News

Striving in its mission to engage academic populations in the principles of discipleship and relationship-building according to the teachings of Jesus Christ, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Campus Ministry programs are working to help campus communities address racism.

Lifting up a number of topics that will help move forward the mission and ministry of the ELCA, an Oct. 1-6 meeting here of the ELCA Conference of Bishops was framed by a commitment to engage the more than 3.7 million-member church in deep conversations about Mission Support, theological education and more.

Members of the ELCA offer prayers for all those affected by the devastating flooding in South Carolina. To date, 14 people have died as a result of the storm that began Oct. 1 and has brought the heaviest rainfall in the state since Hurricane Hugo struck in 1989, killing 27.

Recognizing the distinct role faith communities play in helping restore the dignity of those infected and affected by HIV and AIDS, Asian and Pacific companion churches and organizations of the ELCA gathered in Chiang Mai, Thailand, Sept. 21-25 for a conference on HIV and AIDS hosted by ELCA’s Global Mission.

In its commitment to supporting seminary students preparing for ministry, the ELCA – through the ELCA Fund for Leaders – awarded scholarships to students attending the eight seminaries of the ELCA for the 2015-16 academic year.

As the monsoon season comes to an end in Nepal, the ELCA will continue to work with partners there to resume earthquake reconstruction efforts and prepare for the winter season.

The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, presiding bishop of the ELCA, is gathering with North American Lutheran and Episcopal leaders in Washington, D.C., Sept. 24-25 for the annual heads of church meeting. Joining Eaton are the Most Rev. Dr. Katharine Jefferts Schori, presiding bishop of The Episcopal Church, the Most Rev. Fred Hiltz, primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, and National Bishop Susan Johnson of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada.

As ministers of the European Union consider a plan this week for countries to receive and settle refugees streaming in from the Middle East and Africa, the ELCA continues to support the humanitarian efforts of its European companion Lutheran churches and partners, as they assist people seeking refuge now and anticipate their needs for the coming winter.

In an effort to deepen relationships and strengthen the intersection of faith and social issues, Lutheran and Episcopal U.S. church leaders will gather in Washington, D.C., Sept. 22-24 for an advocacy convening. As part of this event, leaders will meet with more than 60 congressional offices to advocate for federal funding to protect the environment and to highlight the impact climate change has on people living in poverty.

Six international women have received scholarships to pursue higher education at ELCA colleges and universities as part of the first year of the denomination's International Women Leaders initiative.

Equipped with paintbrushes, shovels, power tools, knitting needles and musical instruments, thousands of members of the ELCA gathered across the country Sept. 13 to lend their hands in service to share God’s love as part of “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday.

The 3.8 million-member ELCA is celebrating a significant milestone in reaching a five-year goal of raising $15 million for the ELCA Malaria Campaign.

The Rev. Wesley Haugen, former bishop of the ELCA Eastern North Dakota Synod, died Sept. 6 in Moorhead, Minn. He was 84.

As Europe continues to absorb hundreds of thousands of migrants from the Middle East this summer, the ELCA is working with Lutheran companion churches and partners in Europe to assist people seeking refuge now and to meet their future needs.

The ELCA presiding bishop is calling on the 3.8 million-member denomination to remain in "prayerful solidarity" as refugees and migrants from the Middle East in record numbers are fleeing war and poverty and seeking refuge in Europe.

The ELCA has participated in flood-recovery efforts for more than a year in Europe's Balkan Peninsula, providing humanitarian assistance to families, farmers and others.

Congregations and synods of the ELCA seeking to revitalize their ministries are receiving additional support through a new grant program made possible by gifts to the ELCA’s Renewing Congregations priority of Always Being Made New: The Campaign for the ELCA.

On Aug. 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast of the United States, killing 1,833 people and displacing hundreds of thousands in the Gulf region. In response to the powerful storm, members of the ELCA contributed more than $27 million to Lutheran Disaster Response to help support the recovery efforts and provided thousands of volunteer hours to help rebuild and restore communities along the Gulf Coast.

In response to a statement and call to action from the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME), ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth A. Eaton has pledged the 3.8 million-member ELCA to participate Sept. 6 in "Confession, Repentance and Commitment to End Racism Sunday."

In an Aug. 5 letter to U.S. Congress, ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth A. Eaton urged for "careful deliberation and consideration" in response to the "Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action," which "seeks to 'ensure that Iran's nuclear program will be exclusively peaceful.'"