Posts in ELCA
Breaking the Silence: New Lutheran Ministry Responds to Abuse in Our Communities
Breaking the Silence: New Lutheran Ministry Responds to Abuse in Our Communities

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and the ELCA is highlighting Unnamed No More, a Lutheran Safe Church ministry supported by a WELCA Katie’s Fund grant. This growing ministry equips congregations to respond to abuse with trauma-informed, faith-based tools—helping churches move from silence to faithful action.

With new ELCA emphasis on child protection and ongoing challenges in congregations, Unnamed No More offers workshops, resources, and support to create safer, more accountable communities. Learn more and explore how your congregation can engage.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardWomen of the ELCA (WELCA)Comment
Civic Engagement as Discipleship: A Lutheran Call to Vote and Advocate
Civic Engagement as Discipleship: A Lutheran Call to Vote and Advocate

The ELCA’s latest advocacy blog explores how civic engagement—including voting—is a vital expression of Lutheran discipleship, grounded in our call to serve the neighbor and seek the common good. The piece highlights both the theological foundations for participation in public life and ongoing challenges to equitable access, including voter suppression and recent legal developments affecting voting rights.

As the church continues its nonpartisan public witness, Lutherans are encouraged to engage faithfully—through voting, advocacy, and supporting fair access for all—while remaining rooted in prayer and a commitment to justice. Read more and access the full article here.

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ELCABrian FlatgardChurch and Society, Elections and Voting Rights, Advocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment
Rev. Taryn Montgomery Elected Bishop of Northeastern Minnesota Synod
Rev. Taryn Montgomery Elected Bishop of Northeastern Minnesota Synod

The Rev. Taryn Montgomery of Duluth, Minn., has been elected bishop of the Northeastern Minnesota Synod of the ELCA, following a fifth-ballot election on April 25 during the synod assembly in Breezy Point, Minn. She will serve a six-year term, succeeding Bishop Amy Odgren, and brings experience as synod minister, pastor, and hospice chaplain.

Montgomery received 166 votes, surpassing the 139 needed for election. Learn more about her background, call, and the work of the Northeastern Minnesota Synod in the full ELCA news release—read more here.

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ELCABrian FlatgardComment
Practicing Peace: What a 2,300-Mile Walk Can Teach the Church
Practicing Peace: What a 2,300-Mile Walk Can Teach the Church

After witnessing a 2,300-mile Walk for Peace led by Buddhist monks, the Rev. Kristen Glass Perez reflects on how peace is not passive—but practiced. Connecting interfaith experience with Christian traditions like the Sharing of the Peace and the Emmaus story, this article calls readers to live out peace intentionally in a divided and fast-moving world. Continue reading at Bold Café.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardCafé, Women of the ELCA (WELCA)Comment
Choosing Joy in Every Season: A Reflection on Happiness and Faith
Choosing Joy in Every Season: A Reflection on Happiness and Faith

In this Bold Café reflection, Karris Golden explores what it means to choose happiness even in life’s most difficult seasons. Drawing on personal experience, Scripture, and daily practices of gratitude, she reframes happiness not as a destination, but as a way of living rooted in faith. With thoughtful questions and a closing prayer, this piece invites readers to reflect deeply on joy, resilience, and God’s abiding peace. Read more at Bold Café.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardCafé, Women of the ELCA (WELCA)Comment
For What Shall We Pray?
For What Shall We Pray?

  • For peace and reconciliation among the nations, especially in Iran, Lebanon, Gaza, Mali, South Sudan, Ukraine, and Venezuela…

  • For all immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers…

  • For those exposed to gun violence at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner, and for an end to political violence…

  • For stabbing victims in north London, and for an end to antisemitism…

  • For flotilla personnel detained by Israeli forces…

  • For communities in Oklahoma and Texas in the wake of tornado damage…

  • For all who live with mental illness, and for all those who support them…

  • For those who work or live in our prisons, jails, and courts, and for an end to capital punishment…

  • For synods of the ELCA as they gather in their assemblies, that the Spirit would enliven and guide them…

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ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
Steady Faith, Strong Traditions: Arab American Lutherans Shaping the Church
Steady Faith, Strong Traditions: Arab American Lutherans Shaping the Church

In honor of Arab American Heritage Month, ELCA Racial Justice Ministries lifts up a powerful reflection by Grace El-Yateem on the enduring impact of Arab American Christians in shaping Lutheran life in the United States. Tracing roots from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land to congregations across the U.S., the article highlights a legacy of service, education, and interfaith connection that continues to enrich the church today.

