Posts in ELCA
ELCA Strengthens Commitment to Gender Justice Through Enhanced Leave Policies
ELCA Strengthens Commitment to Gender Justice Through Enhanced Leave Policies

The ELCA has recently updated its parental and family leave policies, endorsing up to twelve weeks of paid leave to support rostered ministers and church staff in their caregiving roles. This policy revision, part of the ELCA’s commitment to gender justice and equitable treatment, was approved with overwhelming support at the Churchwide Assembly.

The Quality of Call Initiative has assembled a report examining how synod compensation guidelines recommend parental and family leave policies and practices for rostered ministers providing care. View the report and synod maps.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardComment
Seeds Monthly: Celebrating Diversity and Strengthening Faith: Key Updates from the ELCA
Seeds Monthly: Celebrating Diversity and Strengthening Faith: Key Updates from the ELCA

In the latest Seeds Monthly, we find this summer is full of opportunities for growth and fellowship within the ELCA community. Join us in celebrating Pride Month through engaging stories from our LGBTQIA+ members, participate in the massive ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans from July 16-20, and learn about new initiatives in family leave policies for our ministers.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardSeeds MonthlyComment
For What Shall We Pray?
For What Shall We Pray?

  • For justice and peace among nations where war and violence rage, especially Palestine and Israel, Iran, Myanmar, Iraq, Haiti, Russia and Ukraine, Burkina Faso, Sudan, and South Sudan…

  • For all in the path of hurricanes, especially in the Caribbean…

  • For areas impacted by ongoing floods, droughts, wildfires, and landslides…

  • For all who live with disabilities, especially those who struggle to access adequate healthcare, and those whose contributions to the world are continually undervalued

  • For the peaceful and respectful transition of power during a season of elections around the world, especially in Iran, France, the UK, Rwanda, and Syria…

  • For the family and friends of those killed in the stampede at a religious event in India, as well as all who were injured…

  • For inventors and innovators like Nikola Tesla and all the ways God invites us into the work of creation and discovery…

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ELCA, PrayersBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
Lutheran Advocacy: A Global and Local Update for June/July 2024
Lutheran Advocacy: A Global and Local Update for June/July 2024

In the June and July 2024 updates from the Lutheran Office for World Community and state public policy offices, significant advocacy efforts were highlighted from the UN Civil Society Conference in Nairobi to state-level legislative actions in the U.S. Key issues include global reforms, electoral measures in Colorado, advocacy in Pennsylvania, and ongoing legislative concerns in Texas and Wisconsin. These updates showcase the Lutheran commitment to shaping public policies and advocating for justice both globally and locally.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment
Empowering Civic Participation: Introducing the ELCA Election Activator Network
Empowering Civic Participation: Introducing the ELCA Election Activator Network

Join the #ELCAElectionActivator network to support and equip ELCA members for nonpartisan participation in the electoral process through monthly virtual gatherings and regular updates. Participate in activities that foster civic engagement. Sign up now to join the next meeting on July 23, 2024 and contribute to a just and peaceful society. Sign up here.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardELCA Advocacy, Advocacy, Elections and Voting Rights, Church and SocietyComment
Revitalizing Faith: Yolanda Solomon’s Fresh Take on Discipleship in Today’s Skeptical World
Revitalizing Faith: Yolanda Solomon’s Fresh Take on Discipleship in Today’s Skeptical World

Explore transformative strategies for authentic discipleship in faith+lead’s latest Pivot podcast episode featuring Yolanda Solomon. Discover how to make discipleship relevant and delightful in today’s challenging cultural landscape. Solomon offers insights into creating genuine communities and reframing discipleship as an invitation to beauty. An essential listen for church leaders seeking practical guidance in fostering sincere faith amidst disillusionment. Listen to the full episode here.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardPivot Podcast, faith+lead, Luther SeminaryComment
Urgent Call to Action: Advocate for a Just 2024 Farm Bill
Urgent Call to Action: Advocate for a Just 2024 Farm Bill

The 2024 Farm Bill is at a critical juncture, and the ELCA is calling for a fair legislation that aligns with our Lutheran values of feeding the hungry and caring for creation. As Congress debates significant issues like SNAP benefits and conservation funding, Lutheran leaders are actively engaging with lawmakers to promote justice and sustainability. Learn how you can join our advocacy efforts and make a difference in shaping a just Farm Bill that supports vulnerable communities and environmental stewardship.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment
Global Mission in Focus: Rev. Soliette Lopez Shares Her Journey with YAGM Mexico
Global Mission in Focus: Rev. Soliette Lopez Shares Her Journey with YAGM Mexico

Rev. 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.

