New Resource: “Unpacking White Privilege: The Important Work of Making the Church Less Harmful”
For years, the ELCA has been working to educate and inspire Lutherans to promote fairness and racial equity in our churches, communities and country. At the 2019 Churchwide Assembly, the "Strategy Toward Authentic Diversity in the ELCA" was adopted. This strategy includes a commitment to digging deeper into the history
Bishop Eaton Issues Pastoral Message On Iran
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9). The current crisis between the United States and Iran is worrisome for many of us in our church, in our nation and in the world. Our country and Iran need urgently to find ways to resolve
Rick Steves: Why I Support ELCA World Hunger
Hear from travel author, TV host and Lutheran Rick Steves about why he chooses to support ELCA World Hunger. ELCA World Hunger is a recipient of a climate-smart grant from Rick Steves to support its work to fight hunger and poverty around the world. As a partner with ELCA World
ELCA Presiding Bishop Responds to Anti-Semitic Incidents in New York
December 30, 2019 Today is the last day of Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. As our Jewish siblings lighted the menorah, they sang this blessing: We kindle these lights because of the wondrous deliverance You performed for our ancestors. During
New Lutheran Advocacy Video Resource Available
A new Lutheran Advocacy video is available for everyone to access and share how we are church together for the sake of the world God loves. In addition to explaining how our faith-rooted advocacy happens, the video also gives disciples tips in how to be advocates, with guidance for conducting
Golden Rule 2020: Add Your Name to Call for Dignity and Respect in Politics
November 3, 2019, marks one year before the national elections. Many churches are demonstrating their concern about the polarization in our country by being part of Golden Rule 2020. The ELCA signed a joint statement of support available at https://www.revivecivility.org/golden-rule-2020-call-dignit. In part the statement says, “We believe that we can
ELCA, Church of Sweden and The Episcopal Church Issue Climate Commitment
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) joins the Church of Sweden and The Episcopal Church in a commitment to work together to advocate for national and international policies that address the urgency of the climate crisis and help create resilient communities while leaving no one behind. This statement is
Policy Council Gathers for Annual Retreat
The LAMPa Policy Council recently gathered at Camp Hebron, Halifax, for their annual retreat. The group engaged in discernment about strategic direction as policy council to support LAMPa's mission and to foster being church in the public square. Their work built upon responses to a statewide survey of ELCA rostered
ELCA Bishop Elizabeth Eaton Shares Pastoral Message on Racism and White Supremacy
“There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28). “Racism — a mix of power, privilege, and prejudice — is sin, a violation of God’s intention for
Declaration of the ELCA To People of African Descent
On June 27, 2019, the Church Council of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America adopted the following declaration as a statement addressed to people of African descent. “There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all
