Bishop Hazelwood’s message about the shooting in Maine

As Maine is added to the list of places that have experienced a mass shooting, we in the New England Synod raise our voices with the psalmist to cry out, “How long, O Lord? How long?” How much longer will gun violence ravage lives and rip apart communities?

We also lift up prayers for those affected by this tragedy in Lewiston. Those who have lost loved ones, are injured or in pain, as well as those who are tasked with the difficult work of helping to heal: first responders, medical personnel, chaplains, clergy, funeral directors, crime scene investigators, law enforcement officers, trauma counselors and more. We pray for them and all those affected.

ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, Letters, NewsBrian FlatgardOctober 26, 2023Gun ViolenceComment

A Statement from Bishop Eaton on the Conflict in the Holy Land

The ELCA's commitments call on us to denounce unequivocally any attacks — past, present or future — by any party that lead to civilians becoming victims. Our hearts are with all those who have been killed or injured, and with their families and friends. Read the full statement here.

Here are worship resources and ways that you can be involved in advocacy. Join a prayer vigil hosted by Churches for Middle East Peace.

Bishop Eaton, ELCA, News, LettersBrian FlatgardOctober 26, 2023Israel and Palestine, Bishop Eaton LettersComment

Bishop Hutterer: Reformation Sunday and Living Hope's Legacy

Traditionally, we view Reformation Sunday as both a time of remembrance as well as a renewed commitment to the transformative power of the Gospel. This year, however, Reformation Sunday carries an added weight, as Living Hope Lutheran Church in Las Vegas closes its doors after 75 years of faithful ministry.

As the Living Hope community gathers in their final worship service, we are reminded of the transient nature of earthly institutions, in contrast to the eternal promise of Christ's church.

Bishop Azar: A message from the Holy Land

We share a video message to the ELCA from Bishop Sani-Ibrahim Azar of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land.

LWF statements on Israel and Palestine

Lutheran World Federation shares two statements on Israel and Palestine.

LWF is deeply concerned about escalating violence and conflict in the Holy Land and calls on leaders in Israel and Palestine to exercise restraint, ensure the safety and security of civilians, and work urgently for peaceful solutions.

LWF condemns all attacks by all parties on civilians in Israel and Palestine, expresses grave concerns about the targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure, calls for a release of hostages, and urges all parties to uphold International Humanitarian Law.

Global Church, News, LettersBrian FlatgardOctober 16, 2023Israel and Palestine, Lutheran World FederationComment

Statement from Bishop Eaton on current situation in Israel and Palestine

“As Lutherans, we are accustomed to holding tension between two truths. Thus the ELCA denounces the egregious acts of Hamas, acts that have led to unspeakable loss of life and hope. At the same time the ELCA denounces the indiscriminate retaliation of Israel against the Palestinian people, both Christian and Muslim.”

Things you can do:

Find updated resources and statements from the ELCA here.
Join our partner Churches for Middle East Peace for prayer every Wednesday from 12:30 to 1 p.m. Eastern time. Register here.
Call your lawmakers today through the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121 and urge them to take action to deescalate the conflict and uphold unrestricted humanitarian aid to Gaza. Find your member of Congress at govtrak.
Support Lutheran Disaster Response here.

Bishop Eaton's letter to Bishop Dr. Sani Ibrahim-Azar

In a letter to Bishop Dr. Sani Ibrahim-Azar of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton offers the support, prayers and advocacy efforts of the ELCA. Read Bishop Eaton’s full letter here, as well as Bishop Dr. Azar’s statement.

Bishop Eaton: Indigenous Peoples' Day 2023

In this video, Bishop Eaton addresses Indigenous Peoples' Day, October 9, 2023.

Bishop Eaton, ELCA, Letters, NewsBrian FlatgardOctober 6, 2023Bishop Eaton Letters, American Indian and Alaska NativeComment

Fe, Esperanza y Voces Latinés: Una Conversación Sincera con Maria Santa Cruz

La Rev. Maria Santa Cruz discute la importancia de amplificar las voces latinés dentro de la ELCA, enfatizando la representación, apreciación cultural e inclusividad. Destaca los esfuerzos del Sínodo de Pacífica en ser inclusivo y expresa esperanza en el papel activo de Dios en apoyar a las comunidades vulnerables.

Rev. Maria Santa Cruz discusses the importance of amplifying Latiné voices within the ELCA, emphasizing representation, cultural appreciation, and inclusivity. She highlights the Pacifica Synod's efforts in being inclusive and expresses hope in God's active role in supporting vulnerable communities.

ELCA, Letters, NewsBrian FlatgardOctober 4, 2023Living Lutheran, LatinoComment

Embrace the fire: Angela T. !Khabeb

In the face of burnout and life's challenges, Angela T. !Khabeb invokes biblical instances of fire to inspire resilience in this article from Living Lutheran. Emphasizing that God's presence and promises remain steadfast amid life's fiery trials, she encourages embracing the internal fire that drives faith and purpose, asserting that burnout is real, but so are God's promises.

