Posts in ELCA
CWA Day 1: Churchwide Assembly Opens in Phoenix with Eucharist and First Ballot
CWA Day 1: Churchwide Assembly Opens in Phoenix with Eucharist and First Ballot

The 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly officially opened in Phoenix on July 28 with a powerful worship service of Holy Communion and the first plenary session. Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton preached on the eucharist as an act of resistance in a divided world. Voting members cast the first ballot for presiding bishop—no election yet. Grand Canyon Synod Bishop Deborah Hutterer offered greetings as the host synod. The day closed with an introduction to Friday’s litany of confession and repentance for patriarchy and sexism. Click here to read the full Day One recap.

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ELCA, NewsBrian Flatgard2025 Churchwide AssemblyComment
Living Lutheran: Meet Presiding Bishop-Elect Yehiel Curry
Living Lutheran: Meet Presiding Bishop-Elect Yehiel Curry

Bishop Yehiel Curry has been elected the fifth presiding bishop of the ELCA, marking a historic first as the denomination’s first bishop of African descent. A former teacher and social worker turned pastor and synod bishop, Curry brings a deep passion for lay leadership, community-rooted ministry, and faithful embodiment of the church’s call. His story is one of discernment, hope, and gratitude for the church’s investment in emerging leaders. Curry will be installed October 4 at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. Click here to read the full story on Living Lutheran.

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Bishop Curry, ELCA, NewsBrian Flatgard2025 Churchwide Assembly Comment
‘Thank You for Your Investment’: Yehiel Curry Elected Presiding Bishop of the ELCA
‘Thank You for Your Investment’: Yehiel Curry Elected Presiding Bishop of the ELCA

The Rev. Yehiel Curry was elected July 30 as presiding bishop of the ELCA during the Churchwide Assembly in Phoenix. Elected on the fifth ballot with 562 votes, Curry becomes the first Black presiding bishop in the ELCA’s history. He currently serves as bishop of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod and brings a deep history of mission development and theological formation to this new call. Read more in the ELCA’s press release.

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ELCA, NewsBrian Flatgard2025 Churchwide AssemblyComment
Free August Events from ELCA Coaching: Support, Skills, and Sacred Connection
Free August Events from ELCA Coaching: Support, Skills, and Sacred Connection

Explore a variety of free ELCA Coaching events this August, including gatherings on healing, truth-telling, and faith practice. Upcoming highlights include “Creating Beloved Community” sessions each Wednesday and “Decolonizing Worship” on August 29. Registration is also open for coaching trainings beginning in August and September. Learn more and register at elcacoaching.org/events.

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ELCA, News, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardCoaching, ELCA CoachingComment
Bible Study Series on Justice Now Available: “For the Life of the World”
Bible Study Series on Justice Now Available: “For the Life of the World”

The July Bible study series exploring For the Life of the World through the lenses of climate justice, gender justice, and reconciliation is now available online. Watch the videos and download study guides to explore how Scripture and faith speak into the world’s most urgent challenges. Perfect for personal reflection or group study.

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ELCA, NewsBrian Flatgard2025 Churchwide Assembly, Climate Change, LGBTQIA+Comment
Speak Up for Gaza: Aid Must Reach the Vulnerable Safely
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.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA Advocacy, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), Church and Society, Israel and PalestineComment
Navigating Political Violence with Faith: New Season of Here I Pod Launches
Navigating Political Violence with Faith: New Season of Here I Pod Launches

The second season of Here I Pod from ELCA Advocacy launches with a compelling episode on faith, advocacy, and community in the face of political violence. Host Regina Q. Banks speaks with Lutheran leaders in Minnesota and across the church, including the Rev. Amy Reumann and the Rev. Angela Denker, about how we can respond theologically and practically to violence in our public life. To explore how our faith informs action in this moment, click here.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardHere I Pod, ELCA Advocacy, Church and SocietyComment
Bishop Eaton Responds to IRS Ruling: “Protect the Church from Partisanship”
Bishop Eaton Responds to IRS Ruling: “Protect the Church from Partisanship”

ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton has issued a video message in response to a recent IRS ruling that may reinterpret the Johnson Amendment to permit partisan activity by religious organizations. Emphasizing the church’s theological commitment to remain nonpartisan, Eaton urges vigilance while affirming our gospel call to advocate for justice. Watch the video and read the ELCA’s full statement online.

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ELCA, Bishop Eaton, Letters, NewsBrian FlatgardBishop Eaton Letters, Church and SocietyComment
Church and State: ELCA Responds to IRS Ruling on Political Activity
Church and State: ELCA Responds to IRS Ruling on Political Activity

In response to a recent IRS court filing, the ELCA reaffirms its support of the Johnson Amendment, which prohibits churches from endorsing political candidates. The church warns that loosening these protections could compromise gospel clarity and introduce partisanship into congregational life. The ELCA encourages faithful, nonpartisan civic engagement rooted in Lutheran theology.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardChurch and SocietyComment
For What Shall We Pray?
For What Shall We Pray?

  • For an end to war, violence, and genocide across the world, especially in Ukraine, Gaza, Iran, Israel, Haiti, Sudan, Myanmar, Yemen, India, and Pakistan…

  • For the ongoing work of first responders and relief organizations, including Lutheran Disaster Response in Kerr County, Texas, and in all places affected by natural disasters…

  • For those experiencing or anticipating storms and floods in the Northeast US and in the Gulf region…

  • For the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada who has elected the Rev. Dr. Larry Kochendorfer to serve as its fifth National Bishop and in thanksgiving for the ministry of outgoing National Bishop Susan Johnson…

  • For our own church and the discernment of voting members who will soon elect a new Presiding Bishop and Secretary of the ELCA…

  • For those affected by recent ICE raids in Camarillo, California, including those injured and killed…

  • For all victims of sexual abuse and assault…

  • For those killed and injured in a recent fire at an assisted living facility in Fall River, Massachusetts…

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ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
July 2025 Mission Support Memo: Chaplaincy Ministers to All
July 2025 Mission Support Memo: Chaplaincy Ministers to All

Explore how ELCA chaplains serve in places beyond church walls—offering God’s love to people of all backgrounds through specialized and federal ministries. This month’s Mission Support Memo also highlights a fresh way to use The Generosity Project and gives thanks for the storytellers who share grace across our church.

