April 15, 2025

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  Psalm 46:1

Your solidarity, prayers, heartfelt thoughts, and kind words are a source of strength for all of us here.  — Suhaila Tarazi, Director, Al Ahli Arab Hospital, Diocese of Jerusalem, Gaza.

Dear friends in Christ,

On Palm Sunday, the world awakened to the shattering news that the Al Ahli Arab Hospital, an institution operated in Gaza City by the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, had, once again, been struck by Israeli missile attacks. Al Ahli was the sole remaining fully functional hospital in Gaza City. The twin strikes demolished the two-story Genetic Laboratory and damaged the Pharmacy and Emergency Department Buildings. The attack also resulted in collateral damage to surrounding buildings, including St. Philip’s Anglican Church. While no casualties resulted from the attack, a child died from pre-existing head injuries during the disruption to care.

We join faith leaders around the world in condemning this appalling act. We again call for an end to the horrific war that, since October 7^th, 2023, has resulted in the suffering of so many.

This Holy Week, we urge all Canadian Lutherans and Anglicans to join our partners, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land and Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, in praying for the staff of Al Ahli Hospital, its displaced patients, their families, and communities.  In the words of Suhaila Tarazi, Director of Al Ahli, “the hospital remains a vital lifeline for Gaza City and the northern region, and we are committed to maintaining our operations to the best of our ability…. We deeply appreciate your concern and support.”

Our churches continue to call for a permanent ceasefire and just peace, the release of all captives, the immediate and fulsome flow of humanitarian aid, and an end to the occupation. We join with  Primate Hosam Naoum and Bishop Sani Ibrahim Azar in calling upon all governments and people of good will to intervene to stop all attacks on medical and humanitarian institutions so that hope and life may be sustained and strengthened.

In the peace of the Risen Christ,

Rev. Susan C. Johnson
National Bishop, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada

The Most Rev. Anne Germond
Acting Primate, Anglican Church of Canada

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

The Eastern Synod wishes to extend our heartfelt appreciation to Mandi Walker who will conclude her role as Manager of Finance and Administration in the Eastern Synod Office on Thursday, January 23. We wish Mandi all the very best as she pursues a new career opportunity! 

During the interim period following Mandi’s departure, financial questions should be directed to Fred Mertz, Treasurer of the Eastern Synod at fmertz@elcic.ca or by calling 519-743-1461 x.224.

On December 17, 2024, Bishop Michael Pryse (Retired) was honored with the First Rank Cross of Merit of the Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church, the church’s most esteemed award, as an expression of gratitude for his prolonged and successful collaboration. Bishop Pryse was presented with this cross during an intimate ceremony in the chapel at the Eastern Synod Office. Bishop Ove Sanders of the EELC was present. 

Congratulations, Bishop Michael!