Skip to Main Content

Pastoral Letter from Bishop Dan Schwerin: Let Violence End

Posted: July 15 2024 at 11:45 AM
Author: Bishop Dan Schwerin


A pastoral letter on the assassination attempt on former president Donald Trump

Greetings in the hope we have in Christ,

I write to remember the vision of Jesus in light of the recent assassination attempt on former president Donald Trump in Pennsylvania. We remember that Jesus counseled disciples to turn their cheek to let the violence end with them instead of increasing cycles of retribution. Jesus chose death on a cross rather than suggest the universe could be redeemed with violence.

We pray for all those who have been harmed by this, including the former president, those who suffer related to the loss of life, those fighting for their lives, the shooter's family, and the public. Chicago and the rest of our nation suffer the consequences of gun violence. May our language and action point those in our span of care to the vision and commitments of Jesus. We pray for a safe and discerning season as we enter into this election cycle.

More than this: we pray for the peaceable reign of Christ.

Thank you.

Peace,

Dan Schwerin, Bishop
Northern Illinois Conference UMC

News & Announcements

Nic Collections End July 2024 Cmyk

Have you made your contribution?

In an effort to be more transparent, the Finance and Administration office is going to be consistently sharing where we are as a conference are in regards to the giving versus what is needed fo…

Ecumenical Prayer Service Art

Ecumenism Metro Chicago to Mark International Day of Peace

“Blessed Are the Peacemakers,” an ecumenical prayer service, will gather Christians from different traditions in a common act of prayer on Sept. 30, in solidarity with…

Marvaandvictoria Cr

Marva Andrews and Rev. Victoria Rebeck to Retire from the NIC 

Two Northern Illinois Conference staff members are preparing to retire: Marva Andrews, executive assistant to the bishop (Oct. 15), and Rev. Victoria Rebeck, dire…

Timeberhardt

Jurisdictional Groups Gather to Share Creation Justice Work

About fifty people gathered July 19-21 from the United Methodist North Central Jurisdiction Creation Justice Movement and NCJ Advocacy group at Euclid Avenue United M…

Print