The recording of the ELCA Racial Justice Ministries webinar “Dismantle: Using the Devotional in Congregational Life” is now available. Explore practical, faith-rooted tools for engaging the Dismantle devotional and advancing justice, accountability, and beloved community.
Upcoming webinars are November 10, 2026, and January 12, 2027. Watch the recording and register for the remaining sessions.
Read MoreOn the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11, this Living Lutheran reflection revisits the witness of New York Lutherans who accompanied neighbors through unimaginable grief. Their stories remind us that God is present not apart from suffering, but in faithful listening, lament, mercy, and hope. Read the full reflection.
Read MoreIn this guest reflection for ELCA Racial Justice Ministries, Rev. Terrance A. Jacob recounts how faith-based organizing, grassroots leadership, and a meeting with then-Sen. Barack Obama helped advance support for a Lutheran AIDS ministry in Soweto. It is a personal story of persistence, partnership, and the power of mutual respect across borders. Read Rev. Jacob’s full reflection.
Read MoreWatch the first two webinars in ELCA Racial Justice Ministries’ series equipping the church to dismantle white supremacy—including “Freedom of a Christian,” featuring Rev. Dr. Carmelo Santos, PhD, our 2026 Fall Gathering speaker. Meet Dr. Santos through this timely exploration of Lutheran freedom, justice and our calling to serve our neighbors.
Read MoreIn this Juneteenth reflection, historian and Lutheran scholar Dr. Denise Rector explores the history of emancipation and the enduring significance of freedom. Drawing on both historical truth and Lutheran theology, she reflects on how the delayed announcement of freedom to enslaved people in Texas echoes the importance of proclaiming truth and justice today.
Rooted in the promise of justification by grace through faith, the article reminds Christians that freedom in Christ is real—and calls us to love our neighbors, speak truth, and serve a world God loves. Read Dr. Rector’s full reflection on Juneteenth.
Read MoreIn honor of Arab American Heritage Month, ELCA Racial Justice Ministries lifts up a powerful reflection by Grace El-Yateem on the enduring impact of Arab American Christians in shaping Lutheran life in the United States. Tracing roots from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land to congregations across the U.S., the article highlights a legacy of service, education, and interfaith connection that continues to enrich the church today.
This reflection invites us to recognize how diverse voices strengthen the body of Christ and deepen our shared witness. Read more to explore this important story and its connection to our life together as church.
Read MoreIn observance of Arab American Heritage Month, Dr. Ryan LaHurd reflects on the often-overlooked reality of anti-Arab prejudice in the United States and the importance of naming, recognizing, and confronting it. Drawing on personal experience and social research, he highlights how misunderstanding and distance can lead to dehumanization—and how even simple acts of connection can begin to change that. Read more in the full ELCA.org article.
Read MoreJoin White Lutherans for Racial Justice and ELCA Racial Justice Ministries for a national online gathering on Thursday, May 15, from 4:30–6:00 p.m. Arizona / Pacific Time, to honor the Emanuel Nine through learning, reflection, and action. This 90-minute event offers inspiration and practical tools for deepening your congregation’s commitment to racial justice. Register here.
Read MoreIn honor of Arab American Heritage Month, ELCA Racial Justice Ministries is uplifting voices from Arab and Middle Eastern descent within the church. In My Take: We Are Not Newcomers, Khader Khalilia shares a powerful reflection on the deep faith, hospitality, and history of Arab Christians—and calls us to move beyond celebration to true belonging. Let us not just observe a month; let us be transformed by the witness of Arab American Lutherans. Click here to read the full post at ELCA.org.
Read MoreMay 5 is National Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women’s (MMIW) Awareness Day—a time to honor the lives of Indigenous women, girls, and relatives who have gone missing or been murdered at alarmingly high rates. In line with the ELCA’s Declaration to American Indian and Alaska Native People, congregations are invited to wear red, host prayer vigils, include MMIWGR in worship, and build relationships with local Indigenous leaders and musicians. Click here to learn more and access resources from the ELCA.
Read MoreIn honor of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, Dr. Robin Lauermann reflects on a recent ELCA Association of White Lutherans for Racial Justice board retreat in Montgomery, Alabama. The group visited the Legacy Museum and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, deepening their understanding of white supremacy’s legacy and the call to faithful advocacy. Stories of injustice and resilience, like that of Anthony Ray Hinton, challenge and inspire us as people of faith. Click here to read the full reflection.
Read MoreELCA Racial Justice share this devotional, created in response to the call of the 2019 Churchwide Assembly to condemn white supremacy and racist rhetoric. As you journey through Lent, this resource will challenge you and bring you closer to the radical neighbor-love that Christ demands in the Gospels.
Read MoreIn 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.
Read MoreNovember is Native American Heritage Month—a time for learning, honoring, and reflecting on the rich contributions of Indigenous communities. This month, ELCA’s Racial Justice Ministries is spotlighting events that call us toward truth and healing. Join online discussions on church accountability for Indian boarding schools, reflect on Vine Deloria Jr.’s work at the Theological Symposium, and, for those able, participate in the National Day of Mourning in Plymouth, Mass., to stand with Indigenous communities. Learn more about how we can walk together toward justice and understanding.
Read MoreNovember is Native American Heritage Month—a time for learning, honoring, and reflecting on the rich contributions of Indigenous communities. This month, ELCA’s Racial Justice Ministries is spotlighting events that call us toward truth and healing. Join online discussions on church accountability for Indian boarding schools, reflect on Vine Deloria Jr.’s work at the Theological Symposium, and, for those able, participate in the National Day of Mourning in Plymouth, Mass., to stand with Indigenous communities. Learn more about how we can walk together toward justice and understanding.
Read MoreIn celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month which is celebrated in the United States September 15- October 15, ELCA Racial Justice shares an article which is cross-posted from Living Lutheran. The original post can be found here.
Read MoreJoin White Lutherans for Racial Justice and the ELCA Office of Racial Justice for a free “train the trainer” event on Monday, 9/16/2024 at 5pm PDT/MST, 6pm MDT. This event will equip leaders to host anti-racist screenings of the documentary A Time for Burning, sparking important conversations in congregations across the synod. Sign up today to prepare for hosting screenings in October and November.
Read MoreIn honor of International Day for People of African Descent, which is observed internationally on August 31 each year, ELCA Racial Justice Ministries invited ELCA Director for Innovation and Ideas Rahel Mwitula Williams to share some thoughts about being a person of African descent. For more information on International Day for People of African Descent, visit International Day for People of African Descent – EN | United Nations. Read the full post on the ELCA blog.
Read MoreIn honor of Juneteenth, ELCA Racial Justice Ministries invited Dr. Dianne R. Browne, Ph.D., CFLE, CSE, Chair of the ELCA New Jersey Synod’s Anti-Racism Team to share some thoughts about this federal holiday that many mark as the official end of legalized human enslavement in the United States. For more information on Juneteenth, visit What Is Juneteenth? | HISTORY.
Read MoreIn observance of Arab American Heritage Month, ELCA Racial Justice Ministries invited Rev. Dr. Niveen Ibrahim Sarras to share her thoughts on this topic.
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