Bishop Hutterer: For the Sake of the World

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.  Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God.  — Colossians 3:15-16

Dear Grand Canyon Synod,

I’m filled with gratitude as I reflect on the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly. It was a gift and blessing for the Grand Canyon Synod to serve as host for this gathering of our church, held every three years. Together, we embodied this year’s theme—“For the Life of the World”—through hospitality, service, and worship.

I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the many volunteers who gave their time and energy to make this assembly possible. In particular, I am grateful to Mary Beth Baron for her tireless coordination and leadership, and to all who stepped forward—whether from across Phoenix, across our synod, or across the country. So many of you drove or flew in to help, and your presence reminded me what a joy it is to be church together.

It was also my privilege to serve as a voting member, fully participating alongside our synod’s delegation. Sitting right up front, I was reminded of how our voices as the Grand Canyon Synod contribute to the wider witness of the ELCA. Thank you for supporting our entire delegation with your prayers.

We also give thanks to God for the faithful leadership of Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton and Secretary Sue Rothmeyer, who each made history as the first women to serve in their respective roles. Their steady witness has grounded our church in hope. We now rejoice in welcoming Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry and Secretary Rev. Lucille “CeCee” Mills, the first Black leaders to serve in these offices. Their election marks a new chapter for the ELCA, equipping us with fresh vision and courage for the work ahead.

Finally, I want to thank you—the people of the Grand Canyon Synod—for embracing the role of host synod. Again and again we received words of appreciation from across the church: gratitude for your warmth, your welcome, and your witness. Your partnership allowed us to represent Christ’s love to visitors from every corner of the ELCA.

As this assembly reminded us, we are one church expressed in three interdependent ways: in our congregations, in our synods, and in our churchwide organization. Each expression has its own gifts, and together we bear witness to Christ’s love in ways no single part could do alone. Hosting the assembly highlighted how these three expressions are not separate, but partners in God’s mission.

Grateful to continue to live for the life of the world with you,

The Rev. Deborah K. Hutterer
Bishop
Grand Canyon Synod of the ELCA