News

Brianna Iverson Brianna Iverson

The WCC Joins Press Conference After the Arrest of Judge Dugan in Milwaukee

My name is Rev. Dr. Kerri Parker. I am the Executive Director of the Wisconsin Council of Churches, which connects twenty three Christian traditions here in Wisconsin. I am here with my colleagues to speak on behalf of Justice, righteousness, and the responsibilities of true leaders in caring for those among us who are in need.

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Brianna Iverson Brianna Iverson

Proclaim: Immigrants Welcome Here

Our faith is filled with examples of welcoming the stranger and the immigrant. As immigrant communities are increasingly under attack, we are inviting you to proudly proclaim welcome through a visible campaign. Created with help from our friends at the East Central Synod of the ELCA, your congregation is invited to download resources and proclaim your welcome both online and physically throughout your space.

Digital files include social media assets and files that can be downloaded and printed on banners, yard signs, window clings, and more.

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Brianna Iverson Brianna Iverson

Australia Ordains First Woman Pastor

The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) congratulates the Lutheran Church in Australia and New Zealand (LCANZ) on the ordination of its first female pastor the Rev. Maria Rudolph on Palm Sunday.

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Brianna Iverson Brianna Iverson

North America- Holy Land Solidarity Visit Statement

Read a statement from Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land Bishop Sani-Ibrahim Azar, ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton and Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada National Bishop Susan Johnson on a visit of solidarity to the Holy Land.

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Brianna Iverson Brianna Iverson

Faith Lens Devotion: Evidence of Life

Catalyst Question What kind of evidence do you need to believe something is true? Evidence of Life Recently, the possibility of life on another planet hit the news. While studying a planet 124 light years away from Earth, scientists made...

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Brianna Iverson Brianna Iverson

ELCA Draft Social Message on Child Protection and Maltreatment

The prevalence of child maltreatment in the United States is staggering. At least 1 in 7 children has experienced abuse or neglect in the last year, according to the U.S. Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), though the CDC cautions that abuse and neglect are often unreported.

Recognizing the church’s important role in addressing this, the ELCA Church Council authorized the develop a social message on child protection and maltreatment, as requested by the 2022 ELCA Churchwide Assembly. Social messages are ELCA teaching documents that draw from existing social teaching but focus direct attention on a particular social issue.

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Brianna Iverson Brianna Iverson

The Ash Wednesday Ecumenical Declaration: Defending Refuge

Every day, families seeking refuge face fear, separation, and uncertainty. Parents are forced to make impossible choices. Children endure journeys no child should have to take. And as our nation reckons with how it will treat the most vulnerable, we are called—as people of faith—to respond.

This Ash Wednesday, we remember. We remember our shared humanity. We remember that we, too, were once strangers in a foreign land. And we remember that faith calls us to act.

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Brianna Iverson Brianna Iverson

On Free Speech and Information Security 

We live in a time when information is being consolidated onto fewer and fewer platforms owned by a small group of very wealthy and influential people. Many of us have come to rely on these platforms to distribute news about our churches and groups—live stream worship services and other events, invite people to activities, post articles, share photos, recruit volunteers, and otherwise promote good work.

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Brianna Iverson Brianna Iverson

When Worship Is Disrupted: How Congregations Can Respond and Prepare

Houses of worship, while sacred spaces, are not immune to disruption, emergencies, or violence. The top recommendation from ELCA’s crisis communication experts is simple but crucial: assemble a crisis team before you need one. A well-prepared congregation can respond swiftly, communicate effectively, and ensure safety for all.

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Brianna Iverson Brianna Iverson

Misinformation Targets Lutheran Organizations—Here’s the Truth

False claims about Lutheran organizations and federal funding circulated on X on February 1, prompting a strong response from ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton. In a video statement, Bishop Eaton reaffirmed the ELCA’s commitment to truth and its long-standing mission of serving the vulnerable. Lutheran organizations have responsibly used federal grants for 85 years, and the ELCA calls on political leaders to reject misinformation and uphold integrity. Watch Bishop Eaton’s full response in our blog post.

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