The improbable truth

The improbable truth

‘Tis the season for my grandsons to write their letters to Santa Claus. Aiden, age 11, is very likely past the belief-in-St.-Nick stage, but he’s hedging his bets by penning…
Good news roundup: Generosity and grace

Good news roundup: Generosity and grace

Even in the heaviest seasons, hope has a way of showing up—in persistent faith, courageous leadership, quiet acts of care and the witness of people living out the gospel in…
Perspective: Peace without justice is a cover for injustice
Faith in Action

Perspective: Peace without justice is a cover for injustice

Editor’s note: On Sept. 6, Khader Khalilia, program director for ELCA Arab and Middle Eastern Ministries, addressed the church’s Multicultural Young Adult Event in New Orleans. Presented by the ELCA Ministries…
A Lutheran perspective on human sexuality
Faith in Action

A Lutheran perspective on human sexuality

Series editor’s note: In 2025, “Deeper understandings” is focusing on the ELCA social statements. We hope to reintroduce them to readers as a means of provoking fruitful, enriching conversation between Christians with different…
I’m a Lutheran: Zander Hine
Faith in Action

I’m a Lutheran: Zander Hine

St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, Hagerstown, Md. Senior, North Hagerstown High School; environmental, food security advocate; Congressional Award Gold Medal recipient I’ve been an active member at St. John my…
The grace of giving
Faith in Action

The grace of giving

Excel in this grace of giving (2 Corinthians 8:7; New International Version). Our God is a lavish giver, surrounding us with the varied beauties of creation and humanity. All that…
My take: A living tradition
Faith in Action

My take: A living tradition

Sunday after Sunday, we play musical chairs in the pews, recite familiar hymns and watch the colors of the paraments change, fading into the background like the holidays they represent….
Loving the neighbor through health and healing
Faith in Action

Loving the neighbor through health and healing

Series editor’s note: In 2025, “Deeper understandings” is focusing on the ELCA social statements. We hope to reintroduce them to readers as a means of provoking fruitful, enriching conversation between Christians with different…
Running the race
Faith in Action

Running the race

Editor’s note: The authorship of the books of Hebrews and 2 Timothy is disputed. Was the day cool or warm? Where was I standing in the group of fellow travelers?…
Good news roundup: Creating inclusive and accessible faith communities
Faith in Action

Good news roundup: Creating inclusive and accessible faith communities

Even in the heaviest seasons, hope has a way of showing up—in persistent faith, courageous leadership, quiet acts of care and the witness of people living out the gospel in…
The Socken Sisters
Faith in Action

The Socken Sisters

On Cleveland’s West Side in the late 1960s, a teenage Elizabeth Eaton sat in her ninth-grade guidance counselor’s class. Mr. Zinzer asked students to write an essay about what they…