ELCA Conference of Bishops Emphasizes the Need to Speak the Truth
In a perfect garden, created by God for the sake of humanity, evil entered in the form of deception and lies. Christians refer to this story, found in the biblical book of Genesis, as the fall of humanity. This foray into human sin began when Adam and Eve, the first
“God’s Work. Our Hands. Our Voices.” Take the Peace Pledge.
"By equipping the faithful to act for peace in all their communities, the Church contributes to earthly peace. In recalling our identity in baptism, in gathering in peace around the Lord’s Table, in telling the biblical narrative, in teaching faith, hope, and love, the Church provides the basics of peacemaking
Bishop Eaton Addresses Political Violence
For he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us (Ephesians 2:14). Just a few weeks ago in my June column for Living Lutheran I wrote, “I can’t think of an election cycle
LAMPa Condemns Political Violence at Butler Rally
On Saturday, June 13 at a campaign rally for former President Donald Trump in Butler, gunshots were fired. As of this writing, there are not many details, but at least two people have lost their lives - the shooter and one rally participant, according to the Associated Press. LAMPa
Bishop Eaton Issues Message on War on Gaza
June 5, 2024 Dear church, For eight horrific months war has raged in Gaza. Thousands of people have died, and thousands more are suffering. In recent days we have seen unspeakable images of violence in Rafah and escalating violence in the West Bank. Like the prophet Isaiah, we lament, “How
North American Church Leaders Call for Peace in Holy Land in Advent Prayer Resource
CHICAGO (Nov. 30, 2023) — The leaders of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC), the Anglican Church of Canada (ACC) and The Episcopal Church (TEC) have released the Churches Beyond Borders 2023 Advent Cycle of Prayer. The prayer resource calls for justice
Interfaith Coalition Calls for End to Gun Violence
On November 14-15, an emerging coalition of interfaith voices gathered in Harrisburg to pray, organize, and advocate for the end of gun violence in the Commonwealth. The Episcopal dioceses led the way for voices from a variety of backgrounds and traditions to call on the legislature to take action. The
PA House Passes Hate Crimes Legislation
In the midst of rising violence and expressions of hatred, particularly toward Jewish and Muslim communities in the U.S. in the wake of conflict in the Middle East, the state House of Representatives on Tuesday passed three bills to strengthen the Commonwealth’s hate crime laws. Supported by votes from both
A Statement from Bishop Eaton on the Conflict in the Holy Land
Dear church, The ELCA’s commitments call on us to denounce unequivocally any attacks — past, present or future — by any party that lead to civilians becoming victims. Our hearts are with all those who have been killed or injured, and with their families and friends. With an anticipated ground
ELCA Releases Draft Social Message on Gun-Related Violence and Trauma
The ELCA is developing a social message about gun-related violence and trauma. Social messages are ELCA teaching documents that draw from existing social teaching but throw a fuller and sharper spotlight on a particular social issue. The draft’s themes focus on trauma, public health, and an ethic of shared responsibility
