Creating Space for Conversations

As part of our Creating Space for Conversations series, we share this video from the ELCA’s "Study Curriculum on Civic Life and Faith." Watch the video as a standalone resource, or explore the full set of the curriculum, including leader’s guides.

Join the ELCA Coaching network for a crucial session on "Responding to Polarization" with Dr. Matt Cook, exploring strategies for handling political and cultural divides within congregations. We share this as another resource that can be used as part of our "Creating Space for Conversation" series, aimed at fostering understanding and unity.

As part of our Creating Space for Conversations series, we share a PDF of an article by Isak Tranvik, Uncivil Religion, from A Chosen Nation?, an issue of Word and World, Luther Seminary’s journal of theology.

Martin Luther King Jr. has entered the pantheon of American heroes, to be sure. But his legacy is contested, especially in his relation to the assumptions of American civil religion, the common ideals of the nation. Perhaps King pushed beyond these assumptions and challenged them to the core with his concerns for the poor and the radical nature of love. —Isak Tranvik

The ELCA invites members to engage with a draft social statement on civic life and faith, reflecting our relationship with government as individuals and a church body. This statement, currently under review, offers guidance on church teaching and policies, serving as a vital tool for discernment on civic issues. Members can contribute feedback through an online survey or synod hearings until September 30, 2024. Post-feedback, the statement will be considered for official adoption at the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly, potentially shaping the church's stance on civic engagement.

As part of our Creating Space for Conversations series, we share this video from the ELCA’s "Study Curriculum on Civic Life and Faith." Watch the video as a standalone resource, or explore the full set of the curriculum, including leader’s guides.

As part of our Creating Space for Conversations series, we share a PDF of an article by Darrell Jodock, The United States, a Chosen Nation?, from A Chosen Nation?, an issue of Word and World, Luther Seminary’s journal of theology.

There are at least two ways to think about the United States as a “chosen nation”: aspirational and exclusivistic. The danger of the latter, which has gained some currency, is that it assumes that America is (or was) already a divinely chosen nation whose actions are blessed by God, rather than a nation that has decided to hold itself to a higher (yet unrealized) standard. —Darrell Jodock

Explore constructive communication and empathy in challenging times with Joy J. Moore at the 'Leading in an Age of Contempt' workshop on March 21st, 9-10:30 am MST/PDT. Gain scriptural insights and practical tools for navigating societal discord and fostering unity within communities.

This interactive session offers a fresh perspective on current conflicts, exploring the diversity of worldviews and the courage required for leaders to engage constructively.

As part of our Creating Space for Conversations series, we share this video from the ELCA’s "Study Curriculum on Civic Life and Faith." Watch the video as a standalone resource, or explore the full set of the curriculum, including leader’s guides.

As part of our Creating Space for Conversations series, we share a PDF of an article by Miles Hopgood, Sacred Histories: Martin Luther on the Chosenness of Nations, from A Chosen Nation?, an issue of Word and World, Luther Seminary’s journal of theology.

In considering the idea of any nation as “chosen” of God, Martin Luther understands that such a relationship would have to be relational at its core, a relation between God and a group of people. But this relationship would be proclaimed by God and not something that individuals or groups could claim. Though Israel was chosen by God, this passed to the true, invisible church.—Miles Hopgood

As part of our Creating Space for Conversations series, we share this video from the ELCA’s "Study Curriculum on Civic Life and Faith." Watch the video as a standalone resource, or explore the full set of the curriculum, including leader’s guides.

In her poignant reflection, Autumn Byars, an ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellow with the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Arizona, part of our Grand Canyon Synod, calls for a disruption in the exhausting cycles of the federal election process through the power of compassion. Byars challenges candidates and constituents alike to approach the political arena with understanding and grace, fostering solutions grounded in our shared humanity rather than divisive rhetoric.

As part of our Creating Space for Conversations series, we share a PDF of an article by Mark A. Granquist, Rereading Niebuhr’s The Kingdom of God in America, from A Chosen Nation?, an issue of Word and World, Luther Seminary’s journal of theology.

This seminal work, now eighty-six years old, by American theologian H. Richard Niebuhr, remains a crucial text informing Christians about how they should understand the kingdom of God, especially as it relates to the Chris- tian faith. Niebuhr emphasizes how this concept refers to the primacy of God’s sovereignty in the world over all other allegiances.—Mark A. Granquist

In a recent ELCA Advocacy blog post, Quentin Bernhard reflects on the complexity of praying for elected leaders amidst political polarization. He shares insights from a Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania workshop, discussing the importance of seeing everyone as fully human and loved by God, despite differing views. This devotion is a call to open our hearts and minds, and act as agents of change in God's world. Discover the full reflection and join the conversation on depolarization as an act of discipleship at ELCA Advocacy's blog.

