Presiding Bishop Responds to New U.S. Travel Ban

Presiding 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.

Global Partner Spotlight: Prayers, Progress, and Pastor Kristin’s June Update from Madagascar

The 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.

ELCA, Global Church, Grand Canyon Synod, Letters, NewsBrian FlatgardJune 9, 2025Pastor Kristin Engstrom, Global MissionComment

Obispa Hutterer: Edificar el Cuerpo de Cristo

Al prepararnos para reunirnos en la Asamblea del Sínodo del Gran Cañón de 2025, mi corazón está lleno de gratitud y esperanza. El tema de este año, “Edificar el Cuerpo,” nos recuerda que nuestros ministerios no son esfuerzos aislados, sino que están entretejidos en el diseño más grande de Dios para la iglesia y el mundo. Cada uno de ustedes aporta una voz, un don y una presencia únicos que fortalecen nuestra misión compartida como cuerpo de Cristo.

Bishop Hutterer: Building Up the Body of Christ

As we prepare to gather for the 2025 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly, my heart is full of gratitude and hope. This year’s theme, “Build Up the Body,” reminds us that our ministries are not isolated efforts but woven together in God’s greater design for the church and the world. Each of you brings a unique voice, gift, and presence that strengthens our shared mission as the body of Christ.

We gather in Las Vegas at Community Lutheran Church for our 37th synod assembly. Whether you are attending as a voting member, a ministry partner, or a visitor, you are part of a Spirit-led community that believes God is not done with the church.

Let us be bold and courageous in speaking for justice, compassionate in amplifying voices often unheard, and steadfast in proclaiming God’s grace through actions that heal and reconcile.

Bishop Eaton Issues Statement on Fatal Shooting of Two Israeli Embassy Staff in Washington, D.C.

Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton has issued a statement on behalf of the ELCA expressing deep sorrow over the fatal shooting of two Israeli Embassy staff in Washington, D.C.—an act rooted in the deadly rise of anti-Semitism. The ELCA stands firmly against such hatred and calls for prayers for the victims’ families, the Jewish community, and the people of Gaza. The statement affirms the ELCA’s commitment to peace, dialogue, humanitarian aid, and a just resolution in the Holy Land.

Why Lutherans Care About Workers’ Rights—Past and Present

How does our Lutheran faith inform our understanding of work, justice, and human dignity? From the Haymarket strikes to today’s threats to workplace protections, Christians have long stood with laborers seeking fair treatment. Lutheran theology, rooted in Martin Luther’s expansive view of vocation, calls us to honor all forms of work and support the rights of workers—then and now. Click here to read the full article on the ELCA Advocacy blog.

ELCA, Letters, NewsBrian FlatgardMay 8, 2025ELCA AdvocacyComment

ELCA Mourns the Passing of Pope Francis, Celebrates His Life in Christ

Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton offers a pastoral message on the death of Pope Francis, giving thanks for his global witness to justice, peace, and unity in Christ. She reflects on his contributions to Catholic-Lutheran dialogue, his advocacy for the poor and the planet, and his powerful presence at the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. We join in mourning his loss and celebrating his life eternal in Christ. Click here to read the full message.

Bishop Eaton, ELCA, Letters, NewsBrian FlatgardApril 21, 2025Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, Bishop Eaton LettersComment

Bishop Hutterer: Christ Is Risen—Now What?

This resurrection we celebrate as Easter people is not a retreat from the world, but an uprising of love within it. It is God’s way of saying that goodness is stronger than evil and that love is stronger than death. Every time we welcome the stranger, tend to the broken, or speak truth in love—we bear witness to resurrection.

Let us be bold and courageous in speaking for justice, compassionate in amplifying voices often unheard, and steadfast in proclaiming God’s grace through actions that heal and reconcile.

Bishop Eaton: The scent of Easter

In her Easter message, Bishop Eaton recalls the story of Mary anointing Jesus’ feet with a powerful, pungent substance used to offset the stench of death. But the substance also signified royalty. Eaton says we discover the promise of Easter in Mary’s act. “Instead of removing the stench of death, the substance anointed a royal king. Through the death and resurrection of Jesus, the usual cycle of life and death has been disrupted forever. Jesus' death and resurrection promises new life and brings us new life.”

Bishop Eaton, ELCA, News, LettersBrian FlatgardApril 16, 20252025 Lent, Bishop Eaton LettersComment

Bishop Eaton Issues Video Message for Transgender Day of Visibility

ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton has issued a video message for Transgender Day of Visibility. In the video, Eaton speaks out against the inhumane actions by legislatures and executive orders while also speaking directly to the transgender and nonbinary community.

ELCA, Letters, News, Bishop EatonBrian FlatgardMarch 31, 2025Bishop Elizabeth Eaton, LGBTQIA+ Comment

Bishop Hutterer: Becoming Easter People

We are called not only to personal reflection but also to communal action—to live as people of grace, serving our neighbors and embodying Christ’s love. This Lent, let us consider how our thoughts, words, and deeds shape the world around us. In a time when political and social divisions run deep, may we be mindful of how we use our voices—not to cut each other down, but to build up, to witness to the hope we share in Christ.

Let us be bold and courageous in speaking for justice, compassionate in amplifying voices often unheard, and steadfast in proclaiming God’s grace through actions that heal and reconcile.

Bishop Eaton Responds to Jerusalem Patriarchs’ Call for Justice in Gaza

The ELCA joins church leaders in Jerusalem in a humanitarian plea for Gaza, standing against the proposed forced displacement of millions. Bishop Eaton calls on Lutherans to respond through prayer, advocacy, and learning, lifting up the voices of our Palestinian siblings in faith. Read more and take action: Click here.

