Each congregation of the ELCA may register one congregation observer for the Churchwide Assembly. Congregation observers will have reserved seating in the observers’ section of the plenary hall and access to the 2025 Churchwide Assembly Guide, as well as materials distributed on the plenary floor to voting members, advisory members and nonvoting members during the assembly. Such observers shall have neither voice nor vote in assembly plenary sessions. Transportation, housing, meals and related expenses shall be the responsibility of the registered observer or the sending congregation.
CWA Registration
Registration is $125 per congregation observer for the assembly week. Registration closes on May 31, 2025. To register as a congregation observer, please click here: CWA2025 Congregation Observer Registration
Travel
Congregation observers are welcome (but not required) to use Direct Travel for their travel arrangements. If you need assistance in booking your air travel, please call Direct Travel Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. CT, at 773-380-2440 or 800-543-8016. Direct Travel charges a $22 fee for use of its service.
Visitors can also book their travel through Deem at elca-dt.deem.com for a reduced fee.
Visitors enter the following information in the required fields:
Username: assembly2025.guest
Password: 2025churchwide
Hotel
Congregation observers may stay at one of our three hotel properties [Sheraton Phoenix Downtown, Hyatt Regency Phoenix, Hilton Garden Inn Phoenix Downtown] at the negotiated rate. There is a limited number of guest rooms available at the discounted rate and rooms are on a first come, first serve basis. The negotiated rate will be available until the room block is full or May 31, 2025, whichever comes first. Congregation observers may use one of the pay-own links below to make a hotel reservation. Please note, you will be responsible for managing and paying for your own hotel reservation.
