As wars in the Holy Land and Ukraine continue, Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) is providing vital aid to refugees and vulnerable communities through partnerships with local and global organizations. From creating safe spaces for people with intellectual disabilities in the West Bank to converting bomb shelters into schools in Ukraine, LDR is bringing hope and healing in the midst of conflict. Read more in Living Lutheran and learn how your support can make a difference at elca.org/ldr.
Read MoreLWF at COP29: strengthening the climate justice call for the most vulnerable people | Event updates
Church leaders call on G20 to halt growing inequality, ramp up climate action
Empowered for change: new graduates of theology, gender justice and leadership program
A vision for inclusive, justice-oriented, and responsive theological education
Bishop Hutterer and a Grand Canyon Synod delegation are traveling to Senegal to strengthen ties with The Lutheran Church of Senegal. The church’s President, Rev. Latyr Diouf, has requested donations of pastoral collars and stoles in black, violet, or white to support their ministry. Please bring donations to the synod office by November 21, 2024, at 1819 East Morten Avenue, Suite 110, Phoenix, AZ 85020. Please contact the synod office to let us know when you’ll be bringing items. Your support will help equip our global Lutheran community for worship and service.
Read MoreDiscover powerful stories from around the world in ELCA Global Mission’s latest Global Links. From Ukrainian refugees in Moldova finding a new beginning, to a call for peace in the Middle East from Presiding Bishop Eaton, and inspiring mission work in Serbia—learn how our faith continues to bring hope in challenging times.
Read MoreReformation Day: Celebrating diverse traditions of Lutheran identity
LWF highlights education challenges for refugee children at African Commission
Liturgy and Lutheran identity: new LWF liturgical studies coordinator
Diaconal actors in Asia showcase local solution-driven best practices
A historic moment: synodality in action by Rev. Prof. Dr Dirk Lange
On this Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we highlight the Lutheran World Federation’s commitment to advocating for indigenous rights globally. Through initiatives like the “Pathways to Equality” project in Namibia, their advocacy handbook, and participation in global human rights councils, the LWF continues to work for justice, dignity, and the empowerment of indigenous communities worldwide.
Read MorePhoto: For the tenth time, LWF World Service has organized the Talent competition "Kakuma Got Talent in Kakuma refugee camp, Kenya. The event fosters creativity, boosts morale, and offers a sense of normalcy amid the challenging conditions of the camp.
Finland: searching for religious identity in a shifting society
Africa: Perspectives for an inclusive, just and intergenerational church
New York: Faith leaders call for true and transformative peace
LWF and Taizé: Crafting unity and hope from refugee camp sand
‘Global Faith Unfiltered’ priorities: Creation groans but hope inspires action, by Rev. Jussi Luoma
Cameroon: Trusting others to lead for church growth, by Rev. Delphine Fongeh Nsufor
The 2024 Africa Lutheran Church Leadership Consultation is taking place in Abuja, Nigeria, from September 18 to 22, under the theme “We, who are many, are one body.” This gathering of 90 African Lutheran leaders aims to strengthen unity within the church while exploring how diversity enhances their collective mission. Leaders from various church sectors are participating in dialogues and reflections to empower their ministries across the African Lutheran communion.
Read MorePhoto: Floods, caused by heavy rains, impacted the Far North region of Cameroon.
AI and Church Communication: Balancing Innovation with Connection
This week our global spotlight is on Bishop Leila Ortiz, the first Latina bishop in the ELCA, who blends her Pentecostal upbringing with Lutheran theology to create a ‘Luthercostal’ ministry that emphasizes grace, justice, and spiritual renewal. Now serving on the Lutheran World Federation Council, she provides fresh leadership and perspective on global church challenges.
Read MoreRev. Danielle Dokman, supported by the ELCA’s International Leaders Program, is preparing to expand her leadership in Suriname and the Caribbean. Currently pursuing her doctorate in Old Testament at Luther Seminary, she aims to strengthen the visibility of the Lutheran church in society and train lay and clergy leaders. Read more about her journey and other updates from ELCA Global Mission in the latest edition of Global Links as well as updates on mission personnel and other news.
Read MoreChurches across the globe may soon celebrate a new Feast of Creation. This proposed liturgical festival, championed by both Eastern and Western branches of Christianity, could be introduced in 2025 as part of the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicea. The festival would focus on honoring God’s creation and recognizing the urgent need for environmental healing. Read more at ELCA.org.
Read MoreThe Lutheran World Federation (LWF) advocates for human rights, gender justice, climate justice, and interfaith peacebuilding through its global Justice and Peace initiatives. Learn how LWF’s local-to-global advocacy approach promotes dignity and equality for all.
Read MorePhoto: Rev. Dr. Anne Burghardt, LWF General Secretary, delivering the keynote address at the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland during their Mission Partnership Consultation in Helsinki on 29 August.