In her Pride Month message, Bishop Eaton urges us affirm every person, every body and join together as one in the body of Christ. "Our unity doesn’t come from all being the same. It comes from being joined in Christ, who gathers every member, every body, into one." Sign the Interfaith Alliance pledge to Recommit to Pride: Sign the Interfaith Alliance pledge to Recommit to Pride. More info at interfaithalliance.org. Download video here.
Read MorePresiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton has issued a statement opposing the Trump administration’s newly announced travel ban affecting immigrants from 12 countries. Citing both scripture and Lutheran commitments to hospitality, interfaith solidarity, and refugee resettlement, Bishop Eaton urges the church to speak out and stand with those impacted. The ELCA’s partnerships with affected communities and churches call us to advocacy, accompaniment, and action. Click here to read the full statement.
Read MoreThe Malagasy Lutheran Church is preparing for a historic vote on women’s ordination in 2028, beginning synod-wide conversations and Bible studies. In her June update, ELCA missionary Pastor Kristin Engstrom shares how the church is responding to hurricanes, promoting gender justice, and putting faith into action. Read her full newsletter and join in prayer for this season of discernment.
Read MoreThe Rev. Emily Hartner has been elected as the next bishop of the ELCA North Carolina Synod, following the retirement of Bishop Timothy Smith. Hartner, currently serving as pastor at Holy Trinity in Charlotte, will begin her six-year term on August 1 and be installed on November 15. A graduate of Davidson, Yale Divinity School, and United Lutheran Seminary, Hartner brings deep experience and theological training to her new role. To read the full announcement and learn more about her election and upcoming installation, click here.
Read MoreThe Rev. Regina Hassanally has been reelected to a second six-year term as bishop of the ELCA Southeastern Minnesota Synod, receiving 91.9% of the vote on the first ballot during their May 30–31 synod assembly. Bishop Hassanally has served in this role since 2019 and brings a deep history of pastoral leadership across Minnesota. Click here to read more.
Read MoreKansas Interfaith Action (KIFA), an ELCA-affiliated partner in the Central States Synod, led bold public witness during the 2025 Kansas legislative session. From challenging anti-trans legislation to advocating for equitable policies, KIFA’s faithful presence was visible at the Capitol and beyond. With a record-breaking Advocacy Day, prayer vigils, and continued coalition work on immigration and Medicaid, KIFA lives out a call to love and justice in trying times. Click here to read more.
Read MoreThe ELCA Disability Ministries Advisory Team welcomes two new members: Pastor Mack Patrick of the Northern Illinois Synod and Pastor Mary Ann Harrison of Altadena, California. Both bring decades of lived and pastoral experience, fierce advocacy for inclusion, and a deep commitment to justice for people with disabilities. Their leadership marks an exciting new chapter in the church’s call to be a body where every member is seen and valued. To read more about these leaders and their vision, click here.
Read MoreCan we pick and choose when it comes to belief? ELCA pastors Emmy Kegler and Natalia Terfa think we can—and must. Through their podcast Cafeteria Christian, the two rostered ministers explore how faith can be lived authentically even amid doubt, rejection of harmful traditions, or questions about organized religion. They speak candidly about their experiences, theological roots in Lutheranism, and the deep desire for a more sincere, inclusive, and justice-centered faith practice.
Whether you’re a longtime listener or just discovering their work, their story offers insight into what it means to “do faith better” while staying rooted in grace and love. Click here to read the full article in Living Lutheran.
Read MoreIn a post-election world still marked by anxiety and division, Pastor Aaron Fuller challenges us to move beyond sky-gazing and step into action. Drawing on the story of Jesus’ ascension, he reminds us that living faithfully means participating in Christ’s work here and now. It’s not about waiting—it’s about witnessing. Click here to read the full reflection from Living Lutheran.
Read MoreJillian Russell blends two callings—outdoor ministry and emergency response—into a life of deep service and faith. From summer camp counselor to firefighter/EMT, Jillian shares how her congregation’s radical hospitality shaped her leadership and how she continues to live out her faith in diverse ways. She reminds us that grace isn’t confined to church walls and that intentional relationships are at the heart of Lutheran identity. Click here to read her story on Living Lutheran.
