Andy Bartel

In sanctuaries, synagogues and mosques across Alaska, we see the face of suffering — and of strength. We offer prayers, food, rides to clinics and comfort to families navigating the impossible. But there are moments — too many of them — when all we can do is bear witness to unnecessary heartbreak. A man comes to church limping, unable to afford a doctor’s visit after injuring his foot. A young woman battling cancer remains on a transplant list as her family sinks into medical debt.

People of the Christian faith can and do disagree about most things. There is no one set definition of what it means to be a Christian, and there isn’t a litmus test on how our faith expresses itself in the political arena. Some Christians are politically active, some are not. Those who are can be found on all sides of any given public topic.

An open letter to the members of the 33rd Legislature of the State of Alaska: We wish to commend you for successfully organizing in a timely and creative manner to do the work of the people this year. It gives us great hope to watch our legislators engage in a manner that seeks to serve the people of Alaska. Likewise, we wish to commend you for unanimously censuring Rep.