My favourite Easter gospel is the story of the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13–35). Two of Jesus’ followers are leaving Jerusalem, despondent over the crucifixion of Jesus. Unrecognized by them, Jesus joins them on the path asking them what they are discussing and why they look so sad. He goes on to teach them from scripture. When they came to their destination, they ask Jesus to stay with them, and in the breaking of the bread, they recognize him.
This story is the heart of what it means to be in a relationship of accompaniment—travelling with your partner, getting to know them at a deeper level, learning about their life and challenges, and breaking bread together.
The ELCIC Global Mission—Vision and Principles defines accompaniment in this way: Accompaniment is defined as walking together in a solidarity that practices interdependence and mutuality. We seek to walk with our partners, learn from them and share with them; we do not seek solely to help or serve them. We also seek to learn and ask questions about our own commu-ities and those who are included or excluded.
The story on the ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL) in this issue of Canada Lutheran tells the story of our mutual accompaniment. It has been my privilege to represent our church in visits with our partner, to have the opportunity to break bread (or actually, pita!) with our friends, to worship and study together, to witness to the important ministry they provide, and to share mutual conversation and consolation.
Bishop Munib Younan has become my brother. When I hear news of the Middle East, my heart and mind goes first to the many people of the ELCJHL that I have come to know.
We all don’t have the opportunity to visit our partners in the ELCJHL, but we are all called to a ministry of accompaniment. Accompaniment with the ELCJHL may include participating in the Reformation Challenge or praying for peace on the 24th of every month.
But we are all called to practice a ministry of accompaniment in our communities. This may include walking with refugee families as they come to Canada. It may mean participating in housing projects, community gardens, soup kitchens or seniors’ programs as we respond to those in need in our communities. Mostly it’s our attitude as we participate in these important ministries that determines whether we are practising a ministry of accompaniment.
Our church’s call to Right Relationship with Indigenous Peoples is also a call to accompaniment. Right relationships can only take place where there is deep listening and learning, where there is respect and a sense of mutuality. Accompaniment takes time for relationships to grow and mature.
In the midst of our accompaniment we know that Jesus is present with us. We pray that like the followers on the road to Emmaus that we will be able to discern his presence.
National Bishop Susan Johnson
Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada
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