ELCA, Letters, NewsBrian FlatgardOctober 4, 2023Living LutheranComment

Bishop Eaton's National Day of Remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools message

Saturday, September 30, 2023, is the National Day of Remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools. In her video, Bishop Eaton reminds us that this church is committed to understanding our role in the tragic and sinful history of Indian boarding schools so that we can begin to heal together. Visit ELCA.org/IndianBoardingSchools to learn more.

You can participate by wearing an orange shirt and posting a photo of yourself, members of your congregation or community on social media. #ELCA #TruthAndHealing #DayOfRemembrance.

Bishop Eaton, ELCA, Letters, NewsBrian FlatgardSeptember 29, 2023Bishop Elizabeth Eaton, Bishop Eaton Letters, American Indian and Alaska NativeComment

Inviting In: One Immigrant's Reflection on Matthew 25:35

Raed AbuJries delves deep into his immigration experience, emphasizing the transformative power of kindness. As he navigated the complexities of American society, the diverse responses from individuals shaped his perspective on acceptance, prejudice, and the real-world implications of Matthew 25:35. Through his journey, Raed underscores the value of "inviting in" strangers and the profound ripple effect it can have on both individuals and communities. Read about his immigration experience on the AMMPARO blog.

ELCA, Letters, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 27, 2023Immigration and Refugees, AMMPAROComment

Bishop Eaton: Why I am against Christian Nationalism

Addressing Christian Nationalism in this video message, Bishop Eaton says this dangerous ideology “is a perversion of the gospel and a threat to our democracy. It’s precisely because I love my country that I warn against it.”

Your Call to Action: Participate in the ELCA's Future Church Initiative

The ELCA is inviting you to be a part of "Future Church: God's Love Made Real," a significant initiative to understand and grow the church's mission. Through a survey and listening groups, your voice can help shape the direction and vision of our church. Learn more about how you can participate and make a difference.

ELCA, Letters, NewsBrian FlatgardAugust 8, 2023Love Made RealComment

From UN Conferences to Hawaiian Communities: A Pastor’s Reflection on Sustainability

Read as Pastor Brianna Lloyd, one of the delegates at the 2023 UN High-Level Political Forum, shares her experiences on the ELCA World Hunger blog. See how global discussions translate into local actions in her community of Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi, as they tackle water issues, sustainable tourism, and more in light of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. Read her eye-opening reflection and understand why local-global dialogues are crucial in our shared journey towards sustainability.

ELCA, LettersBrian FlatgardJuly 27, 2023Hunger, ELCA World HungerComment

Beyond rhetoric: A call for humane immigration laws

Facing rising anti-immigration sentiments, it's crucial to support advocacy for humane immigration laws and policies. Unearth the challenges, misconceptions, and the role of faith in fostering tolerance in this post from ELCA’s AMMPARO blog, With Anti-Immigration Sentiments Rising, More Action is Needed.

ELCA, LettersBrian FlatgardJuly 17, 2023Immigration and Refugees, AMMPAROComment

Bishop Eaton statement concerning Jenin incursions

As presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, I join my colleague, the Rev. Dr. Sani Ibrahim Azar, bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, in being "deeply dismayed at the ongoing Israeli military incursions into Palestinian communities, especially in the city and refugee camp of Jenin."

Bishop Hutterer: Creating Space for Conversations

In turbulent times, our shared faith is both a source of solace and a beacon, guiding us towards the path of understanding and unity. With our nation grappling with all sorts of divisions, it is vital that we seek not to fight one another, but rather to engage in open and compassionate dialogue.

This comes after recent events have left our hearts heavy. Reports of church burnings in Southern Arizona, protests at our churches that openly welcome LGBTQIA+ members, and ongoing racial tensions nationally have underscored the urgent need for us to live out our call to be peacemakers and bridge builders.

AMMPARO Guest post from David Atkinson

No matter where one’s views fall on the spectrum of thoughts about immigration issues, members of our Lutheran faith family should be extraordinarily disturbed by the massive displacement of individuals and families across the globe.

ELCA, LettersBrian FlatgardJune 16, 2023AMMPARO, Immigration and RefugeesComment

ELCA-LIRS World Refugee Day letter from Bishop Eaton and Krish O'Mara Vignarajah

In honor of World Refugee Day on June 20, the ELCA and LIRS advocacy networks invite their members to a national day of advocacy, intended to build urgency for robust support for refugees, immigrants, asylum seekers. We urge all to learn more about refugee admissions in the United States, join LIRS's 125 Watch campaign, accompany migrants through AMMPARO, and advocate through prayer and action for our neighbors in need.

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