Adam Snook

Dear friends in Christ,

We are writing to you today with heavy hearts. For nearly two years, the people in Gaza, the West Bank and Jerusalem have been suffering under devastating violence, a deepening humanitarian crisis, and uncertainty.

Recently we received an update from Bishop Dr. Sani Ibrahim Azar of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, our Global Mission and Companion Synod partner. Bishop Azar shared that while the church continues to pray for the peace of Jerusalem, as we all do, he fears, “that peace is increasingly hidden from our eyes.”

“There is an atmosphere of deep fear and uncertainty across our land,” he continued. “No one knows what the next day will bring. The prospect of a regional war weighs heavily on a population already exhausted by suffering.”

Yet, despite everything, the ELCJHL remains steadfast in its mission.

• Congregations continue to gather in prayer and fellowship.
• The schools of the ELCJHL have successfully completed their 2024-25 academic year.
• Diaconal ministry is providing food, rent assistance, medical care and school tuition support
• to hundreds of families across the West Bank.
• Gender justice and environmental ministries are still working towards a more just and
• sustainable future.

“For years,” Bishop Azar writes, “we have worked to sustain the Christian presence in the Holy Land. Today, we are struggling to preserve our very existence.”

As partners in mission, we are called to respond.

Together, the National Office and Eastern Synod are launching an appeal to support the ministries of the ELCJHL. Our goal is to raise $50,000 to assist in supporting this vital work that embodies faith, resilience and hope of a just peace.

At our recent ELCIC National Convention, we welcomed Bishop-Elect, Rev. Dr. Imad Haddad, of the ELCJHL. Speaking on the theme Rejoicing in Hope, he shared these powerful words, “I will really cling to hope, but it is a hope that is not alienated from reality, a hope that understands the challenges. A hope that is great enough to choose life, a hope faithful enough to pose a question, ‘my Lord, why have you forsaken me?’, yet without losing faith in the justice of God. God is just. That is our hope.”

Dear members of the ELCIC, our church’s long-standing relationship with the ELCJHL is a vital expression of our shared faith and commitment to justice and peace.

Together, we invite you to:

• Pray for peace.
• Learn more about the work of the ELCJHL.
• Give generously to the ELCJHL Appeal.

Yours in Christ,
Rev. Susan C. Johnson, Bishop, ELCIC
Rev. Dr. Larry Kochendorfer, Bishop-elect, ELCIC
Rev. Carla Blakley, Bishop, Eastern Synod

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Dear Eastern Synod friends!

Grace and peace to you!

“Rejoicing in Hope” was the theme of the 2025 ELCIC National Church Convention. How appropriate, for we have much in which to rejoice!! Together we discerned, celebrated and dreamt of the future God intends for God’s church. We gave thanks for Bishop Susan Johnson’s 18 years of service as our National Bishop, and we welcomed Rev. Dr. Larry Kochendorfer as our new National Bishop-Elect.

Thank you to all the Eastern Synod delegates and visitors for your participation in this hope-filled event. Likewise, thank you to everyone who carried us in your prayers over these days.

When we call on the Spirit to lead us, we never quite know what might happen. As you are already likely aware, my name appeared on the electoral list. Despite having declined pre-identification, the Spirit had other plans.

I firmly believe that we must always remain open to the Spirit’s guiding. This would be my counsel to churches at crossroads in their ministries, or Rostered Leaders contemplating a new call in a fresh setting. We must always be open to the Spirit’s movement.

Such a belief means that I too must be willing to open my heart when the Spirit calls. For that reason, I engaged this electoral process with prayer, discernment and thanksgiving.

I am delighted that Bishop Larry will now serve as our next National Bishop. Even moreso, I am overjoyed that we will have more time together. I love serving alongside you in the Eastern Synod. My heart is filled to overflowing when I see the ministries you are engaged in, the communities you serve, the ways you worship, and the welcome you extend!

Let us continue to “Rejoice in Hope”. Thank you for journeying with me in the work of sharing God’s love with the world!!

Bishop Carla

Dear friends in Christ:

The people of the ELCIC and the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, inside and outside the church, know too well how acts of homophobia, transphobia, and biphobia—including religious-induced discrimination— embolden public expressions of hate crimes and violence. Unfortunately, deliberate disinformation takes aim at care and safer spaces for transgender and gender non-conforming youth; hateful rhetoric, discriminatory legislation, and restrictions directly place their health, safety, and well-being at risk.

Recently, the 47th President of the United States of America (USA) issued “executive orders” declaring there are only two genders, male and female; banning Transgender people from military service; and ending gender affirming care for anyone under the age of 19.

The ELCIC considers these actions to be hostile to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. The ELCIC recognizes that there are more than two genders. These executive orders endanger the lives of Transgender, Non- binary, Genderqueer, Intersex, and Gender Nonconforming persons. While these actions have happened in the USA, we know that the lobby to remove and deny human rights does try to exert influence in Canada, and that some elected leaders in this country have enacted discriminatory laws and policies. 

The ELCIC is committed to the acceptance, full participation, and liberation of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions within the Church. The ELCIC upholds and celebrates our uniqueness and diversity in God’s family. In 2019, the ELCIC established a task force to guide and  encourage the church in addressing ongoing issues of homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia.  The task force has a mandate to build awareness of transphobia in church and in society. This work is intended to deepen commitments made by the ELCIC made in the 2011 Social Statement on HumanSexuality, including the call to uphold dignity of all people regardless of gender identity and to meet diverse people with a core sense of respect for the value of each person as a unique child of God.

Please join us in:

• Praying for the dignity and acceptance for all persons, for the safety of those made more vulnerable    by recent government actions, for a world where everyone finds loving community, and for God’s guidance in our thoughts, words, and deeds.
• Providing spaces and opportunities for safe, respectful conversations, where people feel support and love, and experience ongoing formation.
• Learning more about human rights, terminology, and pathways to liberation for 2SLGBTQIA+ persons.
• Speaking out against rhetoric that dehumanizes and demonizes anyone made in the image of God, and by promoting accurate information about neighbors and issues of public concern.
• Advocating for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights at the local, provincial, and federal level.
• Preparing for the possibility of providing welcome to those fleeing persecution based on sexual  orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

May the God of love and liberation hear our lament. May each of us be bold in our witness. May we all work  to bring an end to this attack against people God has named beloved.

Yours in Christ,
Rev. Susan Johnson
National Bishop, ELCIC

Rev. Kathy Martin
Bishop of the British Columbia Synod

Rev. Patricia Schmermund
Bishop of the Synod of Alberta and the Territories

Rev. Dr. Ali Tote
Bishop of the Saskatchewan Synod

Rev. Jason Zinko
Bishop of the Manitoba/Northwestern Ontario Synod

Rev. Carla Blakley
Bishop of the Eastern Synod