Synod Spotlight: Seeking Justice and Healing at the WELCA Fall Gathering
When women gather across our synod, worship, fellowship, and intentional learning regularly go hand in hand.
On Saturday, October 17, 2026, starting at 8:00 AM, the women of the La Crosse Area Synod WELCA will assemble at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in La Crescent, MN, for their annual Fall Gathering—a day devoted to solidarity, education, and holy action.
This year’s gathering centers on a pressing justice issue in our region and across Turtle Island (North America): the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG).
Facing the Crisis with Faith and Action
Across the United States and Canada, Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit individuals disappear or are murdered at rates far higher than the national average, often facing systemic neglect, underreported cases, and complex jurisdictional barriers to justice.
As the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), our priorities remind us that cultural, ethnic, and racial differences are intended by God to be blessings rather than instruments of oppression or discrimination. We recognize the imperative to challenge dynamics of power and privilege that create barriers to equity both in society and within the church.
Through national initiatives, the WELCA ministry actively supports awareness and advocacy around MMIWG, calling on congregations to listen to Indigenous voices, learn the historical roots of violence, and advocate for restorative legislation.
Documentary Feature: We Ride for Her
A central part of the Fall Gathering will be a screening of We Ride for Her, a deeply moving documentary that highlights Indigenous-led efforts to bring healing and justice to affected families.
The film follows the Indigenous Women’s Motorcycle Council as they ride across the country to raise awareness for MMIWG. Their ride is more than a display of solidarity—it is a sacred movement of memory, resilience, and prayer for missing sisters and grieving families.
The film screening will be accompanied by time for reflection, prayer, and discussion on how local congregations in the La Crosse Area Synod can build lasting relationships with Native neighbors and engage in advocacy.
A Sacred Call to Inclusion
In the ELCA, we do not view diversity as a barrier to unity, nor do we turn away from uncomfortable truths. Following Christ means creating spaces where those marginalized by society are fully seen, honored, and embraced.
Whether you have been active in WELCA for decades or are looking to connect for the first time, your presence is welcomed. Come to share in community, deepen your commitment to justice, and discover how our shared faith equips us to walk alongside Indigenous women in solidarity.
Event Details & Registration
Event: Women of the ELCA Fall 2026 Gathering
Date & Time: Saturday, October 17, 2026 | Starts at 8:00 AM
Location: Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 21 North Hill Street, La Crescent, MN 55947
Cost: $20 payable to La Crosse Area Synod W-ELCA at registration sign-in on the day of the event
Registration Deadline: Please call Mona Van Riper at 608-857-3474 by Friday, October 9, 2026, to register so the Prince of Peace women can prepare an accurate count for the luncheon.
Learn More & Prepare:
