Vigil in Archer Park

I attended the vigil for the victims of El Paso and Dayton last week in McAllen and was surprised I was asked to speak since I am relatively new to the valley. I was interviewed by Telemundo and another television station and the McAllen newspaper quoted me the next day. Texas Public Radio out of San Antonio was also present and they ran a story the next day in San Antonio.

The decision earlier that week by the ELCA to march on the ICE office in Milwaukee and declare the denomination a sanctuary church body gave me credibility and something for the media to ask me about.

When I am interviewed by the media, I try to make it clear when I am speaking for the congregation and when I am representing the ELCA. I was not asked anything this time which I think created a conflict.