News

September 13, 2019"There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:28)."Racism — a mix of power, privilege, and prejudice — is sin, a violation of God's intention...

CHICAGO — Gathering under the theme “We Aare church,”voting members of the 2019 Churchwide Assembly of theEvangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) made a number of key decisions to further the mission and ministry of this church. The assembly, the chief legislative authority of the church, met Aug. 5-10 at the Wisconsin Center in Milwaukee.

The 2019 ELCA Churchwide Assembly voted Aug. 7 to approve a memorial that affirms the denomination’s long-standing commitment to migrants and refugees and declares the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) a sanctuary church body. The ELCA is the first North American denomination to declare itself a sanctuary church body.

Sue Rothmeyer, a deacon who serves as executive for administration with the Office of the Secretary, was elected secretary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by the 2019 ELCA Churchwide Assembly. She is a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Chicago, and lives in Oak Park, Ill.

In a key action this afternoon, the 2019 ELCA Churchwide Assembly voted to approve a memorial that declares the ELCA a sanctuary church. This is the first North American denomination to declare itself a sanctuary church body. As a sanctuary church the ELCA is committed to serving and supporting migrant children and families in communities across the country.

On day two of their gathering, the 2019 ELCA Churchwide Assembly took key actions and received reports that set the stage for how the denomination wants to move into the future.

The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton was re-elected presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Aug. 6 at the 2019 ELCA Churchwide Assembly. On the first ballot, 897 votes were cast and 670 votes were needed for election. Eaton received 725 votes, which is 81.19% of the vote.

Gathering under the theme “We Are Church,” members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) are meeting in Milwaukee for the 2019 ELCA Churchwide Assembly — the highest legislative authority of the ELCA

The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), has joined Christian leaders in a statement against Christian nationalism.

The Rev. Michael L. Lozano, Sharon, Pa.,was elected June 15 to serve a six-year term as bishop of the Northwestern Pennsylvania Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The election took place during the synod assembly, held June 13-15 at Thiel College in Greenville, Pa.

The Rev. Leila M. Ortiz, Washington, D.C.,was elected June 15 to serve a six-year term as bishop of the Metropolitan Washington, D.C., Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The election took place during the synod assembly, held June 14-15 at the College Park (Md.) Marriot and Conference Center.

The Rev. Kurt F. Kusserow was elected June 13 to serve a third six-year term as bishop of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The election took place during the synod assembly, held June 13-15 at California University of Pennsylvania in California, Pa.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) introduces "A 60-Day Journey Toward Justice in a Culture of Gun Violence," a new resource that invites readers to face the painful truth of gun violence and to work for its prevention as people of God who strive for justice and peace.

The Rev. Richard E. Jaech was elected June 7 to serve a second six-year term as bishop of the Southwestern Washington Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The election took place during the synod assembly, held June 7-8 at the Hilton Hotel in Vancouver, Wash.

The Rev. James S. Dunlop was elected June 8 to serve a second six-year term as bishop of the Lower Susquehanna Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The election took place during the synod assembly, held June 6-8 at Messiah College in Grantham, Pa.

The Rev. Tracie L Bartholomew, Lawrenceville, N.J., was elected June 7 to serve a second six-year term as bishop of the New Jersey Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The election took place during the synod assembly, held June 6-8 at the Hyatt Regency in New Brunswick, N.J.

The Rev. William T. Tesch, Sioux Falls, S.D.,was elected June 9 to serve a six-year term as bishop of the Northwestern Minnesota Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The election took place during the synod assembly, held June 7-9 at Concordia College in Moorhead, Minn.

The Rev. Susan Candea, Overland Park, Kan.,was elected June 8 to serve a six-year term as bishop of the Central States Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The election took place during the synod assembly, held June 6-8 at the Marriott Kansas City-Overland Park.

The Rev. Yehiel Curry, Chicago,was elected June 8 to serve a six-year term as bishop of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The election took place during the synod assembly, held June 7-8 at the Tinley Park (Ill.) Convention Center.

In this season of Pentecost, as we open ourselves anew to the work of the Holy Spirit, the Rev. Elizabeth Eaton, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), commends to this church the Arusha Call to Discipleship from the World Council of Churches.