Each year, we pause to remember the lives lost to anti-transgender violence, especially Black and brown transgender women. Vicar Vica-Etta Henrietta Steel reflects on the intersection of racial and transgender justice, urging us to honor this day by amplifying marginalized voices and committing to advocacy and allyship. Read more at ELCA.org about how the church can lift trans joy and pursue justice for all.
Read MoreThe day after the 2024 presidential election, Bishop Eaton reflects on the many expressions of our church being woven together as strands of a large tapestry, even as individually people are experiencing joy or grief. She reminds us that regardless of who is elected president or to other leadership positions in our country, our call to be Christ in the world doesn’t change. View on YouTube or in this post, or download here.
“As we're moving through these next years, no matter what happens and what befalls … imagine all of us woven together and in Christ, and we will continue to serve the gospel and to serve the world.”
Read MoreAs I reflect on the election results in our nation and in our swing-states synod, I recognize that emotions across our communities are varied and deeply felt. For some, there is joy and hope; for others, uncertainty and worry. In this moment, we turn our gaze once again toward Jesus, our unchanging source of comfort and strength in uncertain times.
For those who are filled with joy today, I ask for your prayers, support, and compassion toward those who may feel fearful or lost. For those who are anxious, may you know the comfort of a God who holds you close. Jesus sustains us all, inviting us into a spirit of action and healing, no matter the season or the outcome.
Read MoreIn a blog post for Women of the ELCA’s Café, Becca Ehrlich shares her journey from an interfaith upbringing to discovering the Lutheran emphasis on salvation by grace through faith. Her story explores the challenges of not fitting into traditional boxes of what being Lutheran is "supposed to look like," and invites us to reflect on how our own expectations may limit the work of the Holy Spirit.
Read MoreIn her compelling reflection in Women of the ELCA’s Café blog post, Wanda Frenchman shares her journey from a non-Christian Indigenous upbringing to embracing Lutheran faith. Raised in a Lakota household, she highlights the significance of community, food, and genuine welcome in her transition to Grace Lutheran Church.
As a leader in Native American Urban Ministry, Wanda emphasizes the need for authentic inclusion in the church, encouraging congregations to embrace newcomers’ diverse traditions and identities. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the love of Christ and the importance of welcoming all people into our faith communities.
Read MoreThis year, YAGM Mexico welcomes a new cohort of young adults, ready to serve and grow in their faith through diverse service opportunities. After a transformative year with the first cohort, we reflect on their impact while preparing these new volunteers for their mission. Learn how the YAGM program continues to make a difference through faith, service, and justice, and how you can support their work in Mexico in the latest newsletter (PDF) from Soliette Lopez, YAGM Mexico Country Coordinator.
Read MoreDuring this election season and as we prepare to vote as part of our civic responsibility and commitment to the Gospel, Bishop Eaton reminds us, "We are not defined by our political affiliations but by our shared baptism and our commitment to the Gospel. As people of faith, we are called to engage in our communities and work for justice and to advocate for the dignity and well-being of all people. One way we do this is by voting, ensuring that our voices are heard, as we shape our society together." To read more, visit https://www.ELCA.org/CivicEngagement.
Read MoreAs early voting begins in Arizona, and with early voting also beginning soon in Utah and Nevada, I want to reflect on the sacred responsibility we hold as citizens and people of faith. Our participation in the democratic process is not only a privilege but a duty—one that reflects our commitment to justice, peace, and the flourishing of all people.
Read MoreOn September 30, the National Day of Remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools invites us to honor Indigenous survivors and their families. Wearing orange is a powerful symbol of solidarity with those affected by the trauma of forced assimilation. Learn how you can participate and engage with the ELCA’s ongoing Truth and Healing initiatives in this post from Wanda K. Frenchman, vicar for Native American Urban Ministry in Phoenix.
Read MoreWe, the members of the Conference of Bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, speak with one voice to condemn the hateful, deceptive, violent speech that has too readily found a place in our national discourse. We lament the ways this language has led to hate-fueled action.
