We of the ELCA join with people around the world in praying for the ministry of Pope Leo XIV. We rejoice with the people of the Roman Catholic Church, especially those in our communities, as they joyfully receive their new shepherd.

This year marks the 1,700th anniversary of the Nicene Creed. A later addition to the creed by the Latin Church – the words "and the Son," known as the filioque – divided the Eastern and Western churches for almost a millennium. Last year, this division was meaningfully addressed in the Common Statement on the Filioque.

Read a statement from Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land Bishop Sani-Ibrahim Azar, ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton and Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada National Bishop Susan Johnson on a visit of solidarity to the Holy Land.

Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton recalls the story of Mary anointing Jesus’ feet with nard. Eaton says we discover the promise of Easter in Mary’s act: "Instead of oil being put on him to remove the stench of death, it became the anointing of a royal king. ... Jesus' death and resurrection promises new life and brings us new life."

The prevalence of child maltreatment in the U.S. is staggering. The ELCA’s draft social message on child protection outlines the church’s sacred responsibility to protect and nurture children. To strengthen this draft, share your suggestions during the public comment period by June 30.

We heard you—and listened. Living Lutheran will return as a quarterly print publication in 2025, appearing again in your mailboxes with four seasonal issues. You can sign up today to let us know you’d like to subscribe; however, please do not send in your money yet.