Posts in ELCA
Bishop Eaton: Emanuel Nine 10th Anniversary Remembrance, June 17, 2025
Bishop Eaton: Emanuel Nine 10th Anniversary Remembrance, June 17, 2025

In observance of the 10th anniversary of the tragic shooting of nine martyrs at Mother Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina, Bishop Eaton calls on us to “lament the wounds of the sin of racism that sow seeds of fear, division, and hatred. Remembering the nine murders in Charleston is a commitment that our church must never forget. As the ELCA, our story is forever bound to the story, people, and community of Mother Emanuel AME. They are us, and we are them.” Watch the video here, download: https://bit.ly/4dXdmrx

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ELCA, News, Bishop EatonBrian FlatgardEmanuel 9, Bishop Eaton Letters, Racial JusticeComment
ELCA Denounces Gaza Hospital Attack: Bishop Eaton’s Urgent Call for Justice
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.

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Bishop Eaton, ELCA, Global Church, NewsBrian FlatgardIsrael and Palestine, Church and Society, Bishop Eaton LettersComment
Bishop Kevin Strickland Reelected to Lead Southeastern Synod
Bishop Kevin Strickland Reelected to Lead Southeastern Synod

The Rev. Kevin L. Strickland has been reelected to a six-year term as bishop of the ELCA Southeastern Synod, receiving 224 votes on the first ballot during the synod assembly in Columbus, Georgia. Strickland, a former ELCA executive for worship, continues to serve a region spanning Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and Tennessee. To learn more about Bishop Strickland’s reelection and background, click here.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardComment
Bishop Bill Tesch Reelected in Northwestern Minnesota Synod
Bishop Bill Tesch Reelected in Northwestern Minnesota Synod

The Rev. William “Bill” Tesch has been reelected to a six-year term as bishop of the ELCA’s Northwestern Minnesota Synod. The vote took place May 31 during the synod assembly at Concordia College in Moorhead, Minn., with Tesch receiving 263 votes on the first ballot—meeting the 75% threshold. Tesch has served as bishop since 2019 and brings decades of ministry and mission experience. To read more about his reelection and service history, click here.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardComment
Bishop Yehiel Curry Reelected to Lead ELCA’s Metropolitan Chicago Synod
Bishop Yehiel Curry Reelected to Lead ELCA’s Metropolitan Chicago Synod

The Rev. Yehiel Curry has been reelected to a second six-year term as bishop of the ELCA Metropolitan Chicago Synod. The vote took place May 30 at the synod assembly in St. Charles, Illinois, where Curry was elected on the third ballot with 265 votes. A graduate of the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, Curry brings years of pastoral and mission experience to this continued role of leadership. To read the full ELCA news release, click here.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardComment
Teaching Disability Theology: Forming Church Leaders for an Inclusive Future
Teaching Disability Theology: Forming Church Leaders for an Inclusive Future

A recent May term course brought together seminary students across ELCA institutions to explore a theology of disability and the practical work of building accessible, anti-ableist ministry. Through models of disability, disability justice history, inclusive worship practices, and leadership by those with lived experience, the course offered powerful formation for future church leaders.

From dynamic guest speakers to real-life case studies, the experience highlighted both the urgent need and hopeful promise of churches committed to inclusion. Click here to read the full reflection at ELCA.org.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardDisability Ministries, ELCA Disability MinistriesComment
Funding Available Now: ELCA Disability Ministry Grants Open Through July 31
Funding Available Now: ELCA Disability Ministry Grants Open Through July 31

Applications are now open for the ELCA Disability Ministry Grants, with up to $35,000 in total funding available for 2025. Individual ministries may apply for grants up to $10,000 through July 31. Projects must demonstrate active engagement with people with disabilities and align with one or more core goals of the Disability Ministry. To learn more and access the application, click here.

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ELCA, Leadership Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardDisability Ministries, ELCA Disability Ministries, GrantsComment
Bishop Eaton: Call for the body of Christ to affirm every body
Bishop Eaton: Call for the body of Christ to affirm every body

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.

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Bishop Eaton, ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLGBTQIA+, Church and SocietyComment
Presiding Bishop Responds to New U.S. Travel Ban
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.

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ELCA, Bishop Eaton, News, LettersBrian FlatgardBishop Eaton Letters, Immigration and Refugees, Church and SocietyComment
Global Partner Spotlight: Prayers, Progress, and Pastor Kristin’s June Update from Madagascar
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.

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ELCA, Global Church, Grand Canyon Synod, Letters, NewsBrian FlatgardPastor Kristin Engstrom, Global MissionComment
Emily Hartner Elected Bishop of the ELCA North Carolina Synod
Emily Hartner Elected Bishop of the ELCA North Carolina Synod

The 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.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardComment
From the Pulpit to the Statehouse: Faith Communities Push for Equity in Kansas
From the Pulpit to the Statehouse: Faith Communities Push for Equity in Kansas

Kansas 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.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment
Welcoming Justice-Focused Leaders to the ELCA Disability Ministries Team
Welcoming Justice-Focused Leaders to the ELCA Disability Ministries Team

The 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.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardDisability Ministries, ELCA Disability MinistriesComment
Two ELCA Pastors Reclaim “Cafeteria Christian” as a Faithful Practice
Two ELCA Pastors Reclaim “Cafeteria Christian” as a Faithful Practice

Can 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.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
“It’s Up to Us”: Answering Christ’s Call Today
“It’s Up to Us”: Answering Christ’s Call Today

In 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.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
I’m a Lutheran: Jillian Russell
I’m a Lutheran: Jillian Russell

Jillian 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.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
Register Now: ELEA Leadership Gathering Unites Lutheran Educators Nationwide
Register Now: ELEA Leadership Gathering Unites Lutheran Educators Nationwide

Lutheran 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.

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ELCA, News, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardEvangelical Lutheran Education AssociationComment
Call for Dancers: Share Your Gifts at Churchwide Assembly Worship
Call for Dancers: Share Your Gifts at Churchwide Assembly Worship

Do 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.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian Flatgard2025 Churchwide AssemblyComment