A time to share stories
Voices of Faith

A time to share stories

Editor’s note: As we observe the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11, Kevin Ritter-Jung, director of media and communications for the Metropolitan New York Synod, and Kathleen Ruen, synod director of…

My take: Who will climb onto the roof?
Voices of Faith

My take: Who will climb onto the roof?

My wife, Janie, recently reminded me of a Bible story I’ve read countless times but perhaps never fully understood. In Mark 2, a paralyzed man is brought to Jesus by…

I’m a Lutheran: Christopher Johnson
Voices of Faith

I’m a Lutheran: Christopher Johnson

Trinity Lutheran Church, Stillwater, Minn. President and CEO, Portico Benefit Services I grew up at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, where I was confirmed and married and where our…

[Video] Patricia Davenport: Beloved child of God
Voices of Faith

[Video] Patricia Davenport: Beloved child of God

Patricia Davenport, the first African American woman to be elected bishop in the ELCA, died on July 29, 2026. This is an excerpt of an interview with Davenport by Nicolette…

What is your favorite hymn?
Voices of Faith

What is your favorite hymn?

Editor’s note: The following collection of reflections is a response to a reader call asking people to share their favorite hymns. “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” (Evangelical Lutheran Worship…

Patricia Davenport, first African American female bishop in ELCA, dies at 70
Voices of Faith

Patricia Davenport, first African American female bishop in ELCA, dies at 70

Patricia Ann Curtis Davenport, the first African American woman to be elected a bishop in the ELCA, died Wednesday, July 29. She was 70 years old. Davenport served the Southeastern…

Seeing one another as God sees us
Voices of Faith

Seeing one another as God sees us

“After a moment, Theo spoke. ‘Then I propose that we make a trade. Give me that old picture in your head, and take this new one home with you.’” —Allen…

Helping others show up authentically
Voices of Faith

Helping others show up authentically

Elected June 11 as bishop of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod, Jennifer Dee believes in the value of a good conversation that acknowledges and moves through grief toward hope in Christ….

I’m a Lutheran: Jillian Stierwalt
Voices of Faith

I’m a Lutheran: Jillian Stierwalt

St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Portsmouth, Va. Personal care assistant St. Andrew was my mom’s first call as pastor. She’s been there for 10 years! The church has changed and grown…

“Beauty is a grace already given”
Voices of Faith

“Beauty is a grace already given”

As a professional oboist, Merideth Hite Estevez had always thought of herself as an artist. At a certain point in her career, however, she realized that she was pursuing artistic…