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Through the dark, into the light
I walked through hell and into heaven. Literally. I visited the UNESCO World Heritage site in Lalibela, Ethiopia, in December of 2021. Eleven rock-hewn monolithic churches, architecture and engineering wonders were built some 1000 years ago by King Lalibela. Tradition says that King Lalibela dreamed of the churches, as a...Read More -
The Cyclical Dance of Life and Death
I remember her hands. Rich with age spots, the birthmarks of life, they were, strong, rugged, and extremely skilled. She would “hold” our baby when still in the womb, expertly feeling for size and position. She had done this thousands of times, with an eagle eye for what was typical...Read More -
Letter to Mark Carney P.C., M.P. Prime Minister of Canada
Bishop Susan Johnson (ELCIC) and Archbishop Anne Germond (ACC) wrote a letter to the Prime Minister regarding Israel's ongoing attacks on the Palestinian people. Both leaders are calling on the Canadian government to provide urgent humanitarian assistance Letter to Prime MinisterDownloadRead More -
Seeds of Hope
Letter from the Bishop I have a lilac bush next to my deck. Year after year, I watch the seemingly dead branches begin to come to life. Small buds expand, unroll, green shows through, and then blossoms. Fragrant. New life. It is the season of Easter. We have just...Read More -
Leaders speak out on Al Ahli Hospital attack
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...Read More -
Mirrors, Windows and Sliding Glass Doors
Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop is a professor emerita of education at The Ohio State University, known as the mother of multicultural children’s literature. Bishop writes about children’s literature using the image of Mirrors, Windows and Sliding Glass Doors. (Perspectives, Vo. 6, no. e, 1990, Choosing and using Books in the...Read More -
Congregational Redevelopment Services Announcement
The Eastern Synod announces changes to our Congregational Redevelopment Services. Rev. Jennifer Hoover has accepted a new call to Parish Ministry and will be stepping down from her role as the Congregational Redevelopment Services Advisor effective May 1, 2025. Jennifer has served in this capacity since 2022, and since then has...Read More -
World Water Day 2025
The Circle for Reconciliation and Justice invites you to celebrate World Water Day on March 22 by making a donation to Grassy Narrows First Nation, who have been suffering from mercury dumped into the English-Wabigoon River for over 60 years. World Water Day 2025 - Poster (Amended)Download World Water Day...Read More -
The Continuous Bonds of God’s Love
My world rocked when my Mom died. It has now been more than 20 years, but the memories are crystal clear. I knew she was dying, and thanks to the popular book, “Tuesdays with Morrie” ( Mitch Albom, Doubleday, 1997) I had initiated Mondays with Mom. Every Monday we talked....Read More -
Letter on Non-Binary Safety
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...Read More
Eastern Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada
Member church of the Lutheran World Federation