On Ash Wednesday, LWF General Secretary Rev. Dr. Anne Burghardt issued a powerful Lenten letter urging Lutheran churches worldwide not to remain indifferent when human dignity is ignored or ranked by status, ethnicity, or gender. Grounded in Scripture and Luther’s teaching on the Eighth Commandment, she calls the church to bear gentle yet firm witness to the God-given dignity of every person and to preach the liberating gospel in opposition to fear-based and prosperity-driven theologies.
Burghardt invites churches to use Lent as a season of prayer, discernment, and courageous action—supporting justice, truth, and global cooperation while embodying Christ’s love across dividing lines. Read her full Lenten message as PDF here and read more about the letter on the LWF site.
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On a bright January day in Jerusalem’s Old City, the Rev. Imad Haddad was consecrated as the fifth bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL), succeeding Bishop Sani Ibrahim Azar. Surrounded by global Lutheran leaders—including ELCA Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry—and ecumenical partners, Haddad called the church to steadfast witness, peace and reconciliation amid ongoing tensions and hardship.
Rooted in the Palestinian Christian community, Bishop Haddad spoke of sumud—steadfast endurance—and of the church’s baptismal calling to proclaim salvation and reconciliation in a land marked by suffering. Read the full story from Living Lutheran to learn more about this historic moment and its significance for our global Lutheran communion.
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In a letter to Yehiel Curry, Presiding Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Lutheran World Federation General Secretary Anne Burghardt expresses deep concern and heartfelt solidarity as U.S. church leaders respond to rising political polarization and deadly violence, particularly in Minnesota. She affirms the ELCA’s courage in condemning violence, accompanying immigrants and refugees, and refusing to let fear silence the gospel—calling this “the prophetic witness the church is called to embody.”
The Lutheran World Federation assures the ELCA of the prayers and support of the global communion, lifting up those who grieve, those living in fear, and leaders who choose justice over violence. Read the full letter and story from Lutheran World Federation.
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Pastor Kristin Engstrom, ELCA global missionary, shares an update on her expanding call as ELCA Regional Representative for Madagascar and English-speaking West Africa. Her January 2026 newsletter highlights recent travels, companion church ministries, and how Lutheran mission is rooted in relationship and accompaniment.
Read the full newsletter, view additional photos and stories, and watch Pastor Kristin’s new ELCA video reflecting on global mission—all pointing to God’s faithfulness in changing times and our shared call to walk together in Christ.
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Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry has issued a statement following a deadly terror attack on the Jewish community gathered for a Hanukkah menorah lighting at Bondi Beach in Australia. Writing on the Third Sunday of Advent, Bishop Curry condemns antisemitism, reaffirms the ELCA’s commitment to opposing anti-Jewish hatred, and calls the church to concrete acts of solidarity, love, and peace with our Jewish neighbors.
Grounded in God’s irrevocable covenant and the hope of Advent, the statement invites prayer and faithful action as an antidote to fear and violence. Read the full statement and prayer from Bishop Curry.
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The Grand Canyon Synod joins the Iglesia Luterana Mexicana in mourning the death of Rev. Daniel Trejo, father of ILM Pastor President Rev. Roberto Trejo Haager, who died on December 1. A wake and devotional were held on December 2, and the funeral took place on December 3. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.
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Lutherans in Southern Africa join action to end gender-based violence
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The Lutheran World Federation’s 2025 Advent Calendar launches November 30 with daily “Messages of Faith” shared by Lutherans around the world. Beginning with a reflection from ELCA Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry, each short video explores how faith grounds and guides us in this season of expectation. Follow the daily updates on LWF social media or at the Advent Calendar site to receive new encouragement each day of Advent.
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