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Voices of Faith

Why theology matters

There is a story about Karl Barth, the great 20th-century Swiss theologian. A student approached him and said, “Dr. Barth, I don’t believe in God.” Barth replied, “Tell me about…
Musical variety across congregations
Mission & Ministry

Musical variety across congregations

Editor’s note: Martin Luther famously said, “Next to the Word of God, music deserves the highest praise” (Luther’s Works, Vol. 53). The ELCA still holds tightly to Luther’s understanding. This…
A penitential season
Voices of Faith

A penitential season

The liturgical season prior to our celebration of Jesus’ resurrection has tremendous variety around the world. For Christians who practice some form of Lent, it’s an important season of preparation….
Pastoral message from ELCA Conference of Bishops released
Living Faithfully

Pastoral message from ELCA Conference of Bishops released

Today the ELCA Conference of Bishops released the following statement: “Approved by the ELCA Church Council in 1990, Visions and Expectations has, through several revisions, outlined this church’s standards for its…
Just enough real estate
Voices of Faith

Just enough real estate

My first Ash Wednesday as a father, my little boy greeted me. “Color?” he asked. He grabbed my hand and pointed toward the table where crayons, paper and scribbles waited….
Perspective: Celebrate women, practice justice
Voices of Faith

Perspective: Celebrate women, practice justice

This International Women’s Day (March 8), we stand at a critical moment in history. Church and society have made great strides in universalizing human rights, while simultaneously continuing to divide…
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Mission & Ministry

Spiritual support for public service

For Linda Muhly, ministering can take place in the rugged terrain of the West Virginia mountains during a search and rescue mission. Jeff Crim’s spiritual workplace is a tiny ship…
The hard work of deserving grace
Mission & Ministry

The hard work of deserving grace

Editor’s note: As Lutherans, grace is at the heart of our faith understanding. But what does it look like to actually live out grace? In this series, we explore what grace means and…
When disciples use their voice
Mission & Ministry

When disciples use their voice

Since 2007, more than 40,000 cases of human trafficking in the United States have been reported to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, and it has received more than 125,00 signals…
Anger’s danger
Voices of Faith

Anger’s danger

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus broaches a surprising topic early on—anger and what to do with it (Matthew 5:21-26). Before talking about giving or prayer or marriage or…