News - News & Events

Bishop Eaton Issues Pastoral Message on Death of Herbert Chilstrom

With sadness I bring you the news that Presiding Bishop Emeritus Herbert W. Chilstrom died at home early this morning. Bishop Chilstrom was the first presiding bishop of the ELCA. Many of you knew him in those early days when the ELCA was just getting started – there was no furniture at the Lutheran Center, files were in boxes, phones were on the floor, and the skeleton staff worked on card tables and folding chairs.

ELCA Presiding Bishop Issues Pastoral Message on Iran Conflict

For our part, we have a window of opportunity to stop the current conflict before it worsens. We should appeal now to our elected officials to pursue the path of dialogue and diplomacy with Iran — for our sake, for the sake of the people of Iran and for the sake of the world God so loves.

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ELCA Presiding Bishop Responds to Anti-Semitic Incidents in New York

In different ways, and for different reasons, this is a time of year when Jews and Christians celebrate the miracle of light. In our prayers and actions, may we be a living presence of God’s sacred light that rouses us all to resistance and righteousness.

Bishop Egensteiner's Statement Against Anti-Semitism

The news of recent anti-Semitic violence on the territory of our synod is disturbing and sad. Over and over again we hear of such attacks. It would be easy to give in to despair and frustration and surrender to the evil around us. But, as disciples of Christ, we know a better way. I commend to you Bishop Eaton’s statement included here and whatever you will do to make a positive difference in this world.

Mensaje de agosto de 2020 de la Obispa Presidente Elizabeth Eaton

La oscuridad no es un símbolo de vacío, ni de abandono de Dios. No es sinónimo de todo lo que es seco y estéril y sin vida.

Mensaje de febrero de 2020 de la Obispa Presidente Elizabeth Eaton

En esta filosofía, no hay asombro en la presencia de lo Trascendental, ni salirse de uno mismo, ni terror a la realidad y los efectos del pecado —y no en el sentido estrecho de los fracasos morales individuales— ni admiración al amor íntimo de Dios demostrado en la encarnación y la crucifixión, ni profunda gratitud por la liberación de la resurrección.

Mensaje de enero de 2020 de la Obispa Presidente Elizabeth Eaton

A los estadounidenses les encanta el juego limpio. Nos han enseñado que todos deberían tener una oportunidad equitativa. Ahora sabemos la verdad. Jesús dijo: "Conocerás la verdad, y la verdad te hará libre" (Juan 8:32). Puede doler, pero trae liberación. No somos libres hasta que todos seamos libres ".

Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton's February 2020 Message

This uniquely Lutheran understanding of the gospel is an important contribution to the Christian movement. It calls out the reality of the human condition, that we are broken and have broken creation, that we are captive to sin and cannot free ourselves, that we need a just and loving God who has no illusions about human nature and, at the same time, has infinite love that claims us and sets us free.

Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton's January 2020 Message

Americans love fair play. We’ve been taught that everyone should have an even chance. Now we know the truth. Jesus said, “You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free” (John 8:32). It might hurt, but it brings liberation. We are not free until all of us are free.”

Mensaje de diciembre de 2019 de la Obispa Presidente Elizabeth Eaton

Al niño Cristo le queda mucho por hacer antes de que la obra en la tierra sea terminada. Jesús llegará a la edad adulta. Enseñará, alimentará, y sanará. Jesús sufrirá la traición de sus amigos y morirá para que nosotros podamos vivir. Medito en esto en Nochebuena y oro así: “Descansa ahora, amado Hijo de la medianoche”.