Inclusion

Prayer Ventures

Prayer ventures: May 19

Every day, Living Lutheran offers a prayer for the day from the ELCA resource “Prayer ventures,” which can be downloaded here. These daily petitions are offered as a guide for…

Living Faithfully

Lutheran Church in Australia and New Zealand ordains first women pastors

The Lutheran Church in Australia and New Zealand (LCANZ) has ordained its first female pastors. Maria Rudolph was ordained at Concordia College Chapel Highgate in South Australia on Palm Sunday,…

Voices of Faith

Inspired by Ruth

I have served the HKBP California Batak Lutheran Church in Claremont, Calif., for the past eight years. At this time, HKBP California desires to become part of the Pacifica Synod…

Theology & Beliefs

Lutherans and patriarchy: Called to action and abundance

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…

Spiritual Resources

Serving the stranger

Lent is a season of reflection and renewal—a 40-day period in the liturgical calendar, from Ash Wednesday through Holy Saturday, when Lutherans focus on the life and ministry of Jesus….

Living Faithfully

ELCA Church Council takes action for 2025 Churchwide Assembly

The Church Council of the ELCA gathered at the Lutheran Center in Chicago, April 3-6. The council serves as the ELCA churchwide organization’s board of directors and interim legislative authority…

Living Faithfully

A foundation of community in the Navajo Nation

On a Wednesday morning in Rock Point, Ariz., a golden sun rises over towering rock formations. A breeze lifts red soil, blowing it across a vast landscape dotted with sagebrush….

Living Faithfully

ELCA presiding bishop issues video message for Transgender Day of Visibility

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…

Mission & Ministry

The ongoing work of racial healing

In observance of the 2025 National Day of Racial Healing, the ELCA, in partnership with Augsburg Fortress Publishers, hosted a free online educational event on Jan. 21. The National Day…

Living Faithfully

Bishop Eaton convenes interfaith leaders for statement on refugees, immigrants

Elizabeth Eaton, presiding bishop of the ELCA, has convened a coalition of interfaith leaders in support of refugees and immigrants who are forced to flee their homes. “We stand united…

Living Faithfully

A new season in Namibia

After years of devastating drought, the rains have returned to Namibia. Fattened goats and cattle now wander across the verdant desert, where the rains have formed a giant patchwork of…

Spiritual Resources

Honoring Black Lutherans in today’s meditation

As we celebrate Black History Month, we reflect on the contributions of Black Lutherans to the life, mission and ministry of the ELCA. From the faith-filled leadership of trailblazers such…