ELCA congregations observe “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday
On Sunday Sept. 11, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) will observe "God's work. Our hands." Sunday. Across the country, thousands of ELCA members will engage in the church's dedicated day of service to help make a positive change in their communities, build and deepen relationships, and share God's love.
2022 ELCA Churchwide Assembly summary of actions
The 2022 ELCA Churchwide Assembly met Aug. 8-12 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio. Gathering under the theme "Embody the Word," the assembly worshiped together in services of eucharist and lament, experienced a liturgy rooted in Indigenous traditions, and heard a public apology in a nonlegislative session to Iglesia Luterana Santa María Peregrina for harm experienced from actions taken by the Sierra Pacific Synod and this church.
ELCA Fund for Leaders awards TEEM scholarships
Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Fund for Leaders will award 375 scholarships to students attending the seven seminaries of the ELCA for the 2022-2023 academic year.
2022 ELCA Churchwide Assembly - Day Four
The 2022 ELCA Churchwide Assembly concluded Aug. 12 at the Greater Columbus (Ohio) Convention Center. Day four included a service of Holy Communion and the seventh plenary session.
2022 ELCA Churchwide Assembly elects new vice president
Imran Siddiqui of St. John's Lutheran Church, Atlanta, was elected to a six-year term as vice president of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by the 2022 ELCA Churchwide Assembly.
2022 ELCA Churchwide Assembly - Day Two
The 2022 ELCA Churchwide Assembly continued Aug. 10 at the Greater Columbus (Ohio) Convention Center. Day two included the third and fourth plenary sessions and a service of Holy Communion.
2022 ELCA Churchwide Assembly - Day One
The 2022 ELCA Churchwide Assembly officially opened Aug. 9 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio, meeting through Aug. 12. Day one consisted of plenary sessions one and two, an apology to Iglesia Luterana Santa María Peregrina, Stockton, Calif., and a service of word and prayer.
ELCA Churchwide Assembly honors Indigenous people
— The 2022 Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) will honor and celebrate Indigenous people through presentations and worship during this weeklong event, to be held Aug. 8-12 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio.
2022 ELCA Churchwide Assembly meets under the theme “Embody the Word”
Members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) will gather for the 2022 ELCA Churchwide Assembly Aug. 8-12 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio. Meeting under the theme "Embody the Word," the assembly will participate in plenary discussions to make decisions about the work of this church. They will also spend time in worship and Bible study.
A statement on the killing of Jayland Walker
"I prayed with head bowed on my bosom, as though I grieved for a friend or a brother; I went about as one who laments for a mother, bowed down and in mourning" (Psalm 35:13b-14, New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition).Dear Church, Our prayers are with the family of Jayland...
ELCA hosts “Embody the Word” online Bible study series
In preparation for the 2022 ELCA Churchwide Assembly, ELCA members are encouraged to participate in a series of online Bible studies that will explore the assembly theme, "Embody the Word," from Luke 24. The assembly, the highest legislative body of the ELCA, will meet in Columbus, Ohio, Aug. 8-12.
Craig Miller elected bishop of ELCA Upper Susquehanna Synod
The Rev. Craig A. Miller,Mifflinburg, Pa.,was elected June 18 to serve a six-year term as bishop of the Upper Susquehanna Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The election took place during the synod assembly, June 17-18, at Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove, Pa.
Sierra Pacific Synod Council Appoints Rev. Claire S. Burkat as Interim Bishop
After consultation with the presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and per the Sierra Pacific Synod Constitution (S8.54), the Sierra Pacific Synod Council has appointed the Rev. Claire S. Burkat as its interim bishop. She hopes to begin working in the synod the week of July 10.
Bishop Eaton issues pastoral message on SCOTUS ruling regarding Roe v. Wade
Dear church, Whatever personal perspective one might take on the June 24 abortion ruling from the Supreme Court, it is the legal framework in which we now minister, and I wish to speak a pastoral word at this time.The Supreme Court has voted to overturn Roe v. Wade, removing federal...
Stacie Fidlar elected bishop of ELCA Northern Illinois Synod
The Rev. Stacie R. Fidlar of Rock Island, Ill., was elected June 18 to serve a six-year term as bishop of the Northern Illinois Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The election took place during the synod assembly, which met online on June 5 and 12 and then in person at Augustana College in Rock Island June 17-18.
Bishop Eaton participates in Emanuel Nine commemoration event
The Rev. Elizabeth Eaton, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), will join faith and government leaders on June 17 to mark the seventh anniversary of the racially motivated shootings at Mother Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, S.C. The leaders will participate in a commemorative Bible study event that will kick off a yearlong Bible study across the country.
William Gafkjen reelected bishop of ELCA Indiana-Kentucky Synod
The Rev. William O. Gafkjen, Indianapolis, was reelected June 9 to serve a third six-year term as bishop of the Indiana-Kentucky Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The election was held during the synod assembly, June 9-11 at the Horizon Convention Center in Muncie, Ind.
Scott Alan Johnson elected bishop of ELCA Nebraska Synod
The Rev. Scott Alan Johnson, Fremont, Neb., was elected June 4 to serve a six-year term as bishop of the Nebraska Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The election took place during the synod assembly, June 2-4 at the Younes Conference Center South in Kearney, Neb.
A message from Presiding Bishop Eaton
June 6, 2022The Conference of Bishops (COB) met Sunday evening; Bishop Megan Rohrer chose not to attend. I shared that I am initiating the discipline process immediately, including suspension of Bishop Rohrer, based on additional information that has come to light. The COB strongly affirmed this decision. This process will...
Release of the Listening Team Report
June 1, 2022The report was not immediately released out of respect for the confidential nature of the work they undertook, and that of the individuals they interviewed. After further consultation with the Listening Team, I have decided that releasing the report is a necessary step so that we can move...