Pastoral Letter Upon the Death of Sam Nordquist
“A voice is heard in Ramah, lamentation and bitter weeping. Rachel is weeping for
her children; she refuses to be comforted for her children because they are no
more.”
Sam Nordquist should still be here. Sam Nordquist is a beloved child of God, formed in the very same image of the Divine’s lovingkindness.
I am heartbroken and sickened by the acts of evil and malice perpetrated by those who stole Sam’s human life from all who love him.
I renounce the evils of Gender Violence including emotional, verbal, physical, and sexual violence. I reject the evils of a “herd mentality” where persons hide their hatred in a small group or crowd of people. I reject the pandemic of toxic masculinity and misogyny modeled by elected leaders who perpetuate cycles of violence.
I am resolved to continue to proclaim that each person is known by the God who has created them in extraordinary beauty and love. I am resolved to share this church’s teachings that humanity, like all of creation, receives life from a loving Creator who forms us with a rich spectrum of diversity in humanity including transgender and non-binary persons. I am resolved to advocate for the full rights of all people including transgender and non-binary people.
When one part of the body hurts, the whole body hurts. I invite you to join with me for the sake of our transgender, non-binary, and LGBTQIA+ siblings. Let us build a church where each person knows that there is a place for them here at the table. Let us build a church where, like Jesus, we drive out evil, and usher in the fullness of the Kingdom of God.
Bishop Lee M. Miller II
