Bishop Eaton Urges U.S. Leaders to Act Swiftly for Peace in Gaza

ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton has sent a letter to President Donald Trump and members of Congress expressing support for Jewish-American and Israeli communities affected by the Oct. 7 attacks, while voicing profound horror over the ongoing catastrophe in Gaza. Citing famine, mass displacement, and civilian deaths, Eaton urges U.S. leaders to leverage their influence to halt the war, ensure unrestricted humanitarian aid, and pursue a just peace for all in the Holy Land. To read Bishop Eaton’s full letter, click here.

“For the love of God, the sake of our shared humanity and the future of our Palestinian siblings of all faiths, your swift action may be the best and perhaps only way to stop the war and plant seeds of peace in the Holy Land.” — Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 15, 2025Bishop Eaton Letters, Israel and Palestine, Church and SocietyComment

Witnessing Sumud: ELCA Reflections from the Holy Land

On June 5, ELCA leaders and partners shared Reflections from the Holy Land in a Sumud webinar now available on YouTube. Exploring the meaning of sumud—steadfast resilience—they offered stories from Palestinian communities and reflected on our Lutheran call to accompany, advocate, and remain present in places of deep suffering. Watch the recording and join in prayer, learning, and action.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 13, 2025Sumud, Israel and Palestine, Church and SocietyComment

Speak Up for Gaza: Aid Must Reach the Vulnerable Safely

The ELCA urges action to ensure safe and neutral humanitarian aid access in Gaza. Current aid delivery mechanisms, backed by U.S. and Israeli authorities, force Palestinians to risk their lives for food and fail to provide access to medical and hygiene supplies. As people of faith, we are called to advocate for peace and human dignity. Learn how you can contact your lawmakers and make your voice heard. Click here for more.

“No Place Is Sacred”: ELCA Responds to Strike on Holy Family Church

In response to an Israeli military strike that killed three people and injured several others at Holy Family Church in Gaza, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton has issued a powerful statement mourning the lives lost and condemning the repeated targeting of sacred spaces. She calls for an immediate ceasefire, international adherence to humanitarian laws, and renewed dialogue toward peace in the Holy Land.

Bishop Eaton, ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardJuly 21, 2025Israel and PalestineComment

ELCA Denounces Gaza Hospital Attack: Bishop Eaton’s Urgent Call for Justice

Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton has issued a strong statement condemning the recent attack on Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza, a facility closely linked to the Lutheran World Federation through its partnership with Augusta Victoria Hospital. The ELCA joins its ecumenical partners in calling for accountability, an immediate ceasefire, and protection for all medical facilities under international law. We stand in prayerful solidarity with the injured, the grieving, and all who serve in places of healing. Click here to read the full statement.

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.

Hope, Hosanna, and Heartbreak: ELCA Joins Solidarity Visit to Palestinian Lutherans

In a powerful joint statement following a Holy Week solidarity visit, ELCA and ELCIC leaders affirm unwavering support for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land. As the last hospital in Gaza was bombed on Palm Sunday and hope continues to dim for many Palestinians, the call for justice, accompaniment, and presence rings out louder than ever. “As long as the ELCJHL is here, we are all here.” Click here to read the full statement at ELCA.org.

Staying with Hope: ELCA’s Sumud Initiative Walks with Christians in the Holy Land

Palestinian Christians living under military occupation in the Holy Land face immense challenges—separation from family, lack of work, and rising emigration. Through the Sumud initiative, the ELCA stands in steadfast accompaniment with our partners in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL), advocating for dignity, justice, and peace. Sumud means “steadfastness,” and this initiative invites us to listen, learn, and act in faithful support. Click here to read more at Living Lutheran.

From Enemies to Peacemakers: Film Screening Explores Radical Reconciliation

Join Casa Peace Ministry Friday, April 4 at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale for a screening of Disturbing the Peace, a powerful documentary about Israelis and Palestinians who chose nonviolence and reconciliation. The evening includes pizza, prayer, film, and conversation. Space is limited—register by April 2 at 7:00 pm.

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

Deepen Your Lenten Journey with the 2025 ELCA Sumud Lenten Series

Looking for a meaningful way to engage in Lent this year? The 2025 ELCA Sumud Lenten Series Resource Guide offers six weeks of devotions, prayers, and theological reflections from ELCJHL pastors, Bethlehem Bible College students, and an ELCA bishop. This collaborative resource invites you to journey through Lent with voices from the Holy Land, reflecting on themes of faith, justice, and steadfast hope. Download the guide today and share it with your congregation or study group. Read more.

