In a landmark decision at the 2025 Churchwide Assembly in Phoenix, the Rev. Lucille “CeCee” Mills was elected Secretary of the ELCA—the first Black leader to serve in this role. Mills, a TEEM graduate and assistant to the bishop in North Carolina, was elected on the fifth ballot and spoke of a new season for the church grounded in call, community, and God’s grace. To read the full article from the ELCA News Service, click here.
Read MoreThe ELCA Churchwide Assembly has overwhelmingly adopted Faith and Civic Life: Seeking the Well-being of All, a social statement on the relationship between church and state. This theologically grounded document guides Lutherans in civic engagement, aiming to help shape conscience and inform faithful action in public life. Developed over several years through churchwide participation, this statement encourages us to pursue justice, peace, and the common good. To explore the full statement and the process behind it, click here for more.
Read MoreIn the latest Here I Pod episode from ELCA Advocacy, Regina Banks interviews Phoebe Morad, Executive Director of Lutherans Restoring Creation, on how faith communities can integrate climate justice into congregational life. The episode also features young adults on Capitol Hill raising awareness about climate issues with elected leaders. Learn how Lutheran faith inspires advocacy and intergenerational dialogue for caring for God’s creation—click here for more.
Read MoreIn response to a tragic act of political violence in Minnesota, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry–Minnesota (LA-MN) offers tools and hope to address the root causes of division. From the Graceful Conversations workshop to emerging resources on media literacy and Christian nationalism, this spotlight highlights how faithful advocacy, grounded in Lutheran theology, can help rebuild community and resist extremism. Click here to read the full article from ELCA Advocacy.
Read MoreKeith Christensen, principal gifts officer at Mayo Clinic and member of St. Peter Lutheran Church in Greene, Iowa, shares how his Lutheran faith shapes his calling in development and stewardship. With a legacy rooted in ELCA colleges, lifelong church involvement, and a commitment to generous leadership, Christensen reflects on listening, asking, and living out God’s call with humility and purpose. Click here to read the full story in Living Lutheran: I’m a Lutheran: Keith Christensen.
Read MoreIn A Liberation Theology of the Brain, Carmelo Santos-Rolón—ELCA theologian and former neuroscience instructor—invites us into a powerful dialogue between science and theology. Drawing on neuroscience and liberation theology, he explores how systems of oppression are encoded in our emotions and behaviors, and how the word of God can liberate us, body and mind. His insights point to a church that not only proclaims healing but practices it through dialogue, community, and transformation. Click here to read the full interview in Living Lutheran: Neuroscience and decolonial theology.
Read MoreShauna Hannan has been named president of the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (LSTC), effective July 1. With a background in pastoral ministry, homiletics, and theological education, Hannan brings deep experience and a bold vision for equipping leaders in a changing church and world. She describes LSTC’s commitment to justice, peace, and care for creation as “more vital now than ever.”
Hannan looks forward to building on the seminary’s legacy alongside LSTC’s community to ensure long-term sustainability and joyful service to God’s beloved world. Click here to read the full article on Living Lutheran.
Read MoreJoin the August 21 workshop Creating a Dementia-Friendly Congregation, led by Dr. Kristin Mauk and sponsored by the Lutheran Faith Community Nurse Association. Open to nurses and non-nurses, this online event equips participants with evidence-based tools and Christ-centered strategies to better support people living with dementia and their families. Registration is $30–$50 and includes 2.0 nursing contact hours. Register at lutheranfcna.org/event-6168932.
Read MoreFor an end to war, violence, and genocide across the world, especially in Ukraine, Gaza, Iran, Israel, Haiti, Sudan, Myanmar, Yemen, India, Pakistan, Thailand, and Cambodia…
For those at risk of famine and starvation in Gaza, and for those who work to provide aid and relief…
For victims of violence, especially in New York City, NY, Reno, NV, and Traverse City, MI…
For those who are still missing in the aftermath of flooding in Texas, and for the ongoing work of search and rescue teams…
For those experiencing deadly flooding in Beijing, China, and for all places affected by severe weather…
For those facing the aftermath of the eastern Russia earthquake, and for all evacuees in the region…
For Presiding Bishop-elect Yehiel Curry, for Presiding Bishop Eaton, and for the ELCA in this season of leadership transition…
In thanksgiving for the Spirit’s wisdom and guidance during ELCA Churchwide Assembly…
In gratitude for the volunteers, convention center staff, and Churchwide staff who made ELCA Churchwide Assembly possible…
Yehiel Curry, bishop of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod, was elected as the ELCA’s new presiding bishop on the fifth ballot. The day also featured powerful preaching from the Holy Land, approval of the 2026–2028 churchwide budget, and the adoption of a significant memorial calling for an end to the occupation of Palestine. In a spirit of ecumenical solidarity and prophetic voice, the assembly celebrated partnerships, affirmed resilience, and looked ahead with courage and grace. Click here to read the full Day Three recap.
Read MoreOn day two of the Churchwide Assembly, seven nominees advanced in the election for presiding bishop, with a third ballot and Q&A set for day three. Voting members wore red to honor missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. The day featured updates on repudiating the Doctrine of Discovery, the introduction of key social statements on civic life and human sexuality, and fiscal reports that revealed a stable budget outlook. Ecumenical partners and college leaders also offered greetings and updates. Click here to read the full Day Two recap.
Read MoreThe 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.
Read MoreBishop 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.
Read MoreThe 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.
Read More140 volunteers from across our synod helped host the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly in Phoenix, covering 651 shifts in 16 different roles. We offer our deepest thanks to all who served—and especially to Mary Beth Baron and Darcy Mittelstaedt—for helping our synod extend gracious hospitality to the wider church.
Read MoreExplore 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.
Read MoreThe 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.
Read MoreThe 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.
Read MoreThe 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.
Read MoreELCA 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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