the principles of justice as found in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

We believe that together we can foster a world of justice, love and the mercy of God. We commit to this work and we invite those who would do likewise to join us in the work ahead.