We are also citizens
From The Presiding Bishop

We are also citizens

The airwaves are filled with contentious political discourse. And, as we get closer to the November election, it will undoubtedly get louder and coarser. Each side seeks to catch the…

Grace is a gift
From The Presiding Bishop

Grace is a gift

As I write this it is early May. The leaves on the trees are still that new green that comes with spring. The lilacs are blooming with their intoxicating scent….

Easter message 2024
From The Presiding Bishop

Easter message 2024

“So they went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them, and they said nothing to anyone for they were afraid.” That’s where the Gospel…

Our real and truest hope
From The Presiding Bishop

Our real and truest hope

There is a curse of unknown provenance that says, “May you live in interesting times.” In November we celebrate Thanksgiving Day, counting our blessings and giving thanks for the bounty…

One body, one spirit, one hope
From The Presiding Bishop

One body, one spirit, one hope

As I write this the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) is preparing to gather in Kraków, Poland, for its 13th assembly. Delegates, observers, guests and staff from the 149 member churches…

A time of renewal
From The Presiding Bishop

A time of renewal

At the 2022 Churchwide Assembly, the decision was taken to establish a Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church to “reconsider the statements of purpose for each of the expressions of…

Holy Saturday, holy <i>space</i>
From The Presiding Bishop

Holy Saturday, holy space

They took the body of Jesus and wrapped it with the spices in linen cloths, according to the burial custom of the Jews. Now there was a garden in the…

The blurring of law and gospel
From The Presiding Bishop

The blurring of law and gospel

Martin Luther once said, “I felt that I had been born anew and that the gates of heaven had been opened. The whole of Scripture gained a new meaning. And…

God is with us
From The Presiding Bishop

God is with us

Sometimes the world just seems so solid. Reality is uncompromising and immutable. Literally, what you see is what you get, and our sight, our perception, is limited. So we forge…

Healthful words of life
From The Presiding Bishop

Healthful words of life

In September I had the beautiful privilege of preaching at a combined meeting of the Conference of Bishops and the inaugural gathering of the 2022-23 Fund for Leaders class. It…

A common witness
From The Presiding Bishop

A common witness

One of the distinct privileges of this call as presiding bishop is seeing the church at work at home and around the world. The Lutheran movement is alive and well,…