In 2020, the ELCA is celebrating the 50th anniversary of U.S. Lutheran churches' decision to ordain women, and continuing to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the ordination of the first women of color and the 10th anniversary of the ELCA's decision to officially ordain people in same-gender committed relationships.
As part of this anniversary year, we lament that women have been barred from serving and have been bullied, dismissed and excluded. We also celebrate the gifts and service that women have brought to our church and our world as pastors.
Congregations are encouraged to hold commemorative events throughout the year! Below are three resources to help congregations observe these anniversaries, including a five-session adult forum, a four-session Bible study, and a liturgy with Scripture and hymn suggestions.
If you want to dig deeper, this website explores the history of the ordination decision and what came after. Here is a playlist of ELCA videos related to the anniversary. To read the stories of rostered women of color, check out "God's Faithfulness on the Journey." Living Lutheran has a series of articles reflecting on the anniversary as well!
AVAILABLE NOW! Get the 50/40/10 poster to download for your use.
AVAILABLE NOW! Read our new collection of stories written by women who are pastors as they reflect on the journeys they have been on while following God's call.