Sumud Winter Newsletter: A Call to Peace and Justice in the Holy Land

This Christmas season, ELCA Sumud reflects on a year of advocacy and accompaniment with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL). From Rev. Gabi Aelabouni’s solidarity visit to impactful ministries like the Olive Harvest Festival and Beit Jala’s hot meals program, our Palestinian siblings inspire hope amid hardship. Read Bishop Azar’s powerful Christmas message, explore ways to advocate for justice, and learn how you can support the ELCJHL Christmas Appeal in this season of peace. Read more in their Winter Newsletter.

Bishop Eaton Urges Biden Administration: Address the Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

In a December 4 letter to President Biden, ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton called for urgent action to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank. She condemned new Israeli laws restricting UNRWA’s operations and emphasized the catastrophic toll on Palestinian lives. Rooted in Lutheran theology, Bishop Eaton urged the U.S. to restore humanitarian aid and uphold human dignity.

Who Will Make Room? Advent Webinars Explore Justice in the Holy Land

This Advent, join the 2024 Advent Pilgrimage in Palestine webinar series to hear powerful stories of faith, justice, and resilience from Palestinian Christians and ELCA partners in the Holy Land. Featuring speakers like Khalil Sayegh, Rev. Rodny Said, the ELCJHL Youth, and YAGM alumni, the three sessions will inspire reflection and action.

Making Room for All: An Advent Pilgrimage of Justice and Peace

Join the ELCA Sumud and ELCA Young Adults this Advent for a powerful spiritual journey exploring Bethlehem and the Holy Land through reflections, webinars, and theological resources. Starting Nov. 30, this series invites us to make room for justice and peace in our lives. Learn more and download the Advent Devotional Guide.

Lutheran Disaster Response: Bringing Hope Amid War in the Holy Land and Ukraine

As wars in the Holy Land and Ukraine continue, Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) is providing vital aid to refugees and vulnerable communities through partnerships with local and global organizations. From creating safe spaces for people with intellectual disabilities in the West Bank to converting bomb shelters into schools in Ukraine, LDR is bringing hope and healing in the midst of conflict. Read more in Living Lutheran and learn how your support can make a difference at elca.org/ldr.

Journey Through Advent: Exploring Justice and the Holy Land

This Advent, explore justice and inclusion through the fourth annual Advent Pilgrimage in Palestine, hosted by ELCA Sumud and ELCA Young Adults. Resources drop November 22, leading into weekly reflections in December that connect the story of Christ’s birth with themes of empire and justice.

Human Rights in the Holy Land: Palestinian Christian Leader Jonathan Kuttab Speaks in Phoenix

Attend one of a special series of talks from Palestinian Christian human rights lawyer Jonathan Kuttab in Phoenix, Nov. 7-9. Kuttab, co-founder of Al Haq and Executive Director of FOSNA, will discuss “The U.S., Palestine, Israel, and Human Rights.” Each day will feature a different location with presentations centered on peace and justice in the Holy Land. Don’t miss this chance to engage with Kuttab’s faith-rooted perspective on nonviolent advocacy and human rights in a region critical to our faith and world.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardNovember 4, 2024Israel and Palestine, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious RelationsComment

Lifeline of Care: $20M from USAID to Support Augusta Victoria Hospital’s Cancer and Kidney Services

Augusta Victoria Hospital in East Jerusalem has received $20 million from USAID, enabling it to sustain vital cancer and kidney care for Palestinians. As the sole specialized healthcare provider in the region, AVH faces financial challenges but continues serving over 5 million people with international support. In light of recent escalations, AVH seeks additional donations to help accommodate patients and staff from Gaza and the West Bank and to secure medical supplies for those impacted by ongoing conflicts. This collaboration exemplifies the power of partnership in sustaining life-saving care. Read the full article at Lutheran World Federation.

Southeastern Iowa Synod Service of Lamentation and Remembrance: praying for Peace in the Holy Land

The Southeastern Iowa Synod Sumud working group and Pastor Peter Petit have developed a liturgy for congregations to use for a service of lamentation and remembrance to be used on or near Sunday, October 6, 2024. Bishop Current has provided a pre-recorded sermon to use as part of this service.

Additionally, the pre-recorded PowerPoint introduction to the Israel-Hamas war, including history of the area, the current conflict, and some ministry perspectives. These are great to use as an accompanying adult forum or study in your congregation. Download all the resources using links in our post.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardOctober 2, 2024Sumud, Israel and Palestine, Southeastern Iowa SynodComment

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