Editor’s note: Embracing Queer Family uses the term “Queer” to mean “anyone who does not identify as heterosexual and cisgender.” The authors acknowledge that not everyone in the LGBTQIA+ community uses the term; the ELCA standard is “LGBTQIA+.” However, for the sake of consistency, this article uses “Queer.” Celebrating Pride or talking about sexuality and […]
ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton has issued a statement in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s June 15 ruling that employment discrimination on the basis of a worker’s sexual orientation or gender identity is illegal under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. “The court’s decision is an important recognition of equal protection under […]
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 understandings and convictions, and as a springboard for active discipleship in the world. Each article will introduce a particular statement and its Lutheran theological underpinnings, […]
Elizabeth Eaton, presiding bishop of the ELCA, has issued a video message for Transgender Day of Visibility. In the video, Eaton speaks out against the inhumane actions by legislatures and executive orders while also speaking directly to the transgender and nonbinary community. “God created you in God’s image and loves and cares for you exactly […]
The ELCA has received a $1.25 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to help establish Curious Christian Children: Reimagining Kids in Worship, a new initiative of the ELCA’s Ministry with Children. The Curious Christian Children: Reimagining Kids in Worship initiative will provide space for the best learning and integration of resources and research to help […]
The important contributions of African American leaders to the story of Lutheranism in the United States has a regrettably under-documented history. James R. Thomas’ new book A Rumor of Black Lutherans: The Formation of Black Leadership in Early American Lutheranism (Fortress Press) aims to change that. By tracing the stories of 10 leaders of African […]
June is Pride Month! We are excited to affirm and embrace everyone in the church and to amplify the voices of our ELCA siblings in the LGBTQIA+ community. Today we are speaking with Brittney Shipman (she/her). How are you connected to the ELCA? My connection to the ELCA is quite the ride. I was raised […]
June is Pride Month! We are excited to affirm and embrace everyone in the church, and to amplify the voices of our ELCA siblings in the LGBTQIA+ community. Today we are speaking with Tess Faust (she/they). How are you connected to the ELCA? I first started going to ELCA services through campus ministry at [the […]
Editor’s note: This article was originally published in the Leadership Circle interactive newsletter. Shepherd’s Table in Sioux Falls, S.D., formed around the idea of a dinner church, is leading with a radical welcome to all under the vision of “building a longer table.” The community’s name is meant to remind us of Jesus as the […]
June is Pride Month! We are excited to affirm and embrace everyone in the church, and to amplify the voices of our ELCA siblings in the LGBTQIA+ community. Today we are speaking with Vica-Etta Henrietta Steel (she/her). How are you connected to the ELCA? I was outside of the Christian faith for decades. Most of […]