This reflection invites us to recognize how diverse voices strengthen the body of Christ and deepen our shared witness. Read more to explore this important story and its connection to our life together as church.

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ELCABrian FlatgardAssociation of Lutherans of Arab and Middle Eastern Heritage (ALAMEH), Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, ELCA Racial Justice MinistriesComment
Faith Lens: Prepare a Place For You
Faith Lens: Prepare a Place For You

In this week’s Faith Lens, reflecting on John 14:1–14, Jesus offers words of comfort to anxious disciples facing an uncertain future: “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” As today’s world continues to wrestle with violence and fear, this reflection invites us to consider where true safety is found—not in circumstances, but in Christ’s enduring promise to prepare a place for us.

Grounded in Lutheran hope, this resource encourages conversation, reflection, and faithful action—reminding us that even in times of uncertainty, we are called to trust in God’s promise and to become safe, welcoming places for our neighbors.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardFaith Lens, 2026 Lent and EasterComment
You Are Beloved: Young Adult Leaders Share Global Ministry Stories (May 6)
You Are Beloved: Young Adult Leaders Share Global Ministry Stories (May 6)

Young adults are invited to a special Women of the ELCA webinar on Wednesday, May 6 at 4:30 p.m. (AZ/NV time). Hear from three young leaders—Naomi Mbise, Rebeca Amaro Trevino, and Bliss Tungnung—who have launched ministries supporting women and girls around the world through Seed Grants.

Learn how they discerned their call, started their work, and how you can make a difference in the church and world. Register now to join this inspiring conversation.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardWomen of the ELCA (WELCA), Youth and Young Adult, Young Adults in Global MissionComment
Faithful Stewardship of Space: Introducing the Church Property Resource Hub
Faithful Stewardship of Space: Introducing the Church Property Resource Hub

The Church Property Resource Hub is a new ELCA initiative offering tools, training, and shared wisdom to help congregations steward buildings and land faithfully. Designed in response to real needs across the church, CPRH equips leaders to reimagine property as a resource for mission. Learn more about CPRH.

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Grand Canyon Synod, ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian Flatgard2026 Assembly Stories, Church Property Resource Hub (CPRH)Comment
“No More Stolen Sisters”: ELCA Toolkit Guides May 5 MMIW Observance
“No More Stolen Sisters”: ELCA Toolkit Guides May 5 MMIW Observance

May 5, 2026 is the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Relatives (MMIWGR). The ELCA invites congregations and leaders to participate by wearing red, sharing resources, and engaging in prayer, learning, and advocacy. A new toolkit provides practical ways to take part and extend awareness beyond a single day.

Rooted in our call to justice and solidarity, this is an opportunity for the Grand Canyon Synod to stand with Indigenous communities, honor those who are missing, and support ongoing efforts for healing and change.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardELCA Indigenous Ministries and Tribal Relations, MMIW, Church and SocietyComment
A Sacred Journey: Faith, Aging, and Care at LFCNA’s Annual Educational Event
A Sacred Journey: Faith, Aging, and Care at LFCNA’s Annual Educational Event

The Lutheran Faith Community Nurse Association invites you to its 5th Annual Valborg Tollefsrud Educational Event, Holy Transitions: Spirituality, Aging, and the Work of Accompaniment, on May 7 (5–7 pm MT via Zoom). Led by Rev. Dr. Lorraine Leist, this two-hour session explores aging as a deeply spiritual journey shaped by loss, meaning, resilience, and hope.

Open to Faith Community Nurses, clergy, lay leaders, and all who care for others, this event offers theological reflection and practical insight into accompanying people with dignity in later life. Register today.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardLutheran Faith Community Nurse Association (LFCNA), ElderlyComment
Register Now: ELCA Rostered Ministers Gathering Set for July 6–9 in Indianapolis
Register Now: ELCA Rostered Ministers Gathering Set for July 6–9 in Indianapolis

The 2026 Rostered Ministers Gathering will take place July 6–9 in Indianapolis, inviting pastors, deacons, bishops, and candidates for call into a time of renewal, connection, and reflection under the theme “Woven Together.” Registration is open through June 5, with early and regular pricing available.

Featuring worship, workshops, keynote speakers, and opportunities for fellowship, the gathering offers space to reconnect with colleagues and be renewed for ministry. Participants may also contribute to a shared fabric art project, symbolizing the diverse stories woven together across the ELCA.