Bishop Eaton, ELCA, Letters, NewsBrian FlatgardFebruary 28, 2025Israel and Palestine, Church and Society, Bishop Eaton LettersComment

Still Black. Still Lutheran: Confronting the Challenges of Leadership in the ELCA

In honor of Black History Month, ELCA Racial Justice Ministries is amplifying the voices of African Descent Lutherans, highlighting the ongoing challenges Black women face in ministry and leadership. In Still Black. Still Lutheran, Nicolette Peñaranda reflects on the systemic barriers that Black women encounter within the ELCA and broader professional spaces. As we celebrate Black history, Peñaranda calls on congregations to move beyond conversation into action—watching Talks at the Desk, engaging with discussion guides, and committing financial support to Black-led ministries. Read more to explore the realities and ways to create lasting change.

ELCA, News, LettersBrian FlatgardFebruary 6, 20252025 Black History Month, Racial Justice, ELCA Racial Justice MinistriesComment

Welcoming the Stranger: Bishop Eaton Responds to Immigration Orders

Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton has issued a statement expressing deep concern over recent immigration executive orders, highlighting their impact on families, faith communities, and service organizations. The ELCA reaffirms its long-standing commitment to welcoming immigrants and calls for prayer, learning, personal witness, and public advocacy. Resources, including a webinar on January 30, are available to equip Lutherans to respond faithfully. Read more on how the Grand Canyon Synod can stand in solidarity with immigrants and refugees in these critical times.

Defendiendo Espacios Sagrados: Declaración de los Ministerios Latinos de la ELCA | Defending Sacred Spaces, ELCA Latino Ministries Speak Out

La Asociación de Ministerios Latinos de la ELCA ha respondido a recientes órdenes ejecutivas que amenazan a comunidades inmigrantes y espacios sagrados. Basada en fe y justicia, su declaración llama a la unidad, acción y abogacía, ofreciendo recursos esenciales para poblaciones vulnerables. Lea más aquí.

The ELCA Latino Ministries Association has responded to recent executive orders threatening immigrant communities and sacred spaces. Rooted in faith and justice, their statement calls for unity, action, and advocacy while providing essential resources for vulnerable populations. Read more here.

ELCA, News, LettersBrian FlatgardJanuary 27, 2025Español, Asociación de Ministerios Latinos de la ELCA, Latino, Church and SocietyComment

From the Block to the Table: How Good Trouble Church Builds Community in Baltimore

Good Trouble Church in Baltimore, Maryland, embodies the call of Micah 6:8, creating “A Way Out of No Way” for those navigating systemic oppression, poverty, and housing insecurity. Led by Rev. Elazar Zavaletta, this ELCA congregation is a beacon of resilience and community care, offering initiatives like a Farm to Stoop Free Market, harm-reduction housing, and leadership workshops. Rooted in Afro-Indigenous wisdom and a “theology of the block,” Good Trouble Church demonstrates how faith can drive grassroots justice and liberation.

ELCA, Letters, NewsBrian FlatgardJanuary 27, 2025Hunger, ELCA World HungerComment

Daily Bread and Bold Witness: A Call from Presiding Bishop Eaton

In her pastoral message, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton reflects on the recent executive orders and their impact on communities, emphasizing prayer, advocacy, and action grounded in faith. Highlighting Martin Luther’s teachings on daily bread and leadership, she calls on the ELCA to advocate for policies that uphold justice and protect the dignity of all people. Resources like the social message on “Government and Civic Engagement” and AMMPARO are commended as tools for action in these uncertain times. Read the full message to explore how our church can respond faithfully to these challenges.

Bishop Eaton, ELCA, Letters, NewsBrian FlatgardJanuary 27, 2025Bishop Eaton Letters, Immigration and Refugees, Sumud, AMMPARO, Church and SocietyComment

The Grace in Letting Go: Embracing an Unbalanced Life of Purpose

Discover why balance might not be the answer to modern life’s demands. Pastor Angela Denker shares a New Year’s reflection on embracing the grace of an unbalanced, purpose-driven life rooted in Jesus’ call to mission. In this post from Café, learn how to prioritize what truly matters and give yourself—and others—permission to let go of the illusion of balance.

ELCA, LettersBrian FlatgardJanuary 24, 2025Café, Women of the ELCA (WELCA)Comment

Risky Transformation: Embracing Change with Faith and Courage

Reflecting on her weight-loss journey, ELCA Pastor Angela T. !Khabeb shares a powerful testimony of hope and transformation through faith. While her efforts to change physically were met with challenges, she discovered the deeper need for spiritual and mental renewal. Drawing on Paul’s metaphor of clay and the potter, Pastor !Khabeb reminds us that our successes and failures are tools in God’s hands, shaping us into works of art still under construction. Her reflections inspire us to embrace transformation with courage, trust in God’s promises, and lean into the grace that sustains us. Read more on the Café blog.

ELCA, LettersBrian FlatgardJanuary 23, 2025Café, Women of the ELCA (WELCA)Comment

Beyond Binaries: Upholding God’s Diversity in Humanity

This week, ELCA Region 2 leaders respond to a recent presidential declaration limiting gender identity to a binary framework. Reflecting on Galatians 3:28 and the ELCA’s 2019 social statement, they affirm the inherent diversity of God’s creation, celebrate all gender expressions, and call for advocacy against discrimination. This letter underscores our shared identity in Christ and invites prayer for those affected by these harmful statements. Read the full letter and join us in standing for justice and inclusion.

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