• For an end to war, violence, and genocide across the world, especially in Ukraine, Gaza, Iran, Israel, Haiti, Sudan, Myanmar, Yemen, India, Pakistan, Thailand, and Cambodia…

• For those at risk of famine and starvation in Gaza, and for those who work to provide aid and relief…

• For victims of violence, especially in New York City, NY, Reno, NV, and Traverse City, MI…

• For those who are still missing in the aftermath of flooding in Texas, and for the ongoing work of search and rescue teams…

• For those experiencing deadly flooding in Beijing, China, and for all places affected by severe weather…

• For those facing the aftermath of the eastern Russia earthquake, and for all evacuees in the region…

• For Presiding Bishop-elect Yehiel Curry, for Presiding Bishop Eaton, and for the ELCA in this season of leadership transition…

• In thanksgiving for the Spirit’s wisdom and guidance during ELCA Churchwide Assembly…

• In gratitude for the volunteers, convention center staff, and Churchwide staff who made ELCA Churchwide Assembly possible…

Yehiel Curry, bishop of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod, was elected as the ELCA’s new presiding bishop on the fifth ballot. The day also featured powerful preaching from the Holy Land, approval of the 2026–2028 churchwide budget, and the adoption of a significant memorial calling for an end to the occupation of Palestine. In a spirit of ecumenical solidarity and prophetic voice, the assembly celebrated partnerships, affirmed resilience, and looked ahead with courage and grace. Click here to read the full Day Three recap.

On day two of the Churchwide Assembly, seven nominees advanced in the election for presiding bishop, with a third ballot and Q&A set for day three. Voting members wore red to honor missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. The day featured updates on repudiating the Doctrine of Discovery, the introduction of key social statements on civic life and human sexuality, and fiscal reports that revealed a stable budget outlook. Ecumenical partners and college leaders also offered greetings and updates. Click here to read the full Day Two recap.

The 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly officially opened in Phoenix on July 28 with a powerful worship service of Holy Communion and the first plenary session. Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton preached on the eucharist as an act of resistance in a divided world. Voting members cast the first ballot for presiding bishop—no election yet. Grand Canyon Synod Bishop Deborah Hutterer offered greetings as the host synod. The day closed with an introduction to Friday’s litany of confession and repentance for patriarchy and sexism. Click here to read the full Day One recap.

Bishop Yehiel Curry has been elected the fifth presiding bishop of the ELCA, marking a historic first as the denomination’s first bishop of African descent. A former teacher and social worker turned pastor and synod bishop, Curry brings a deep passion for lay leadership, community-rooted ministry, and faithful embodiment of the church’s call. His story is one of discernment, hope, and gratitude for the church’s investment in emerging leaders. Curry will be installed October 4 at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. Click here to read the full story on Living Lutheran.

The Rev. Yehiel Curry was elected July 30 as presiding bishop of the ELCA during the Churchwide Assembly in Phoenix. Elected on the fifth ballot with 562 votes, Curry becomes the first Black presiding bishop in the ELCA’s history. He currently serves as bishop of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod and brings a deep history of mission development and theological formation to this new call. Read more in the ELCA’s press release.

140 volunteers from across our synod helped host the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly in Phoenix, covering 651 shifts in 16 different roles. We offer our deepest thanks to all who served—and especially to Mary Beth Baron and Darcy Mittelstaedt—for helping our synod extend gracious hospitality to the wider church.

Explore a variety of free ELCA Coaching events this August, including gatherings on healing, truth-telling, and faith practice. Upcoming highlights include “Creating Beloved Community” sessions each Wednesday and “Decolonizing Worship” on August 29. Registration is also open for coaching trainings beginning in August and September. Learn more and register at elcacoaching.org/events.

This month’s AFN newsletter includes a full calendar of interfaith opportunities—meditation gatherings, youth climate action, ELCA Assembly vigils, and a 5-week Rohr book study. RSVP now and stay connected through prayer, learning, and justice. Read the full newsletter at arizonafaithnetwork.org/newsletter.

Gather with fellow rostered leaders at the Franciscan Renewal Center, September 29–October 1, for the Bishop’s Fall Gathering. Under the theme Life Together: Lament, Love, and Christian Hope in a Time Such as This, we’ll explore Bonhoeffer’s vision of community with theologians from Wartburg Seminary, enjoy meaningful worship, and share in meals and fellowship. Space is limited—register by September 5.

Our new Youth and Family Ministry page is live! Discover resources for faith formation, summer programs, Safe Church policies, and national initiatives like TENx10. Meet our Synod Youth Advisory Team and explore how we equip young people and families to grow in faith and leadership. Visit gcsynod.org/youth-family to get started. 

The Synod Youth Advisory Team invites all congregations to complete a brief survey about youth, children, and family ministry in your context. Help us build a synod-wide picture of what’s happening with young people—from Pre-K to post-high school—and share contact information so we can connect, support, and grow together. Take the Survey Now: Grand Canyon Youth Ministry Survey.

Join over 500 leaders from across denominations at the TENx10 Summit in Atlanta, October 8–10, 2025. This unique gathering invites passionate changemakers to reimagine how the Church forms faith in young people. Earlybird registration ends August 26. Learn more at tenx10summit.org.

• Romania: Service and ecumenism in a minority context

• LWF opens nominations for COP30 delegation

• Member Church Projects: Empowering communities, changing lives

• LWF opens call for youth-led climate justice projects

The Office of the Bishop attends and volunteers at the final events of the Churchwide Assembly, and also attends the Ordination of Kevin Anderson at Love of Christ in Mesa, Aug 6, 2025, 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM.

Today we celebrate the ordination anniversaries of:

• Rev. Rebecca Boardman, U of A LCM, Tucson, who celebrates 21 years on July 31.

• Rev. James Schubert, who celebrates 35 years on July 31.