Eastern Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada
Member church of the Lutheran World Federation
The Bishops’ Company for Mission was established in 2003 as a gathering of lay people whose financial generosity helps to support mission and ministry activities of the Eastern Synod, above and beyond the regular budget. Join us this year in welcoming our new Bishop Carla Blakley to the Eastern Synod. Information and tickets will be made available soon.
Grace and peace to you!
We are writing to provide you with a quick update with regard to the transition between the tenure of Bishop Michael and Bishop-Elect Carla as Eastern Synod bishop and to address a matter of deep concern to both of us.
Bishop-Elect Carla is currently concluding her ministry in Saskatchewan and will begin work in the Eastern Synod on Sept 25th. She will formally begin her tenure as bishop following her ordination on Saturday Sept 28th at 2:00 at a yet to be determined location. Until this date, we would ask that you please direct all inquiries and concerns to Bishop Michael. After the ordination Bishop (retired) Michael and Bishop Carla will work together for several weeks to ensure a smooth transition. Bishop-Elect Carla is eager to begin working with the current staff team and they are most eager to welcome her!
With heavy hearts, we also feel obliged to offer an additional word about some deeply concerning homophobic references that were made concerning a candidate in our electoral processes at the Eastern Synod Assembly. This has been reported by multiple sources. These reported comments have caused significant harm to several individuals and have reflected poorly on our church’s stated commitment to upholding the principles articulated in the ELCIC Social Statement on Human Sexuality. The Synod Council will review this matter during their next regularly scheduled meeting and make a determination regarding next steps.
The need for us to be ever vigilant in living those principles was made sadly apparent, just days after our Assembly, when a violent assault was directed against the home of one of our rostered leaders while he was gathered with family and friends. How can we claim to combat behaviour of this kind in the wider community when we refuse to condemn similarly hurtful, if less violent, behaviour in our own faith community?
We, as leaders, strongly condemn any language or action that discredits any of God’s beloved, regardless of race, orientation or gender identity. We strive to foster a culture in our churches, our synod and our communities where all people are free to be who they are as God’s beloved. We can and must do better.
In conclusion, we look forward to communicating further transition updates to you as required in the coming weeks and months. In the meantime, we thank you for your prayers for each of us and for the entire Eastern Synod leadership team as this transition takes place. May God grant you a blessed, restful and restorative summer season.
With deep gratitude for you all,
Bishop Michael Pryse and Bishop-Elect Carla Blakely
We are pleased to offer a series of resources to encourage your observation and celebration of Pride Month.
Resources have been divided into four different sets aimed at helping congregations develop ways in which they can appreciate the 2SLGBTQIA+ community during Pride month, which takes place in June of each year. These resources are far from exhaustive, but offer a survey of possibilities for engaging conversation. Here is an outline of what is on offer.
VIEW THE FULL PRIDE MONTH RESOURCE LIBRARY
Introduction
In the Introduction Folder you will find a document called “Terminology” which offers some help with the 2SLGBTQIA+ acronym and its meanings. In addition, “A Brief History” provides a short overview of the history of Pride in the United States and Canada. Both of these documents are short and are essential: it is advisable to take time with them before proceeding. In addition, you will find “Arts and Media Conversation Starters,” a short curated list of reading and/or viewing that might serve to start conversation in congregational settings around Pride identity.
Ready to Start
These resources are for congregations who have never done this work before and/or may need significant refresher. Here and in the other folders, you will find some documents prepared by Reconciling Works, an American community working for full inclusion of 2SLGBTQIA+ in faith communities. These resources focus on specific strategies for communities to increase their welcome and become actively supportive of the 2SLGBTQIA+ people in their own community and the wider communities around them.
Ready to Engage Further
This folder contains resources for those congregations who have already done some work and are looking to explore further. Again, some Reconciling Works initiatives offer a deeper reach in creating inclusive environments.
Ready to Celebrate
This folder offers worship resources and some support for those looking to be advocates and allies. Here, you will find worship devotional and worship resources including a sermon. The folder also includes a litany, created for a specific moment, but adaptable as a means by which to offer apology and accountability for past harm. Mostly, this folder offers ways to celebrate allyship and to live fully into being visibly affirming (beyond having a Pride flag).
Ready to Go Deeper
Although you will find some theological reflection in any of the folders, this fourth folder offers some resources for thinking and reflecting on identity. Included throughout these folders are essays from the July 2022 Issue of Consensus, a journal published jointly twice a year by Martin Luther University College and Lutheran Theological Seminary in Saskatoon. This particular issue was given over to voices of lived experience. It shares the work of rostered ministers and lay leaders, including those who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ and those who are allies. Here you will find two theological reflections on Queer experience. In addition, there is “2SLGBTQIA+- Sexuality in Changing Canadian Lutheran Contexts and Identities” by Rev. Karen Kuhnert, a helpful article for providing some important contextual history within our church.
Note also that the Government of Canada offers a webpage that provides “Information and resources related to the Government of Canada’s work to improve equality for 2SLGBTQI+ communities”. Some of the answers to questions that may arise from community conversation may be found here, with regard to legal and political rights and realities.
Wherever you find yourselves, we hope that you will be informed and enriched by your exploration. Thank you for wanting to spend some time in Pride month helping to create a more fully-inclusive church. God’s peace to you as you journey!
Applications are now being accepted for the 2024/2025 Eastern Synod Scholarships. To apply, please complete the following application and submit it to the Eastern Synod Office.
Dear Members of the Eastern Synod:
As part of the electoral process (as outlined on the Synod’s website) to identify nominees for the positions of Bishop and Vice-Chairperson to be elected at the Synod Assembly on June 20-22, the Synod Council met on March 16 to fulfill its responsibilities as outlined in the policy statement detailing the Nomination Process for the Election of a Bishop and/or Vice Chairperson in instances where there is no incumbent open to election.
They reviewed candidate profiles for five nominees for Bishop (in alphabetical order): Rev. Carla Blakley, Rev. Katherine Gohm, Rev. Jennifer Hoover, Rev. Bonnie Schelter-Brown, Rev. Adam Snook; and two nominees for Vice-Chairperson (in alphabetical order): Kathryn Smith, Sara Whynot; and subsequently voted as per the policy statement.
Four candidates for Bishop received the minimum of five votes needed to be designated as nominees by the Nominating Committee. Two candidates for Vice-Chairperson received the minimum number of votes required. The names and profiles of the designated nominees can be found here on the Synod website.
An Electoral Procedures Committee was appointed to determine what process might be used to allow members of the synod to engage with nominees in advance of the Synod Assembly. Information on those processes will be shared as soon as they have been determined by the committee.
Finally, you may wish to familiarize yourself with the balloting procedure at the Synod Assembly according to the administrative bylaws of the synod (Eastern Synod Bylaws Part V, Section 12). Note that the first ballot for the bishop, and the vice-chairperson, may contain the name of any eligible person for that particular office and is not limited to those who have been designated as nominees in advance of the Synod Assembly.
Sincerely,
Rev. Wendell Caron Grahlman
Eastern Synod Secretary
Good and gracious God, we give you thanks for this day, and for the opportunity to discern as servants and leaders of your church. In this season of change, we commit ourselves to a period of deep discernment as we consider your call for the life of our Eastern Synod. In you, we give thanks for the faithful witness of your church past, and we celebrate the opportunities for new expressions of ministry that bid us into the days ahead. Fill us with a sense of trust, an unwavering commitment to the gospel, a tender focus toward our neighbour, and an open heart to the stirring of your Spirit. Make us curious to your will, and may it be completed in our decisions. Come, Holy Spirit, Come. Amen.
Nominees for the Position of Bishop
Nominees for the Position of Vice Chairperson
Jan. 25 – Feb. 3, 2024
Lutheran Lay Academy
New Amsterdam, Guyana
The Eastern Synod and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
Guyana (ELCG) have had a companion synod relationship
since 2002. Unfortunately, in 2020, COVID disrupted this
relationship and brought all joint activities to a halt for three
years. It was in this context that Mr. Michael Davy Ram, the
Treasurer of ELCG, and Pastor Peter Kuhnert of the Eastern
Synod met over lunch during the LWF 13th Assembly in
Krakow, Poland, last September 2023. Their initial
conversation led to discussions between the ELCG and the
Eastern Synod that resulted in this joint ministry initiative.
The focal points of the initiative were two leadership
retreats, one for ELCG pastors, January 25-27, 2024, and
another for ELCG deacons, Feb. 1-3, 2024. Both retreats were
mutually led by Pastor Peter Kuhnert and Pastor Philip
Mathai.
The ELCG is the second oldest Lutheran church in the western
hemisphere, founded in 1743. It has 15,000 members in 41
congregations divided among 13 parishes. A current
challenge is that there are only six pastors and eight deacons
to give pastoral leadership and care to all those
congregations. Some of the leaders conduct two to four
services every Sunday. The deacons are authorized to preside
over the sacraments, both baptism and communion. The
ELCG also have a host of lay leaders who help with preaching
and worship leadership. Most of the ELCG pastoral leaders
have not had the benefit of extensive seminary training like
ministers within the ELCIC.
The retreats were held at the Lay Academy, in New
Amsterdam, approximately 70 miles from the capital city,
Georgetown. Advance readings were sent out to all retreat
participants which formed the basis for conversations and
discussions. The retreats focussed on a variety of aspects of
ministry and call, including how a pastor/deacon can be a
living, if broken, symbol of grace. Discussions centred on
pastoral duties and responsibilities, parish organization and
administration, communication, priority setting, and
visioning. Further discussions were held on healthy
boundaries and better self-care of the leaders – about the
physical and mental wellbeing of leaders and their
importance in being able to serve at one’s very best.
Sessions began and ended each day with worship which also
provided opportunities of mutual learning, whether it was a
new song or a new liturgy, or new worship rituals such as the
washing of feet.
The two retreats were exceptional times of mutual learning
and encouragement. The commitment and passion of the
clergy and deacons are to be commended. Their openness
and willingness to learn were very evident as they welcomed
the opportunity to come together and discuss freely with
each other and the facilitators about their challenges and
frustrations but also their joys and hopes. It was edifying to
hear of their joys and frustrations and how they faced
challenges in their own contexts.
Pastor Peter and Pastor Philip both experienced something
of the life of the ELCG clergy as they went separately to
preach at two different Parishes on each of the joint ministry
initiative Sundays. These congregations are in the
communities of Canje, Fyrish, and Williamsburg. The
opportunity to visit these congregations within St. John and
Transfiguration Parishes was a blessing to both pastors. The
first Sunday Pastor Peter and Pastor Philip learned the slight changes in the order of the liturgy used in Guyana. The congregations participated with vigour and enthusiasm, and
it was a joy both to worship together and to meet folks in their church contexts.
Both the retreat participants and the ELCG Executive Council
were very appreciative and positive about the ministry
initiative. They expressed the desire that there might be
similar opportunities where there is mutual encouragement
and support for one other. Many participants expressed their
hope that future retreats might even be longer! Preliminary
discussions between Eastern Synod and ELCG leaders
indicated that a follow-up session within 6-9 months may
prove beneficial with another retreat proposed in 12-18
months.
When Pastor Peter and Pastor Philip first travelled to
Georgetown, and then on to New Amsterdam following an
arduous journey including challenging flight connections and
delayed baggage, they did not know what to expect. But
when they departed Guyana, they did so with a deep sense
of gratitude and appreciation for being part of this joint
ministry initiative between the ELCG and the Eastern Synod
and for being allowed to be part of the experiences and lives
of colleagues working in much more challenging contexts
than their own.
This is the essence and epitome of partnership. As we are
called into partnership, koinonia with Christ by God, our
partnership with God is meant to lead us into meaningful
partnerships as brothers and sisters in God’s family (1 John
1:3). The participatory nature of our partnership leads both
parties into relational affinity as well as to fruitful
advancement of the Gospel. We continue to thank God as we
learn and grow together in Christ.
Joint Partners:
Eastern Synod-Evangelical Lutheran Church in
Canada and Evangelical Lutheran Church in Guyana