Completely cuckoo! But very dangerous too – and deeply distressing to those of us who do not want to see Christianity brought into (further) disrepute.

January 13, 2011

Dear sisters and brothers in Christ,

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult. Psalm 46:1-3

One year ago yesterday, a catastrophic earthquake struck the nation of Haiti, killing nearly 250,000 people and leaving more than one million homeless.

Many of us remember hearing the news and seeing images of the devastation for the first time. We lifted up the people of Haiti in our prayers. We gave generously.

More than 40,000 ELCA members and leaders like you contributed $12.6 million to support the work of ELCA Disaster Response in Haiti. Because of our long-standing relationships with the Lutheran Church in Haiti and many partners there, the ELCA was and continues to be uniquely positioned to respond quickly and effectively.

Your gifts have:

Provided food and shelter to approximately 57,700 people living in camps coordinated by The Lutheran World Federation and more than 6,000 people who gathered on the grounds of the Lutheran Church in Haiti.

Delivered more than 14,000 quilts and 13,000 health kits.

Distributed 3,200 gallons of safe, clean drinking water to approximately 2,000 families.

Shipped four convoys of medical supplies, hygiene and baby kits, tents, food packages and other necessities.

Funded housing placement and crisis counseling to Haitian refugees and medical evacuees seeking asylum in Florida and Georgia.

And yet our work is far from over. Our long-term goal in Haiti is to help renew hope and rebuild lives and livelihoods, seeking to end the cycle of poverty and injustice.

Thank you for your continued generosity and your prayers for the people of Haiti. Together we will continue to do God’s life-giving work with our hands for as long as it takes.

In God’s grace,

The Rev. Mark S. Hanson

Presiding Bishop

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

P.S. The spread of cholera and other waterborne diseases have intensified the suffering experienced by our sisters and brothers in Haiti. With the help of ELCA Disaster Response funds, our partners are working hard to contain the outbreak, providing medical supplies and health care, as well as teaching people about preventative measures. Visit ELCA Disaster Response for more information about the ongoing, long-term response efforts in Haiti.

January 13, 2011

Dear sisters and brothers in Christ,

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult. Psalm 46:1-3

One year ago yesterday, a catastrophic earthquake struck the nation of Haiti, killing nearly 250,000 people and leaving more than one million homeless.

Many of us remember hearing the news and seeing images of the devastation for the first time. We lifted up the people of Haiti in our prayers. We gave generously.

More than 40,000 ELCA members and leaders like you contributed $12.6 million to support the work of ELCA Disaster Response in Haiti. Because of our long-standing relationships with the Lutheran Church in Haiti and many partners there, the ELCA was and continues to be uniquely positioned to respond quickly and effectively.

Your gifts have:

Provided food and shelter to approximately 57,700 people living in camps coordinated by The Lutheran World Federation and more than 6,000 people who gathered on the grounds of the Lutheran Church in Haiti.

Delivered more than 14,000 quilts and 13,000 health kits.

Distributed 3,200 gallons of safe, clean drinking water to approximately 2,000 families.

Shipped four convoys of medical supplies, hygiene and baby kits, tents, food packages and other necessities.

Funded housing placement and crisis counseling to Haitian refugees and medical evacuees seeking asylum in Florida and Georgia.

And yet our work is far from over. Our long-term goal in Haiti is to help renew hope and rebuild lives and livelihoods, seeking to end the cycle of poverty and injustice.

Thank you for your continued generosity and your prayers for the people of Haiti. Together we will continue to do God’s life-giving work with our hands for as long as it takes.

In God’s grace,

The Rev. Mark S. Hanson

Presiding Bishop

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

P.S. The spread of cholera and other waterborne diseases have intensified the suffering experienced by our sisters and brothers in Haiti. With the help of ELCA Disaster Response funds, our partners are working hard to contain the outbreak, providing medical supplies and health care, as well as teaching people about preventative measures. Visit ELCA Disaster Response for more information about the ongoing, long-term response efforts in Haiti.

My frustration remains with the followers that lap up all the hate and nod their heads so vigorously when reminded of how victimized they all are. Authoritarian fear of outside thought, combined with the Dunning-Kruger effect writ large.

Oopsy, my cynicism is showing.

My frustration remains with the followers that lap up all the hate and nod their heads so vigorously when reminded of how victimized they all are. Authoritarian fear of outside thought, combined with the Dunning-Kruger effect writ large.

Oopsy, my cynicism is showing.