Remembering 9-11-2001

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ

Marking the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attack on the twin towers has meaning for those of us in the United States. But for us in the Lutheran Church International as a whole there are special reasons for reflection. The Lutheran Church International (LCI) is a portion of the Universal Church, part of the kingdom of God united by a firm belief in Salvation that comes through Christ alone, by faith alone, grace alone, as taught by Holy Scripture alone. We in the LCI have a special mission to make the good news of the Gospel available to all peoples in a form that is in full accord with the intent of the Lutheran reformers and the patrimony of the Universal Christian Church.

On that day in 2001 the entire world suffered � not only the world as Christians know it, but the world as a whole. All of us were damaged by the spirit of evil that caused the events of that day. The entire world suffered through man's misunderstanding of the will of God. It has ever been so.

But we were strengthened by our faith then, as we are today, as we strive to bring the light of Christ to all nations, one soul at a time (John 3:16-21). Christ came to banish fear. Let us pray for peace with a steadfast spirit. And may God in His wisdom bless and heal the United States of America as the world commemorates the anniversary of the universal tragedy of September 11, 2001. We pray this in the name of Christ our Lord and Lord of All.

++Robert
Archbishop, the Lutheran Church International