Posts in ELCA
Advocating for Justice in Agriculture: The Farm Bill and Our Faith

The American Relief Act, 2025, passed in December, narrowly avoided a government shutdown and extended key parts of the 2018 Farm Bill through March 14, 2024, while providing $110 billion in disaster relief, including $31 billion for agriculture producers. However, the deal also cut $177 million from USDA’s “orphan” programs, leaving communities and farmers who rely on these initiatives at risk. As Congress prepares to draft a new Farm Bill in 2025, the ELCA urges action to ensure policies reflect faith-based values of equity, sustainability, and care for creation. Learn how you can advocate for a just future in ELCA Advocacy’s Farm Bill blog post.

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For What Shall We Pray?
  • For areas of the world impacted by ongoing war and conflict: Ukraine, Syria, South Sudan…

  • For ceasefire in Gaza…

  • For victims, evacuees, and firefighters facing wildfires in California…

  • For victims, survivors, and rescue workers involved with the mine disaster in South Africa…

  • For immigrants and all who travel for stability, opportunity, and safety…

  • For peaceful political transitions in the United States and around the world…

  • For the continued work of antiracism…

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Faith Lens: An Urgent Answer

As wildfires devastate Los Angeles, we are reminded of our call to step in during times of need, just as Jesus did at the wedding in Cana. Whether through prayer, financial support for Lutheran Disaster Response, or opening our homes to those displaced, our actions embody God’s abundant love. In this week’s Faith Lens, explore how this week’s Gospel inspires us to act with grace and compassion in the face of crisis.

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Navigating Immigration Challenges: Free Webinar for Ministry Leaders

Join ELCA AMMPARO and Episcopal Migration Ministries on January 17, 2025, for an essential webinar equipping ministry leaders to support migrants and undocumented individuals. Featuring expert immigration lawyers, the session covers “Know Your Rights” guidance, navigating immigration steps, and preparing for ICE interactions. Register today for this free online event and learn how your ministry can make a difference.

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Choosing Hymns with Care: Addressing Abuse Allegations in Worship Music

The ELCA has discontinued recommending hymns by David Haas and Cesáreo Gabaráin following allegations of misconduct. Rooted in theological commitments to love and justice, this survivor-centered approach prioritizes the well-being of those harmed by gender-based violence. Learn how these decisions impact worship and explore resources to support survivor-centered practices in your congregation in the latest ELCA Worship blog post.

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Join the Movement: ELCA’s 2025 National Day of Racial Healing Event

On Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025, the ELCA will host a free online event from 9am-1pm MST, 8am-noon PST, featuring worship, workshops, music, and guided reflection. Centering the voices of ELCA leaders of color, the event seeks to raise awareness of the need for racial healing and inspire collective action toward justice and equity. Open to all ELCA members and partners, this event aligns with the work of Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation. Visit ELCA.org/NDORH to learn more and register today!

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Join the Effort: Supporting Lutheran Disaster Response for Wildfire Relief

Wildfires have devastated Los Angeles County, California, leaving tens of thousands displaced. Lutheran Disaster Response is actively working with synods and local partners to address immediate needs and plan long-term recovery efforts. Learn how you can pray, give, and share to support those affected. Visit ELCA.org/wildfires to donate and find resources.

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Faith Amid Flames: Bishop Eaton’s Call to Prayer for California Wildfire Relief

The devastating California wildfires have displaced thousands and destroyed homes, businesses, and places of worship. Bishop Brenda Bos of the Southwest California Synod is among those personally impacted. Presiding Bishop Eaton calls for prayers, accompaniment, and action as Lutheran Disaster Response mobilizes to bring aid and hope to affected communities. Learn more about how you can help: Lutheran Disaster Response.

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Empowering Communities: How ELCA Global Mission is Changing Lives Worldwide

Bliss Tungnung, a former ELCA scholar, returned to her conflict-stricken home in Manipur, India, to offer psychosocial care and education to children. She founded Bliss International School in 2023 to foster emotional and academic growth. This month’s ELCA Global Mission newsletter also celebrates the ordination of women in the Lutheran Church of Australia and the 25th anniversary of the ELCA Wittenberg Center. Discover global service opportunities and Lenten resources, and read more inspiring stories at ELCA Global Mission.

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Join the Movement: ELCA’s 2025 National Day of Racial Healing Event

On Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025, the ELCA will host a free online event from 9am-1pm MST, 8am-noon PST, featuring worship, workshops, music, and guided reflection. Centering the voices of ELCA leaders of color, the event seeks to raise awareness of the need for racial healing and inspire collective action toward justice and equity. Open to all ELCA members and partners, this event aligns with the work of Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation. Visit ELCA.org/NDORH to learn more and register today!

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For What Shall We Pray?
  • For areas of the world impacted by ongoing war and conflict: Gaza, Syria, Ukraine…

  • For evacuees and all threatened by the Pacific Palisades fire in California…

  • For earthquake victims in Tibet…

  • For political transitions and the advancement of peace across the world…

  • For severe winter weather affecting areas of the United States…

  • For refugees, migrants, and all who journey for safety…

  • For daily affirmation of our baptismal calling: to live among God’s faithful people; to hear the word of God and share in the holy supper; to share the good news of God in Christ through word and deed; to serve all people, following the example of Jesus; and to strive for justice and peace in all the world…

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A Feast for Community: Building Bridges Beyond Politics

Love Anyway Feasts offer a fresh way to bring neighbors together in divided times. Learn how ELCA members in Pennsylvania used shared meals to build bridges and model Christ’s teaching to love our neighbors. With resources from Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania, you too can join this movement of connection and hope. Read more in this article from Living Lutheran.

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Living Lutheran's top five articles from 2024

As Living Lutheran wrapped up 2024, they took a look at some of our top stories from the year. Below are Living Lutheran‘s five most-read articles from the last 12 months.

  1. Inside Out 2 and the peace that passes understanding

  2. ELCA Conference of Bishops emphasizes the need to speak the truth

  3. 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering kicks off in New Orleans

  4. “This has allowed us to go back to church”

  5. Civility in politics

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Sumud Winter Newsletter: A Call to Peace and Justice in the Holy Land

This Christmas season, ELCA Sumud reflects on a year of advocacy and accompaniment with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL). From Rev. Gabi Aelabouni’s solidarity visit to impactful ministries like the Olive Harvest Festival and Beit Jala’s hot meals program, our Palestinian siblings inspire hope amid hardship. Read Bishop Azar’s powerful Christmas message, explore ways to advocate for justice, and learn how you can support the ELCJHL Christmas Appeal in this season of peace. Read more in their Winter Newsletter.

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For What Shall We Pray?
  • For areas of the world impacted by ongoing war and conflict: Gaza, Syria, Ukraine…

  • For the family of Jimmy Carter and all those who mourn…

  • For the families of those killed in the Jeju Air plane crash…

  • For those affected by tornadoes in Texas, North Carolina, and Louisiana…

  • For those experiencing homelessness in the US…

  • For Trinidad & Tobago in the face of rising violence…

  • For victims of violence in New Orleans…

  • For the new year and transitions of all varieties…

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January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month

Seventy-one percent of victims of human trafficking are women and girls. National Human Trafficking Prevention Month is an opportunity to educate others about identifying human trafficking, prevention and supporting victims. This blog post contained articles and resources from Women of the ELCA to raise awareness of human trafficking and engage in advocacy in your congregation and community.

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