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ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian Flatgard2026 Rostered Ministers GatheringComment
ELCA Advocacy Addresses Farm Bill, Voting Rights, and War Concerns
ELCA Advocacy Addresses Farm Bill, Voting Rights, and War Concerns

The April Advocacy Connections update outlines major federal policy issues, including hunger provisions in the Farm Bill, voting access concerns, climate policy changes, and global conflicts. ELCA advocacy continues to engage lawmakers and mobilize faith-based action on issues affecting vulnerable communities.

Action alerts and ongoing advocacy efforts invite Lutherans to speak out on hunger, immigration accountability, and voting rights. Read more and take action through ELCA Advocacy.

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ELCABrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA Advocacy, Church and SocietyComment
Global Crises Intensify: Climate Disasters and Conflict Impact Millions
Global Crises Intensify: Climate Disasters and Conflict Impact Millions

Recent climate disasters and escalating conflicts across multiple regions have displaced millions and increased urgent humanitarian needs worldwide. From flooding in Africa and South America to ongoing conflict in the Middle East and beyond, the scale of crisis continues to grow.

Lutheran Disaster Response is accompanying affected communities through relief, recovery, and long-term resilience efforts. Read more about the global situation and how to support this work.

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ELCABrian FlatgardLutheran Disaster ResponseComment
ELCA Leaders Share Faith and Climate Stories in New Film Series
ELCA Leaders Share Faith and Climate Stories in New Film Series

A new seven-part film series, Caring for the Earth: Stories From Faith Communities, premieres April 25 as part of the National Faith + Climate Forum. Featuring ELCA leaders alongside interfaith partners, the series explores how faith shapes commitment to creation care, with free study guides for congregational use.

The forum gathers over 2,000 participants across 80+ locations, offering resources and conversation tools for faith-based climate action. Read more and access the series and resources.

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ELCABrian FlatgardClimate ChangeComment
ELCA Council Acts on Leadership, Policy, and Future Church Priorities
ELCA Council Acts on Leadership, Policy, and Future Church Priorities

At its April 16 meeting, the ELCA Church Council elected Rachel Wind as executive for administration and took action on a wide range of priorities, including climate justice commitments, ministry strategies, and governance updates. Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry emphasized building a more connected and sustainable church through 2028.

The council also addressed policy updates, affirmed global and ecumenical commitments, and continued work on major churchwide initiatives. Read more about the council’s actions and priorities.

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ELCABrian FlatgardELCA Church CouncilComment
Rachel Wind Elected ELCA Executive for Administration
Rachel Wind Elected ELCA Executive for Administration

The ELCA Church Council has elected Rachel Wind as executive for administration, with her term aligned with the presiding bishop. Wind, who has served in multiple development and philanthropy roles within the ELCA, will begin her new position on Sept. 8.

She succeeds the Rev. Wyvetta Bullock, who has served the churchwide organization for more than 30 years. Read more about Wind’s background and this leadership transition.

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ELCABrian FlatgardComment
For What Shall We Pray?
For What Shall We Pray?

  • For peace and reconciliation among the nations, especially in Iran, Lebanon, Gaza, South Sudan, Ukraine, and Venezuela…

  • For all immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers…

  • For an end to gun violence, and for all victims of gun violence, especially in the communities of Shreveport, Louisiana and Winston-Salem, North Carolina, as well as tourists visiting the Teotihuacán site near Mexico City…

  • For healing, resilience, and rebuilding in Midwestern communities recovering from tornadoes, and for all living in areas facing wildfires and wildfire risk…

  • For the wellbeing of our planet as we celebrate Earth Week, and for human hearts, minds, and wills to work for its health…

  • For Christian unity as we celebrate the season Easter, and for an end to interreligious conflict and religious persecution…

  • For farmers and farm workers, and for all who work with the land to provide food…

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ELCA, Prayers, SpotlightBrian FlatgardELCA Worship, For What Shall We PrayComment
ELCA Action Alert: Protect Employment Authorization for Those Seeking Asylum
ELCA Action Alert: Protect Employment Authorization for Those Seeking Asylum

LAMA is highlighting an ELCA Action Alert urging action by April 24 against a proposed federal rule that would severely restrict work permits for people seeking asylum. The ELCA is calling on Lutherans to submit a public comment and contact members of Congress in support of protecting asylum seekers’ ability to work and meet their needs safely in our communities. Read the full post for background, theological grounding, and links to take action.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardImmigration and Refugees, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), Church and SocietyComment