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ELCA, News, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardELCA Federal Chaplains, Mission Support, ELCA Mission Support TeamComment
Rediscovering Creativity as a Spiritual Practice
Rediscovering Creativity as a Spiritual Practice

What if your joy is part of your spiritual practice? In this faith reflection originally published by Boldcafé, Sarah Carson invites us to honor the Spirit’s presence in the things we love—doodling, reading poetry, wandering a thrift store. Inspired by Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way, Carson lifts up the “artist’s date” as a sacred invitation to play, explore, and reconnect with our God-given uniqueness. Read more in “A Spiritual Endeavor” on Boldcafé—click here.

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ELCA, News, LettersBrian FlatgardCafé, Women of the ELCA (WELCA)Comment
A Teenager’s Vision for Church: Safe, Inclusive, and Always Becoming
A Teenager’s Vision for Church: Safe, Inclusive, and Always Becoming

Kamila Gutierrez, a communications intern with WELCA and student at UW-Milwaukee, shares her personal journey from childhood faith to discovering Process Theology—a theological framework that embraces change, justice, and becoming. Raised in a conservative tradition, Kamila sought a God who welcomes, includes, and acts. In this reflection, she explores how Process Theology affirms God’s dynamic love and the church’s role in shaping a more just world. Click here to read her full essay on Boldcafe.org.

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ELCA, LettersBrian FlatgardCafé, Women of the ELCA (WELCA) Comment
Ordinary and Extraordinary: A Daughter Reflects on Bishop Eaton’s Ministry
Ordinary and Extraordinary: A Daughter Reflects on Bishop Eaton’s Ministry

Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton’s daughter, Beckah Selnick, offers a heartfelt reflection on a life and ministry rooted in the sacred intersection of the ordinary and extraordinary. From late nights in the sacristy to leadership on the global stage, Bishop Eaton has modeled a ministry of presence, resilience, and grace. Click here to read the full article on Living Lutheran: Ordinary and extraordinary.

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ELCA, Bishop Eaton, NewsBrian FlatgardLiving Lutheran, 2025 Churchwide AssemblyComment
Campus Ministry as Home: Building Belonging at Midland University
Campus Ministry as Home: Building Belonging at Midland University

At Midland University in Fremont, Nebraska, the Office of Campus Ministry and Spiritual Wellness is responding to the crisis of loneliness among young adults with intentional, Spirit-led programs. From guided meditation to family-style community meals and service opportunities, students are finding a place where they are “noticed, named, and known.” Their experience reflects the heart of ELCA campus ministry—cultivating love, building community, and offering a sense of home. Click here to read more on Living Lutheran.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
“No Place Is Sacred”: ELCA Responds to Strike on Holy Family Church
“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.

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Bishop Eaton, ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardIsrael and PalestineComment
For What Shall We Pray?
For What Shall We Pray?

  • For an end to war, violence, and genocide across the world, especially in Ukraine, Gaza, Iran, Israel, Haiti, Sudan, Myanmar, Yemen, India, and Pakistan…

  • For the ongoing work of first responders and relief organizations, including Lutheran Disaster Response in Kerr County, Texas, and in all places affected by natural disasters…

  • For those experiencing or anticipating storms and floods in the Northeast US and in the Gulf region…

  • For the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada who has elected the Rev. Dr. Larry Kochendorfer to serve as its fifth National Bishop and in thanksgiving for the ministry of outgoing National Bishop Susan Johnson…

  • For our own church and the discernment of voting members who will soon elect a new Presiding Bishop and Secretary of the ELCA…

  • For those affected by recent ICE raids in Camarillo, California, including those injured and killed…

  • For all victims of sexual abuse and assault…

  • For those killed and injured in a recent fire at an assisted living facility in Fall River, Massachusetts…

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ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
Meet Bishop-Elect Benjamin Quanbeck: A Vision for Gospel-Rooted Leadership
Meet Bishop-Elect Benjamin Quanbeck: A Vision for Gospel-Rooted Leadership

Bishop-elect Benjamin Quanbeck, chosen to lead the Montana Synod beginning September 1, brings a leadership vision grounded in trust, collaboration, and gospel-centered hope. In an interview with Living Lutheran, Quanbeck emphasized supporting congregations and leaders with the tools they need to thrive—and letting the Spirit lead from there. His mantra, “people over programs,” shapes his pastoral and adaptive approach to ministry. Get to know his vision, values, and hopes for the synod by reading the full interview in Living Lutheran —click here.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardLiving LutheranComment
Called to Renew: Church Reform for the Sake of the Gospel
Called to Renew: Church Reform for the Sake of the Gospel

The Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church (CRLC) has released its final report ahead of the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly, offering a bold roadmap for structural reform grounded in equity, inclusion, and the gospel. Key recommendations include constitutional amendments, support for lay leadership, and commitments to dismantling racism. As our synod prepares to send voting members to Phoenix, this is a critical moment to reflect on who we are—and who we are called to become. Click here to read the full article in Living Lutheran.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardCommission for a Renewed Lutheran Church, Living LutheranComment