The Rev. Benjamin K. Quanbeck of Billings was elected May 31 as bishop of the Montana Synod. He begins his six-year term on Sept. 1 and will be installed Sept. 20. Read the full election story: click here.
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Rev. Christa M. Compton was elected June 7 as bishop of the New Jersey Synod. She begins Sept. 1 and will be installed Aug. 23. Learn more about her leadership journey: click here.
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The Rev. Suzanne Darcy Dillahunt was reelected on the first ballot June 6 to a third term as bishop of the Southern Ohio Synod. She has served since 2013. Full details here: click here.
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The Rev. Philip C. Hirsch, former ELCA executive, was elected bishop of the Metropolitan Washington, D.C. Synod on June 7. He begins Sept. 1 and will be installed Nov. 9. Read the full story: click here.
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On June 7, the Rev. Donna J. Simon was elected bishop of the Central States Synod after five ballots. Her installation is set for Sept. 28 following her Sept. 1 start. Read more about her background and vision: click here.
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Rev. Stephen R. Herr of Gettysburg was elected June 7 to serve a six-year term as bishop of the Lower Susquehanna Synod. He will take office Sept. 1 with installation set for Oct. 25 in Hanover, Pa. Click here for more.
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The Rev. Melissa L. Stoller was elected June 13 as bishop of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod. A longtime leader in mission and ministry, she will take office Sept. 1 and be installed Oct. 18 in Pittsburgh. Click here to read the full announcement: click here
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A new report from ELCA Disability Ministries highlights how congregations across the country are expanding access and welcome to people with disabilities—and where challenges remain. Drawing on in-depth interviews with 10 churches, the report outlines successes, barriers, and recommendations for a more inclusive church. This is a vital read for leaders seeking to reflect God’s radical welcome in real, practical ways. Click here for more.
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June 17 marks the 10th anniversary of the murder of the Emanuel Nine—nine Black disciples gathered for Bible study at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, SC. The ELCA commemorates this day as a time of repentance and renewed commitment to racial justice. Resources are available for use in worship, study, and personal reflection. Click here to explore materials and read the full remembrance from Presiding Bishop Eaton.
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In a major ecumenical step, a provisional update to the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL) has been approved to address anti-Jewish interpretations in Christian worship. The changes, which will be tested over a three-year period beginning Advent 2025, reconsider how Passion narratives and Easter readings are proclaimed—emphasizing readings from the Hebrew Scriptures and delaying Acts readings until after Pentecost. The ELCA encourages congregations to engage these updates thoughtfully and offer feedback. To read the full announcement and access resources, click here.
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The ELCA Disability Ministries team has released new worship resources for individuals who are blind, visually impaired, or print-disabled. Free tools such as refreshable Braille eReaders, talking-book players, and access to the Evangelical Lutheran Worship in electronic Braille and large-print formats are now available. Listen to an insightful interview with Braille proofreader Terry Gorman, and explore accessible editions of the Bible and Martin Luther’s Small Catechism. Click here to read the full article and access the full list of resources.
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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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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 shares her message for our 2025 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly.
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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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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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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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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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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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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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