We refuse to accept the ongoing normalization of lies and deceit.
Read MoreIn observance of the one-year anniversary of the start of the current conflict in the Holy Land, Bishop Eaton offers prayers for peace, healing and justice for all people in Israel and Palestine, and the regions where the war has escalated. “We grieve this violence and loss of life with all people of the Holy Land — and with the Palestinian community of the ELCA, our Jewish and Muslim neighbors, and all who live in fear, pain and anguish. We believe the presence and love of God in Jesus Christ can always be found in the places of the cross. Wherever violence, injustice and death seem to have the last word, God is there and has not abandoned the people.”
Read MoreIn anticipation of Election Day in the United States, Bishop Eaton reminds us that “civic engagement through political and nonpolitical processes is how we live into our baptism and share Christ’s love as we work to make a difference in our communities and strive for justice and peace across the globe.”
Read MoreThe ELCA Disability Ministries blog post for this month is a sermon preached by Pastor Mack Patrick at the opening worship at the tAble, a pre-event to the 2024 Youth Gathering. Based on Psalm 139, it grounded attendees and staff in their time together, exploring “how we are created to be wHoly”.
Read MoreIn honor of International Day for People of African Descent, which is observed internationally on August 31 each year, ELCA Racial Justice Ministries invited ELCA Director for Innovation and Ideas Rahel Mwitula Williams to share some thoughts about being a person of African descent. For more information on International Day for People of African Descent, visit International Day for People of African Descent – EN | United Nations. Read the full post on the ELCA blog.
Read MoreWashington State Senators Annette Cleveland and Ron Muzzall, both Lutherans, are advocating for civility in politics, inspired by their faith. Emphasizing grace, respect, and love, they aim to foster respectful dialogue across political divides. Their efforts align with the ELCA’s mission to promote healthy civic engagement, highlighted in recent social messages and draft statements. Read about their efforts in Living Lutheran.
Read MoreExplore an extraordinary Lutheran love story in David Schaeffer’s Letters from Sweden. Through his father’s wartime and postwar letters to his fiancée, Mary, this book unveils a journey of faith, love, and commitment. Schaeffer’s reflections offer insights into the resilience of the “Greatest Generation” and the enduring power of handwritten letters. Read the article in Living Lutheran.
Read MoreWe give thanks for the leadership and companionship of Bishop Jim Gonia of the Rocky Mountain Synod. We share his parting letter in this post.
Read MoreJust a few weeks ago in my June column for Living Lutheran I wrote, "I can't think of an election cycle more fraught and divisive than this one. People all across the political spectrum claim that life as we know it is on the line. It's not possible to agree to disagree—one must decide and put a stake in the ground. There is the potential for violence." That potential is now a reality after last weekend's shooting at a Trump campaign rally that killed Corey D. Comperatore and injured other attendees. I am thankful that former President Trump's injury was minor and pray for his recovery alongside those affected.
Read MoreRev. Soliette Lopez, ELCA missionary and YAGM Mexico Country Coordinator, highlights her recent activities and the impactful stories from the Young Adults in Global Mission program in her latest newsletter for March-May 2024. She shares experiences from the Discernment Interview Placement event in Chicago, personal and community life in Mexico, and plans for her upcoming visits to the United States. To read more about her inspiring journey and how you can support their mission, visit her newsletter at Rev. Soliette Lopez’s Newsletter.
She will be visiting the United States this July 2024 and then March 2025 if any congregations are interested in an in-person visit and update.
Read MoreGiovana Oaxaca shares a blog on ELCA.org observing World Refugee Day, as we celebrate the Lutheran heritage of hospitality and advocacy for refugees. The ELCA continues to lead with its AMMPARO strategy, welcoming congregations nationwide and advocating for fair and generous immigration policies. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Johnson-Reed Act, reminding us of the enduring importance of solidarity.
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