A Call to Listen, Learn, and Love Our Neighbors

Indigenous Peoples’ Day invites us to honor the histories, cultures, traditions, and contributions of Indigenous peoples and Native communities. It’s also a time to acknowledge the painful legacy of colonization, recognize the injustices Indigenous communities have endured, and listen to the stories and experiences that have too often gone unheard.

As Lutherans, our faith calls us to love our neighbors as ourselves, seek justice, and care for the dignity of every person. In Micah 6:8, we are reminded to “do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.” These words challenge us not only to reflect on the past but also to consider how our faith calls us to respond today.

Observing Indigenous Peoples’ Day is one way to put that faith into practice. We can learn about the Indigenous peoples whose ancestral lands we inhabit, listen to Indigenous perspectives and experiences, acknowledge the ways Christian institutions have contributed to harm, and support efforts toward justice, healing, and reconciliation. This work begins with humility, a willingness to listen, and a commitment to relationships grounded in respect.

May God guide us as we seek to love our neighbors more fully, confront difficult truths with courage, and work toward a future where every person’s story, culture, and God-given dignity are honored.