With gratitude for those who have gone before and hope for the future, the ELCA gives thanks to God for the ministry of women. In 2019 and 2020 we celebrate 50 years of Lutheran women being ordained in the United States, 40 years of women of color being ordained, and 10 years of LGBTQIA+ individuals being able to serve freely.

As part of this anniversary year, we lament that women have been barred from serving and have been bullied, dismissed and excluded. We also celebrate the gifts and service that women have brought to our church and our world as pastors.

Congregations are encouraged to hold commemorative events throughout the year! Resources are available to help congregations observe these anniversaries, including a five-session adult forum, a four-session Bible study, and a liturgy with Scripture and hymn suggestions.

Female pastors are welcome to join a pre-gathering of the Rostered Ministers Gathering to celebrate 50 years of professional ministry, to lament the hardships that women in particular have had to face as pastors, and to work together to build a better future. For more information, go to elca.org/rmg.