September 2025

Dear Beloved Resurrection Family,
I recently returned from our mission trip to Tanzania—a journey that was as inspiring as it was challenging! To hear about the inspiring parts of the trip, I encourage everyone to join us for worship (either in person or online) on Sunday September 28th. It is perhaps the challenging part that I would like to address in this month’s letter. As many of you know, our congregation has been in partnership with the Meru Dioceses in Tanzania for many years. We’ve worked together on vital projects like providing access to clean drinking water and supporting education in communities where such resources are scarce. The generosity and spirit of the people I met was humbling, and I am deeply grateful for the ways our church continues to be part of this life-giving work.

At the same time, I want to speak candidly about something that’s been on the hearts of some in our community—especially some of our LGBTQ+ members. As a progressive and inclusive congregation, we affirm without hesitation that God’s love, grace, and belonging are for all people. We are proud to be a congregation where LGBTQ+ individuals are not only welcomed but celebrated.

So how do we reconcile that deep conviction with a partnership in a country—and within a church—where LGBTQ+ people often face discrimination, persecution, and, tragically, even violence?

It’s not an easy question. And I don’t think there’s a perfect answer. What I do believe is this: Our call to love and serve doesn’t require full agreement with those we partner with. In fact, sometimes love requires us to stay in relationship precisely when it’s hard—because that’s where transformation can begin.

Still, we must be honest. We cannot ignore or remain silent about the reality that LGBTQ+ people in Tanzania live under deeply unjust systems. Naming that truth is a way of standing in solidarity with them—even as we continue to expand water pipelines, provide tuition assistance, and share in the Gospel.

We’re not turning a blind eye. We’re keeping our eyes—and our hearts—wide open. Our mission in Tanzania is not to condone harmful beliefs, but to embody Christ’s love in ways that uplift, empower, and hopefully open doors for deeper conversations about inclusion and justice.  On September 13th, I had the great pleasure of participating (via Zoom) in our Common Day of Prayer with Tanzania. During the service we, members of the Greater Milwaukee Synod and the Dioceses of Meru prayed together for peace and reconciliation. During that prayer we asked God to provide the words for us to speak to one another that heal past transgressions, which promote future peaceful relationships, and that demonstrate trust in the moment. Let that be our prayer on this and all other issues going forward.

In the coming months, I hope we can continue to explore how to hold this tension faithfully. We’re a church that believes in dialogue. And I believe that the Spirit moves most powerfully when we bring our full selves—our convictions, our questions, and our compassion—to the table.

​With love and gratitude,
Tom