Lutheran World Federation shares two statements on Israel and Palestine.
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“As Lutherans, we are accustomed to holding tension between two truths. Thus the ELCA denounces the egregious acts of Hamas, acts that have led to unspeakable loss of life and hope. At the same time the ELCA denounces the indiscriminate retaliation of Israel against the Palestinian people, both Christian and Muslim.”
Things you can do:
Find updated resources and statements from the ELCA here.
Join our partner Churches for Middle East Peace for prayer every Wednesday from 12:30 to 1 p.m. Eastern time. Register here.
Call your lawmakers today through the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121 and urge them to take action to deescalate the conflict and uphold unrestricted humanitarian aid to Gaza. Find your member of Congress at govtrak.
Support Lutheran Disaster Response here.
In a letter to Bishop Dr. Sani Ibrahim-Azar of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton offers the support, prayers and advocacy efforts of the ELCA. Read Bishop Eaton’s full letter here, as well as Bishop Dr. Azar’s statement.
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In this video, Bishop Eaton addresses Indigenous Peoples' Day, October 9, 2023.
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La Rev. Maria Santa Cruz discute la importancia de amplificar las voces latinés dentro de la ELCA, enfatizando la representación, apreciación cultural e inclusividad. Destaca los esfuerzos del Sínodo de Pacífica en ser inclusivo y expresa esperanza en el papel activo de Dios en apoyar a las comunidades vulnerables.
Rev. Maria Santa Cruz discusses the importance of amplifying Latiné voices within the ELCA, emphasizing representation, cultural appreciation, and inclusivity. She highlights the Pacifica Synod's efforts in being inclusive and expresses hope in God's active role in supporting vulnerable communities.
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In the face of burnout and life's challenges, Angela T. !Khabeb invokes biblical instances of fire to inspire resilience in this article from Living Lutheran. Emphasizing that God's presence and promises remain steadfast amid life's fiery trials, she encourages embracing the internal fire that drives faith and purpose, asserting that burnout is real, but so are God's promises.
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Saturday, September 30, 2023, is the National Day of Remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools. In her video, Bishop Eaton reminds us that this church is committed to understanding our role in the tragic and sinful history of Indian boarding schools so that we can begin to heal together. Visit ELCA.org/IndianBoardingSchools to learn more.
You can participate by wearing an orange shirt and posting a photo of yourself, members of your congregation or community on social media. #ELCA #TruthAndHealing #DayOfRemembrance.
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Raed AbuJries delves deep into his immigration experience, emphasizing the transformative power of kindness. As he navigated the complexities of American society, the diverse responses from individuals shaped his perspective on acceptance, prejudice, and the real-world implications of Matthew 25:35. Through his journey, Raed underscores the value of "inviting in" strangers and the profound ripple effect it can have on both individuals and communities. Read about his immigration experience on the AMMPARO blog.
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Addressing Christian Nationalism in this video message, Bishop Eaton says this dangerous ideology “is a perversion of the gospel and a threat to our democracy. It’s precisely because I love my country that I warn against it.”
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The ELCA is inviting you to be a part of "Future Church: God's Love Made Real," a significant initiative to understand and grow the church's mission. Through a survey and listening groups, your voice can help shape the direction and vision of our church. Learn more about how you can participate and make a difference.
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Read as Pastor Brianna Lloyd, one of the delegates at the 2023 UN High-Level Political Forum, shares her experiences on the ELCA World Hunger blog. See how global discussions translate into local actions in her community of Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi, as they tackle water issues, sustainable tourism, and more in light of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. Read her eye-opening reflection and understand why local-global dialogues are crucial in our shared journey towards sustainability.
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Facing rising anti-immigration sentiments, it's crucial to support advocacy for humane immigration laws and policies. Unearth the challenges, misconceptions, and the role of faith in fostering tolerance in this post from ELCA’s AMMPARO blog, With Anti-Immigration Sentiments Rising, More Action is Needed.
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As presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, I join my colleague, the Rev. Dr. Sani Ibrahim Azar, bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, in being "deeply dismayed at the ongoing Israeli military incursions into Palestinian communities, especially in the city and refugee camp of Jenin."
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In turbulent times, our shared faith is both a source of solace and a beacon, guiding us towards the path of understanding and unity. With our nation grappling with all sorts of divisions, it is vital that we seek not to fight one another, but rather to engage in open and compassionate dialogue.
This comes after recent events have left our hearts heavy. Reports of church burnings in Southern Arizona, protests at our churches that openly welcome LGBTQIA+ members, and ongoing racial tensions nationally have underscored the urgent need for us to live out our call to be peacemakers and bridge builders.
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No matter where one’s views fall on the spectrum of thoughts about immigration issues, members of our Lutheran faith family should be extraordinarily disturbed by the massive displacement of individuals and families across the globe.
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In honor of World Refugee Day on June 20, the ELCA and LIRS advocacy networks invite their members to a national day of advocacy, intended to build urgency for robust support for refugees, immigrants, asylum seekers. We urge all to learn more about refugee admissions in the United States, join LIRS's 125 Watch campaign, accompany migrants through AMMPARO, and advocate through prayer and action for our neighbors in need.
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For our 2023 synod assembly, Bishop Elizabeth Eaton invites us to join the church on a future-focused journey to widen our welcome and break down the barriers that keep people from engaging with the church. Together, we can help people experience the difference God’s grace and love in Christ make for all people and creation. View in this post, or read as a PDF in English or Spanish.
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To all of you — lay leaders, rostered ministers, prayer partners — thank you for your commitment to the synod's work, which forms part of God's redeeming activity in our world. It continues to be my privilege to serve alongside you as the bishop of this synod. As we move forward, let us remain bold in our faith, trusting in God's guidance and love.
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Presiding Bishop Eaton reminds us that in the ELCA’s social message “The Body of Christ and Mental Health” we are called to companionship. “For those who are living with mental illness, we see you. We stand with you, ready to listen and support you in your struggles, through good days and bad.”
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The Synod Assembly is an essential occasion for us to come together, not just as individuals or separate congregations, but as the body of Christ. Our gathering is a time to reconnect, to learn from one another, to share our struggles and triumphs, and to discern the path forward in unity and faith. It is during these meetings that we are reminded that we are not alone, but part of a larger, dynamic community of believers, bound together by our common faith and mission.
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