So blessed - praying and speaking in non-confessional events

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The 2024 RNC Convention had the participation of a LCMS pastor in its opening night. Pastor James Roemke brought to the stage three of the most regular activities Lutheran pastors engage with in public life: a pastor's Joke, a prayer and a blessing to those present. The function raises a question that is always important to revisit, that is, what are the blessings and the perils of engaging in public, non-confessional opportunities of praying, speaking and blessing(joking shouldn't be a big issue, I think)?

        As Pastors, our duty is to provide spiritual support and guidance to all people, including those involved in political activities. We don't need to decline every opportunity of taking part in the public life of our nation bringing God's Word, presence and spiritual encouragement. The Church is the Church everywhere and she will share God's Word and Pastoral care with all members of society, regardless of their political affiliations.

       There are important things to be in agreement with when a Lutheran Pastor accepts the invitation to speak in a public, civil event 

_Ministry: Pastors can provide spiritual support and guidance to all people, including those in political spheres. This reflects the church's mission to care for the spiritual well-being of all individuals.

_Prayer and Blessings: Offering prayers and blessings is a core aspect of pastoral ministry, and such acts can provide comfort and encouragement to those who receive them.

_Church’s Presence in Society: The church's presence in various aspects of society, including political arenas, can be a witness to the Gospel and an expression of God's love and care for all people.

    This factors highlight the importance of the church's engagement with the world and the need for spiritual leadership in all areas of life. Faith is not confined to the church building but it oozes out from pulpits and pews to present society with the proclamation of Law and Gospel, the sharing of the Word and the promotion of peace and understanding.  Peoples, and the Church, cannot avoid being political agents, for we are inserted in the world, and as such, it is in the engagement with it that the Gospel is brought forward.  This brings to mind other situations in which Pastors took such an opportunity to pray and bless people in Christ's name in widely viewed events. For example, In the US, Pastor David Behnke at the Yankee Stadium (2001) and Pastor Rob Morris, in the wake of the Newton massacre(2012). In Canada, Pastor Clint Magnus in the Vigil following the Humboldt Broncos crash(2018). Even though these were of a different kind, they are also inserted on the context of and active societal life of the Church as she shares the Gospel of Hope.

      Now, as an institution, the Church and its leaders have the duty to avoid that partisanship gets mingled with the witness and authority of the Gospel. Taking part in the public life is to offer spiritual support to individuals who are part of the political process, and not to endorse a specific partisan process above others, even when it seems, in the surface, to be aligned with the Church's core values. As we know from History, right below the epidermis that is seldom the case.  While commitment to pastoral care and the spiritual support of individuals in all areas of life, including politics, is needed, our Theological discernment and attitude needs to be sharp to avoid spiritual traps and pitfalls.

       Thinking specifically of highly partisan political event, some aspects to be considered are:

_There is a risk that the church's involvement could be perceived as an endorsement of a specific political agenda, which may blur the lines between the two kingdoms. The Theology of Two Kingdoms indicates that God rules the world through two distinct realms: the spiritual kingdom, which pertains to faith and the Gospel, and the temporal kingdom, which involves civil authority and governance.The spiritual kingdom is governed by the Gospel and the proclamation of God's Word, while the temporal kingdom operates under the law and governance structures. It is crucial to maintain a clear distinction to avoid compromising the church's primary mission of preaching the Gospel and providing spiritual care.

 _Political parties don't pledge allegiance to a specific religion or denomination, but they are open to every expression of "God" that could benefit their program. Therefore, a pastor can be preceded or followed by religious expression of a different kind that is slightly or blatantly different from the Scriptural God that justifies through faith in Christ alone. If the Church is willing to engage in one type of political or civil event but not others, because she thinks she knows better which ones work better for the Church's side, she may end up not only disappointed but with its message mixed up in the same basket of conflicting understandings of faith, god and life.

_Engaging in political events can also create divisions within the church community, as members may have diverse political views. It is essential to for the Church to remain, as much as possible, as a place of unity and spiritual focus, where the Gospel is central, and political affiliations do not become a source of contention - which may come disguised as defence of the truth of the Gospel against a different political agenda that according to one's vision (be it in whichever side of the political spectre it is) seeks to undermine and destroy it.

     While our intention to provide spiritual support to all needs to be front and centre in the Pastoral Ministry, is important for us to consider the implications of such actions in light of the Two Kingdoms Theology. Our constant effort is to ensure that the Church's mission continues to be focused on the spiritual realm. Maintaining the distinction between the roles of the church and civil authorities can help preserve the integrity of our faith and witness. As we raise the Cross of Christ before all, we want to point to Him alone as the Son who was made great by His Father (Phil 2:9), the only and One Messiah who gave his life for all people living in all shades of the political spectrum. He is our only true Hope of stability and strength to face a world swamped in different offers of messiahs, morals and merits.  This is how we are, and we are going to be so blessed. 

       Not just for four years. Eternally.

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