As part of our Creating Space for Conversations series, we share this video from the ELCA’s "Study Curriculum on Civic Life and Faith." Watch the video as a standalone resource, or explore the full set of the curriculum, including leader’s guides.

As part of our Creating Space for Conversations series, we share a PDF of an article by Marie Olson Purcell, “Oh, Those Words Are So Divisive, Pastor!”: Christian Nationalism and Identity Expression in the United States, from A Chosen Nation?, an issue of Word and World, Luther Seminary’s journal of theology.

The phrase “America is a Christian nation” is a highly polarizing statement in the contemporary United States. But like many such polarizing statements, the situation surrounding it is much more complex than it might seem. These complexities are actually openings for a deeper discussion of national identity and Christian faith, if such conversations can be had.—Marie Olson Purcell

Discover the art of civil discourse with "Hot Topics, Cool Heads: A Handbook for Civil Dialogue." Authored by experts who also have ties to our synod, this guide offers practical tools for engaging in respectful conversations on challenging topics. This essential read is part of our our "Creating Space for Conversations" resource page.

As part of our Creating Space for Conversations series, we share a PDF of an article by Will Fredstrom, Bonhoeffer’s Stellvertretung: A Christ-Like Ecclesial Ethic for Serving “Galilean” Neighbors, from A Chosen Nation?, an issue of Word and World, Luther Seminary’s journal of theology.

“The ideas of America as either a “Christian” or “post-Christian” nation both reduce a complex relationship between church and state to a simplistic one. If the church is, as Bonhoeffer states, a representative of Christ’s redemptive presence in the world, then the church is primarily bound to serving all neighbors, both directly and through cooperation with the state.” —Will Fredstrom

Explore Mark K. Smutny’s insightful approach to establishing ground rules in meetings (view as a PDF), a vital tool for enhancing dialogue and understanding in our diverse society. Discover how empathy, respect, and inclusivity can transform group interactions. We share this as part of our Creating Space for Conversations resource page. Mark Smutny is founder of Civic Reinventions.

Explore the Grand Canyon Synod's latest initiative, 'Creating Space for Conversations', a dedicated resource hub for fostering understanding and unity in trying times. We’ll be adding to this page in the coming months.

Whether you are seeking guidance on how to approach sensitive topics, or looking for ways to connect with others across divides, we hope this page can help. Have an idea for this page? Let us know!

Explore the story of Grace Lutheran Church in downtown Phoenix, where the practice of civil dialogue opened doors for deep listening, empathy, and healing. Engaging in intentional conversations about provocative subjects such as race, private prisons, and police relationships, participants found a space to share their experiences and emotions.

Pastor Sarah Stadler writes how these dialogues became a transformative force, revealing how open and respectful conversation can create understanding and even exhaust the hurt. Learn how civil dialogue may be a step towards solving the problems of hearts waiting to be seen and heard.

Explore a reflective meditation from Rev. Drew Tucker on Galatians 5:22-26, focusing on the fruits of the Spirit. In a world where division often reigns, Tucker's insights offer a timely reminder of the virtues we must cultivate. He draws parallels between the conflicts of the early Galatian church and our modern struggles, urging us to practice love, joy, peace, and other spiritual gifts intentionally. Find inspiration for your spiritual journey by reading more at Living Lutheran.

In turbulent times, our shared faith is both a source of solace and a beacon, guiding us towards the path of understanding and unity. With our nation grappling with all sorts of divisions, it is vital that we seek not to fight one another, but rather to engage in open and compassionate dialogue.

This comes after recent events have left our hearts heavy. Reports of church burnings in Southern Arizona, protests at our churches that openly welcome LGBTQIA+ members, and ongoing racial tensions nationally have underscored the urgent need for us to live out our call to be peacemakers and bridge builders.

Read your copy of US: The Resurrection of American Terror, and be ready to join Simon’s Project for discussions with Rev. Kenneth W. Wheeler about his new book. Reading the book is encouraged, but not necessary. Click here to join the Zoom meeting on Tuesday, July 11 2023, 10am MST/PDT, 11am MDT. One final conversation will be August 1, 2023.

We also call your attention to a recent article from Living Lutheran featuring Rev. Wheeler.

Amy Sander Montanez, D.Min., and Jennifer Linde, with the ASU Center for Civil Dialogue, will be two of our presenters at the Bishop’s Fall Gathering, 10/17-19, 2022 at the Franciscan Renewal Center.

Active rostered ministers and any retired pastors actively serving in a congregation can learn more and register here.