Posts in ELCA
Introducing 2021-2022 Hunger Advocacy Fellows

The Hunger Advocacy Fellows program is a year-long transformative experience that combines leadership development, faith formation, and impactful advocacy that moves us toward an end to hunger and a just world where all are fed. Hunger Advocacy Fellows are placed with different ELCA-affiliated state public policy offices across the country. We are excited to introduce our 2021-2022 Hunger Advocacy Fellows.

Read More
Conflict resolution skills used to bridge partisan divide

The morning after the 2016 presidential election, Bruce MacKenzie had a line from the “Prayer of St. Francis” running through his mind: “Seek as much … to be understood as to understand.”

He came across an article that mentioned Braver Angels (formerly “Better Angels”), an organization trying to bridge the partisan divide and depolarize America, and signed up for a “Red/Blue Workshop,” which brings together an equal number of conservatives and liberals to discover common values.

Read More
Advocating for Children: Presiding Bishops Eaton and Curry

In this video, Presiding Bishop Eaton and Presiding Bishop Curry of The Episcopal Church share their experiences at the White House advocating for children and families through a series of bills before Congress right now.

Visit The Episcopal Public Policy Network and ELCA Advocacy or more ways to get involved.

Read More
Orange Shirt Day is 9/30/2021: The ongoing legacy of the Doctrine of Discovery

Bishop Eaton joins three other bishops in North America to invite us to to commemorate September 30, 2021 (www.orangeshirtday.org) as a day for truth and healing.

We encourage you to learn about residential and boarding schools for Indigenous People, honor survivors, and remember those who never made it home from the schools.

Read More
I’m a Lutheran: Selena Wilkes

Meet Selena Wilkes, Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Williamsport, Md: Entrepreneur with several businesses, CEO of Elmwood Farm Hospitality Group and Port 44, retired Ladies Professional Golf Association Futures Tour golfer, motivational speaker, former council president of Zion, board member on several community nonprofits including the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Read More
How Lutherans engage in difficult conversations

“Things have gotten pretty charged this past year in a lot of different ways in our area,” said Seth Nelson, pastor of Faith Lutheran Church in Ronan, Mont. “People come charged into most situations—they know what they think and they know how to demonize the other side.”

In a world shaped by 24-hour cable news, social media and misinformation spread online, how can Lutherans cut through the noise and speak to each other with civility, compassion and understanding?

Read More
Bishop Eaton joins other church leaders at White House meeting on pending economic legislation

ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton and other members of the Circle of Protection coalition met Thursday, Sept. 22, 2021, with senior officials at the White House. The Circle of Protection letter, including the full list of signers, can be read here.

Eaton and other heads of Christian denominations and organizations are working together to urge passage of the economic bills the U.S. Congress is considering now, along with voting rights legislation this fall. Thursday's meeting focuses on the family support bill currently being debated in Congress.

Read More
Meet Jamie: ELCA Youth Gathering

“My life changed the day I was told that my son has autism. The journey has been full of ups and downs, but through it all God has been actively working to show us beauty and grace in the autism world. Because of the journey with our son, I am honored to serve as the team leader for the tAble planning team.”

Read Jamie’s letter in this post, and view a tAble Webinar she participates in as well.

Read More
Where all may dwell: Augsburg Lutheran, Winston-Salem, NC

This week’s Story of Faith in Action features the Dwelling, an ELCA faith community designed for, but not exclusive to, people in Winston-Salem who are or have been homeless. Funding comes from partnerships with Augsburg, the North Carolina Synod, the Moravian Church in America and the ELCA churchwide organization.

Read this story in this post, view as a PDF resource, or visit our SOFIA 2021-2022 page for all resources.

Read More
Breaking the Silence about Suicide

September is National Suicide Prevention Month, a month where the fight to end suicide is recognized on a national platform.

Here at the Suicide Prevention Ministry, an Independent Lutheran Organization, suicide prevention is the driving force of our daily work and the focus of our call to love our neighbor, care for the sick, and carry each other’s burdens.

Read More