Church Leaders Address Growing Drug Problem

As drug traffic, abuse and addiction increases in the Upper Peninsula, what can our churches do? More, say leaders of four Upper Peninsula religious denominations. Their “Ecumenical Statement on Addictions” was presented this week. It’s signed by Episcopal Bishop Rayford Ray, Evangelical Lutheran Church Bishop Thomas Skrenes, United Methodist Church Superintendent Elbert Dulworth, and Catholic Bishop John Doerfler. Skrenes noted that none of them needed to look far to see the effects of the growing drug problem. “We talked about our own personal experiences with peiople in our own churches and our own families who have had struggles with addictions of all types,” he said. Doerfler added that Christians are obliged to respond, “As followers of Jesus, we cannot simply respond with pious platitudes, and turn our backs on our sisters and brothers who are suffering from addictions. The love of Christ moves us to embrace and walk with them.” The statement recognizes the cost of drug and alcohol addiction to all of society. It holds out hope for recovery. It commits churches in the four denominations to raise awareness of the problem, and of programs that can assist those who are addicted. It also pledges denominational support to ensure adequate funding for treatment programs. To read the full statement, click here.