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
Hope in a Divided World Gathers Hundreds for Confronting Christian Nationalism
In the midst of political divisions and rising nationalism, many feel powerless and isolated. Hope in a Divided World: A Faithful Response to Christian Nationalism on March 7-8,was an opportunity for over 200 people to connect and explore different ways to confront forces feeding on hate and difference. Held at
ELCA Presiding Bishop Convenes Interfaith Partners in Solidarity Statement
CHICAGO (March 7, 2025) — ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton has convened a coalition of interfaith leaders in support of refugees and immigrants who are forced to flee their homes. In the statement, the leaders emphasize their collective commitment to “welcome the stranger and care for the most vulnerable.” “In
ELCA signs Ecumenical Declaration Defending Refuge
Church World Service - As a Covenant Member the ELCA was part of drafting and signing The Ash Wednesday Ecumenical Declaration: Defending Refuge. Below you will find the final version of the Declaration. The declaration is now open for signatures from across the country, and will continue so through Lent.
Ashes-to-Go Service at the PA State Capitol Steps
Harrisburg, PA - On March 5, 2025, an ecumenical group of faith leaders offered“Ashes-to-Go,” at the foot of the front steps to the state Capitol. This inclusive event was open to all, regardless of faith tradition. Ashes-to-Go provides an opportunity for individuals to receive the mark of ashes on
Bishop Eaton Issues Response in Support of Jerusalem Patriarchs on Gaza
Dear church, Recently, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem issued an urgent plea to the global church, “A Humanitarian Plea From the Churches of Jerusalem: Defending the Dignity and Presence of the People of Gaza.” I write to uplift the timely and crucial words of these beloved
Stations of the Cross as Prayer Practice in the Public Sphere
Simon Bears the Cross, Jerusalem. Photo by Rev. Erin Jones. Every Lent Christians around the world engage in devotional activities that deepen their faith and understanding of the gift of the Cross and the call to follow Jesus as disciples. One such devotional practice that has captured the
ELCA Presiding Bishop Responds to Executive Orders on Immigration
ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton has issued a video message in response to the executive order on immigration that rolled back guidance to immigration authorities in protected areas such as places of worship, schools and hospitals. Eaton spoke out against the order and urged members and others to add their
