News - News & Events

ELCA Churchwide Assembly 2019 | Summary of Actions

Our denomination, the ELCA, holds a churchwide assembly triennially - to worship, vote on matters of governance and policy, and be church together for the sake of the world. This past week’s churchwide assembly was full of important votes and actions.

Evangelical Lutheran Church Declares Itself a Sanctuary Denomination

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), today at the 2019 ELCA Churchwide Assembly declared itself a Sanctuary Denomination, dedicated to serving and supporting the protection of migrants in communities nationwide. The ELCA is the first mainstream church body in America to declare itself a sanctuary denomination. The movement was spearheaded by the Metropolitan New York Synod (MNYS), one of the 65 synods of the ELCA.

Elizabeth Eaton re-elected presiding bishop of the ELCA

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. Eaton is the first ELCA presiding bishop to win re-election on the first ballot. She was elected to a first term as presiding bishop at the 2013 ELCA Churchwide Assembly in Pittsburgh.

2019 ELCA Churchwide Assembly Begins

MILWAUKEE (August 6, 2019) — 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. During the week, the assembly participants will spend time in worship, Bible study and plenary discussions as they deliberate how to go about God’s work in this church.

Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton's July 2019 Message

Now we live in the era of “truthiness” and “fake news” and “alternative facts.” We have weaponized facts and forced truth into the service of spin. Often conversations are no longer the exchange of ideas and convictions but barrages of accusations. There is a lot of noise in this world, gracious God, including our own that lays claim to the truth. Bring us to a place of stillness where we can listen to you. Your truth has claimed us and set us free.

Mensaje de julio de 2019 de la Obispa Presidente Elizabeth Eaton

Hemos convertido los hechos en un arma y forzado la verdad al servicio de un punto de vista prejuiciado. Con gran frecuencia, las conversaciones ya no son intercambios de ideas y convicciones, sino descargas de acusaciones. Hay mucho ruido en este mundo, Dios misericordioso, incluso el nuestro que dice tener la verdad. Llévanos a un lugar de quietud donde podamos escucharte. Tu verdad nos ha reclamado y nos ha liberado.

Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton's June 2019 Message

Liturgy is important—not each constituent part—but the basic structure of corporate worship: gathering, word, meal and sending. It’s a discipline Lutherans willingly undertake because it helps individuals and the entire community express our connection with other Christians throughout the world and across the ages.

ELCA presiding bishop, faith leaders issue statement on children in detention

Children coming to our nation for safety and protection are still dying at our southern border while in U.S. detention. Carlos, a 16-year-old youth from Guatemala, died May 20 in the custody of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Wilmer, a 2-year-old, died May 14, also in the custody of CBP. They were preceded in death by Jackelin, Felipe, Juan and a 10-year-old girl from El Salvador who died in September 2018 but whose death has just been disclosed.

Letter on Abortion from Bishop Eaton

No matter what your views on abortion are, as a church we are made up of members who have had abortions and members who have chosen not to. Among us are pastors, deacons, and others who have counseled with women, girls, and others they love. We are friends, loved ones, and relatives of people who have had to decide whether or not to get an abortion. We are all affected by the divisive discourse and the legal changes.

ELCA Presiding Bishop Addresses Well-Being of Children in Detention Centers

Children coming to our nation for safety and protection are still dying at our southern border while in U.S. detention. Carlos, a 16-year-old youth from Guatemala, died May 20 in the custody of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Wilmer, a 2-year-old, died May 14, also in the custody of CBP. They were preceded in death by Jackelin, Felipe, Juan and a 10-year-old girl from El Salvador who died in September 2018 but whose death has just been disclosed.