Bishop Eaton Issues Statement on the Passage of the OBBBA
“Whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all and especially for those of the family of faith.” —Galatians 6:10 Dear church, Today the U.S. Congress passed a budget package that will have a monumental impact on many in the country and on our ministries and
Melissa Stoller Elected Bishop of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod
The Rev. Melissa L. Stoller, Pittsburgh, was elected on June 13 to serve a six-year term as bishop of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The election took place during the synod assembly, June 12-14 at La Roche University in Pittsburgh. Stoller was elected
Stephen Herr Elected Bishop of the ELCA Lower Susquehanna Synod
The Rev. Stephen R. Herr, Gettysburg, Pa., was elected June 7 to serve a six-year term as bishop of the Lower Susquehanna Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The election took place during the synod assembly, June 5-7 at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in York, Pa. Herr
Bishop Eaton Releases Statement on Gaza Hospital Attack
[The Lord] heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. —Psalm 147:3 Dear church, Last week, we heard from our partners on the ground in the Holy Land about another attack in Gaza on the Al Ahli Hospital — a close partner of the Augusta Victoria Hospital, which is
Bishop Eaton Issues Statement on Travel Ban
June 5, 2025 “When an alien resides with you in your land, you shall not oppress the alien. The alien who resides with you shall be to you as the native-born among you; you shall love the alien as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt: I
Lutheran Day in the Capitol Builds Ecologies of Grace
More than 215 Lutherans and friends of faith took to the state Capitol on May 13 to remind lawmakers of their responsibility to care for neighbors experiencing hunger and poverty – especially in light of looming cuts and policy retreats at the federal level. Against the backdrop of ecological breakdown
A Pastoral Letter from Bishop Eaton on the Election of Pope Leo XIV
Dear church, We of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America join with people around the world in praying for the ministry of Pope Leo XIV. We rejoice with the people of the Roman Catholic Church, especially those in our communities, as they joyfully receive their new shepherd. Today we witnessed
Bishop Eaton Issues Pastoral Message on the Death of Pope Francis
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy. O Divine Master, grant that I may not
North America – Holy Land Solidarity Visit Statement
“The next day the great crowd that had come to the festival heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, shouting, ‘Hosanna!’” (John 12:12-13a). Over the past week we have engaged in a solidarity visit with the people
Bishop Eaton Issues Video Message for Transgender Day of Visibility
ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton has issued a video for Transgender Day of Visibility. In her message, Eaton speaks out against the inhumane actions by legislatures and executive orders while also speaking directly to the transgender and nonbinary community. “God created you in God's image and loves and cares for