Read MoreLutheran school leaders are invited to the ELEA Leadership Conference 2025, “Inspiring Leaders, Strengthening Faith,” held November 5–7 in Cleveland, Ohio. This national gathering offers three days of professional development, spiritual renewal, and community for educators shaping the future of Lutheran schools. Register now and join the movement to nurture the next generation of faithful leaders.
Read MoreDo you know a young dancer? The ELCA is seeking Phoenix-area students and young adults to participate in the Opening Worship of Churchwide Assembly on Monday, July 28 at the Phoenix Convention Center. Dancers will rehearse and perform from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.—a rare opportunity to offer movement as worship. Contact Deacon Sarah Bjornebo at sbjornebo@yahoo.com or 303-257-3356 to share names or learn more.
Read MoreFree ELCA Coaching opportunities are available throughout June, including sessions on healing, Indigenous truth-telling, and systems change. Advance registration is required for some trainings. A new coach training program also begins June 30. Learn more and register at elcacoaching.org.
Read MoreJoin the Pray Without Ceasing movement—a Spirit-led call to prayer spreading across the ELCA. Weekly Zoom gatherings on Thursdays at 1:00 p.m. Central connect prayer leaders and participants from around the country. Pray for peace, for renewal, and for your neighbors. Learn more and receive the Zoom link to join in: pray-without-ceasing.org
If you have created a group, or would like more information, please contact the Director for Evangelical Mission, Pr. David Pavesic at david.pavesic@elca.org.
Read MoreFrom prayer-writing guides to music planning tools and flexible Bible study resources, Augsburg Fortress continues to offer vital worship materials to support congregational leaders. New this month: a Musician’s Guide to Evangelical Lutheran Worship, Praying for the Whole World: A Handbook for Intercessors, and Together by Grace: Bible Conversations.
Also featured are customizable bulletin and lectionary insert options and registration details for this summer’s music clinics in five U.S. cities. Click here to explore the full list of resources from ELCA Worship and Augsburg Fortress.
Read MoreDo you know someone whose leadership makes a difference in their community? The ELCA’s Building Resilient Communities team is seeking nominations for its inaugural Building Resilient Leadership cohort—a yearlong program focused on public leadership, justice-centered projects, and peer mentorship. Nominations are open through June 16, with applications due July 7.
Nominees must be adults (18+) ready to commit to monthly workshops, a community project, and national networking. Participants will receive seed money, hands-on support, and training from ELCA ministries like World Hunger, AMMPARO, and Lutheran Disaster Response. Click here to learn more or nominate a leader today.
Read MoreAcross the country, ELCA-affiliated state public policy offices are hard at work advocating for justice-rooted policies in areas like housing, healthcare, hunger, climate, and civic engagement. From Minnesota’s letter-writing campaigns and housing wins, to over 200 disciples gathering for Lutheran Day in Pennsylvania, to Texas Lutherans standing against religious extremism, the spring updates reflect faithful witness in action.
Read the latest state-by-state highlights and explore how you and your congregation can stay involved in policy that reflects our shared Lutheran values. Click here for the full Spring State Policy Update from ELCA Advocacy.
Read MoreFor justice and peace among nations where war and violence rage, especially Ukraine and Russia, Palestine and Israel, Haiti, Sudan, Myanmar, Yemen, India and Pakistan…
For victims of gun violence, especially members of the Israeli embassy staff in Washington D.C. and those killed in Waterbury, Connecticut…
For the aftermath of the glacier collapse in Blatten, Switzerland…
For those in need of affordable and accessible health care and food resources…
For immigrants, asylum seekers, and refugees…
For international students seeking to pursue their education in the United States…
For LGBTQIA+ individuals and communities at the outset of Pride Month…
For synods of the ELCA as they gather in their assemblies, that the Spirit would enliven and guide them…
The Rev. Julie E. Schneider-Thomas has been elected bishop of the ELCA North/West Lower Michigan Synod during their synod assembly held May 18–20 in Mount Pleasant, Mich. She was elected on the fifth ballot and will begin her six-year term on September 1, succeeding Bishop Craig Satterlee. Schneider-Thomas currently serves as pastor of Zion Lutheran in Comstock Park and Hope Lutheran in Rockford, Mich. Installation details are forthcoming.
Read MoreEach ELCA congregation is invited to register one observer for the 2025 Churchwide Assembly in Phoenix. Observers receive access to all assembly materials and reserved seating but do not vote. Registration is $125 and closes May 31. Learn more about lodging, travel, and how to be part of this unique gathering of our wider church.
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