The gift of community
Voices of Faith

The gift of community

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…

Steady faith, strong traditions, lasting impression
Voices of Faith

Steady faith, strong traditions, lasting impression

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…

Was Jesus innocent?
Voices of Faith, Theology & Beliefs

Was Jesus innocent?

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…

I’m a Lutheran: Pam Liberda
Voices of Faith

I’m a Lutheran: Pam Liberda

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…

“A marvelous mystery”
Voices of Faith

“A marvelous mystery”

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…

God’s love sets us free
Voices of Faith

God’s love sets us free

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…

Prayers for Women’s History Month 2026
Voices of Faith

Prayers for Women’s History Month 2026

I’m a Lutheran: David Rutlen
Voices of Faith

I’m a Lutheran: David Rutlen

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,…

The honesty of Ash Wednesday
Voices of Faith

The honesty of Ash Wednesday

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…