David Scherer Shares His 'Why' for Racial Justice, Serving on Board

I come from six generations of Lutheran pastors. I have a deep love for the Lutheran theological tradition. And yet, I have seen so many Leaders of Color harmed by the vestiges

white supremacy that continue in this church that I love so much.

I feel passionate about organizing with other white people (in mutually accountable relationships with Global Majority siblings) to transform ourselves, our structures, and our stories to create a society that looks more like God's dream of Shalom. I worry that our Gospel witness is marred when we are unable to courageously tackle important issues like racial justice as Christians. Raising two young white boys, I want them to inherit a cultural tradition that teaches them about the legacy of Dylann Roof (the ELCA-raised young man who fell victim to the toxic narrative of white supremacy while shooting and killing 9 of God’s beloved children in Mother Emanuel A.M.E. Church in Charleston, South Carolina), but also includes white men like James Reeb and Jim Zwerg (white Christian men who suffered violence in their courageous stand for racial justice).

White Lutherans for Racial Justice can build on the tradition of those who have heard God’s call to work for God's breach-repairing justice while also exploring the ways that we are falling short of that call. I am very excited to be a part of this community and get to work!