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ELCA, Global Church, Letters, NewsBrian FlatgardGlobal Mission, Young Adults in Global Mission, Mexican Lutheran ChurchComment
World Refugee Day: A Call to Lutheran Solidarity and Action
World Refugee Day: A Call to Lutheran Solidarity and Action

Giovana 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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ELCA, Letters, NewsBrian FlatgardImmigration and Refugees, Advocacy, AMMPAROComment
Lutheran Voices Rising: A Month of Impactful Advocacy from New York to California
Lutheran Voices Rising: A Month of Impactful Advocacy from New York to California

The ELCA Advocacy Network was active across various platforms in the last few months, from the UN in New York to state legislatures, focusing on crucial issues like sustainable development, justice, and climate change. Highlights include the ECOSOC Youth Forum’s focus on poverty and climate action, successful advocacy days in California and Pennsylvania, and legislative achievements in Colorado. These efforts reflect the ELCA’s commitment to embodying faith through active engagement and advocacy in critical societal issues.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment
Bishop Eaton Expresses Disappointment in Grants Pass Supreme Court Decision
Bishop Eaton Expresses Disappointment in Grants Pass Supreme Court Decision

In her letter responding to recent Grants Pass Supreme Court decision, Bishop Eaton encourages us as a church to:

  • Learn and Engage: Let us educate ourselves about housing insecurity and about justice for the homeless. Visit the ELCA Homeless and Justice Network for more information. 

  • Pray: Let us use the ELCA's Homeless and Justice Ministries dedicated devotional guide to pray for those affected by this decision and for our ministries that work to secure shelter for those in need. 

  • Speak Out: Let us review the ELCA World Hunger resource on housing and engage in activities to support effective policies, such as writing a letter to a local news outlet or speaking out at a town hall. 

“Criminalizing homelessness is an injustice we must reject. We remain committed to advocating for our unhoused neighbors.”

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ELCA, News, Letters, Bishop EatonBrian FlatgardBishop Eaton Letters, HomelessnessComment
For What Shall We Pray?
For What Shall We Pray?

  • For justice and peace among nations where war and violence rage, especially Palestine and Israel, Iran, Myanmar, Iraq, Haiti, Russia and Ukraine, Burkina Faso, Sudan, and South Sudan…

  • For communities across the Midwest region of the United States impacted by severe storms and flooding…

  • For all who lack adequate shelter from extreme temperatures…

  • For families of workers killed in lithium battery plant fire in South Korea…

  • For the development of sustainable technology that protects both people and planet…

  • For the public health crisis of gun violence and for all its victims, especially in North Las Vegas, NV; Fordyce, AR; and Manatee County, FL…

  • For the families of those killed in the Dagestan region of Russia and for an end to religious intolerance and violence…

  • For public and political discourse that respects the dignity and humanity of all…

  • For the gift of freedom in Christ that binds us to the needs and dignity of our neighbors…

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ELCA, PrayersBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
Juneteenth: An Intergenerational Conversation by Guest Blog Author Dr. Dianne R. Browne
Juneteenth: An Intergenerational Conversation by Guest Blog Author Dr. Dianne R. Browne

In honor of Juneteenth, ELCA Racial Justice Ministries invited Dr. Dianne R. Browne, Ph.D., CFLE, CSE, Chair of the ELCA New Jersey Synod’s Anti-Racism Team to share some thoughts about this federal holiday that many mark as the official end of legalized human enslavement in the United States. For more information on Juneteenth, visit What Is Juneteenth? | HISTORY.

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ELCA, Letters, NewsBrian FlatgardJuneteenth, Racial Justice, ELCA Racial Justice MinistriesComment
Powwow 101, with Vicar Wanda Frenchman
Powwow 101, with Vicar Wanda Frenchman

One of the social events that Tribal nations and organizations host that welcome non-Indigenous people to attend is a powwow. There are plenty of powwows hosted across the United States and Canada. It is likely there is one planned and hosted somewhere near you. Some of you may have attended a powwow in the past and have enjoyed the drums, singing, dancing, ceremony and food while there!

But whether you have attended a powwow in the past or have yet to attend a powwow, this presentation from the Grand Canyon Synod’s Wanda Frenchman will provide you with information and instructions on how to be a respectful and successful visitor/guest. For more information: http://elca.org/indigenous

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ELCA, News, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardAmerican Indian Alaska Native Lutheran Association, ELCA Indigenous Ministries and Tribal RelationsComment
For What Shall We Pray?
For What Shall We Pray?

  • For justice and peace among nations where war and violence rage, especially Palestine and Israel, Iran, Myanmar, Iraq, Haiti, Russia and Ukraine, Burkina Faso, Sudan, and South Sudan…

  • For Native Americans celebrating cultural identity through powwows this summer and for preservation and appreciation of indigenous heritage…

  • For victims of landsides in Central and South America…

  • For cleanup efforts after a major oil spill near Singapore…

  • For those grieving the heat-related deaths of more than 500 pilgrims in Mecca during Hajj…

  • For extreme heat in India and other places around the globe…

  • For the health of our planet and people, creatures, and habitats most impacted by climate change…

  • For migrants missing or lost after shipwrecks in the Mediterranean…

  • For victims of human rights violations, especially in Greece, and for protection for all migrants…

  • For a resolution to violence in the South China Sea…

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ELCA, PrayersBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment