Spotlight

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!

November 20 is Transgender Day of Remembrance.

As a church committed to speaking out against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, the Eastern Synod recognizes that there is still much work to do.

Amid rising anti-2SLGBTQIA+ and anti-trans hate, we commit to going beyond awareness, and are taking actionable steps to support the queer community, including our trans, nonbinary, Two Spirit, and gender diverse siblings.

At their November meeting, the Eastern Synod Council took steps to establish a new 2SLBGTQIA+ Portfolio, under which was the establishment of a Queer Committee in the Eastern Synod. Rev. Adam Snook will provide staff support in this area.

The focus of this new committee will be:

-to provide opportunities for education and self-awareness around the issues of homophobia, transphobia and biphobia;

– to bring issues of homophobia, transphobia and biphobia before congregations on a regular basis and to equip rostered leaders and lay people with resources for worship and learning;

– to encourage and facilitate participation in the RIC (Reconciling In Christ) process within congregations and at the Eastern Synod Office;

– to coordinate an intentional public presence at pride events across the territory of the Eastern Synod;

– to respond to current world events by calling the church to advocacy and action.

More information will be available soon!

For more information about Transgender Day of Remembrance, and to learn how you can take action, please visit: https://egale.ca/egale-in-action/trans-week-2024/

It is with immense thanksgiving, that the Eastern Synod family wishes a Happy Retirement to Bishop Michael Pryse. Today is Bishop Michael’s last day in the Synod Office.

At age two he was adopted and moved to Kitchener, Ontario where he was baptized at St. Philip Evangelical Lutheran Church. Upon graduation from High School, he studied at Wilfrid Laurier University and subsequently enrolled in Waterloo Lutheran Seminary (now Martin Luther University College) where he graduated with a Master of Divinity Degree in 1985.

Bishop Michael served as pastor in Mildmay, Neustadt and Burlington, Ontario before accepting a call to serve as an Assistant to the Bishop. In 1998, he was elected to serve as Bishop of the Eastern Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada.

Bishop Michael has remained fervently committed to the cause of Christian unity and continues to be a strong advocate for increased ecumenical and multi-faith co-operation.

Bishop Michael has served faithfully as the Bishop of the Eastern Synod for 26 years. During that time he has visited countless congregations while also providing exceptional support and care to rostered and lay leaders. He is a loving husband, proud father, loyal friend, compassionate colleague and a beautifully beloved child of God.

Please join us in offering heartfelt thanks to Bishop Michael as he sets out on this next chapter of life and ministry!

Thanks and Amen!