Stories, reflections and perspectives from diverse range of voices across the ELCA.
Though I’ve often lived alone, I’m drawn to community and connection. I’ve been blessed to take part in many Christian communities, some for an intense, two-week period of formation and…
As a Palestinian Christian and ELCA pastor, Khader Khalilia occupies a singular and deeply personal role within the life of the church. Born and raised in Bethlehem, Khalilia maintains close…
April is Arab American Heritage Month in the United States. While this is a celebration of all Arab Americans—Christian and Muslim alike—I’m going to focus on Christians. As an Arab…
Of course he was innocent, responds every ounce of theology and tradition. Our salvation rests on this, that Jesus was fully God and thus incapable of sin, that his suffering and…
Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Overland Park, Kan. Executive chef and co-founder, Buck Tui BBQ; executive chef, Muni I connected with Holy Cross before my wedding in 2005. I was raised…
Thomas Maltman’s latest novel, Ashes to Ashes (Soho Press, 2025), largely takes place against the backdrop of a Lutheran congregation. Maltman—whose spouse, Melissa, is pastor of Servant of Christ Lutheran Church…
Theologian Marvin E. Wickware Jr.’s research addresses the intersections of identity, emotions, politics and theology. But he came to write Loving Through Enmity: Healing the Broken Heart of Christian Antiracist…
Martin Luther’s assessment that we as God’s people are simultaneously sinners and saints has sometimes rankled. Nonetheless, the older I become, the more I acknowledge Luther’s honest insight—and my own…
Living Lutheran spoke with Joe Davis about the ways art can inspire communities and motivate action toward the liberation and well-being of others. This video is Part 2 of that…
St. James Lutheran Church, Portland, Ore. Professor emeritus of medicine and retired head of General Cardiology, Oregon Health and Science University; marathon runner I’m named after my grandfather, David Ruotsalainen,…
One blustery Ash Wednesday, some pastor colleagues and I went downtown to distribute “ashes on the go.” We spread on sidewalks that ran along towering office buildings and bustling restaurants, dressed in clergy wear…
The timbre of my voice rumbles at the back of my throat, and my mouth opens as a roar of laughter fills the space. Laughter is good for the soul….
You are dust and to dust you shall return (Genesis 3:19). Atoms in our bodies trace to the remnants of exploded stars. We are stardust. We are alive in the universe. And the…
My mother had the most sumptuous deep dark chocolate skin, full lips, large African nose and big beautiful eyes. She had a unique sense of style and a calming way…
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