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By Abigail Raghunath [About the author] Origins of the Declaration of Human Rights In the aftermath of World War II, the United Nations began to take shape, grounded in a vision of peace, dignity and shared responsibility. Its foundational document, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, was not just a promise; it was a global commitment that human rights are universal and must be protected. While the declaration was drafted by representatives from across the globe, it holds a special connection to the Lutheran community. The Rev. O. Frederick Nolde, a professor at the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia, participated…

Today’s post comes from ELCA Disability Ministries advisory team member, Anita Smallin.  I have had the honor of attending the Extravaganza as a participant and as a workshop leader over the course of my career. The E (as it gets called) feels like a family reunion of sorts. Whenever I go to the E, I know I’m in a room of people who understand what life in ministry is like. The Disability Ministries team was present at the event in two ways. We had a display table where we were available to have conversations with youth leaders. We heard about…

By Jeffery Jordan II, ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellow (2025-26 cycle) The experience felt both deeply personal and globally significant while at the United Nations Headquarters for the recently-concluded 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70). CSW70 gathered advocates, policymakers, attorneys, faith leaders and young people from around the world, all committed to advancing justice for women and girls. Walking into those spaces each day, I was reminded that justice is not just an idea we debate, it is something we build together, across cultures, languages and lived experiences.   Meaningful Touchpoints One of the most meaningful moments for me was…

Greetings Hunger Leaders, Below you will find ELCA World Hunger resource suggestions for the 2026 season of ELCA Synod Assemblies and congregational engagement! Please feel free to order printed copies or create a QR code with these resources for download.  Please read to the end; there are many valuable resources here! Lifelines o   For the World Hunger annual report please see the 2025 Fall Lifelines issue, now available for download, as a PDF and interactive flipbook, and also available for order as a physical copy. 2026 Spring Lifelines should also be available by April. Print/Digital Resources Feeding Ministries Guide o  If you are interested in…

A word from American theologian par excellence, Jonathan Edwards, on the beauty of the triune God: It is unreasonable to think otherwise, than that the first foundation of a true love of God, is that whereby He is in Himself lovely, or worthy to be loved, or the supreme loveliness of His nature. This is certainly what makes Him chiefly amiable. What chiefly makes a man, or any creature lovely, is his excellency; and so what chiefly renders God lovely, and must undoubtedly be the chief ground of true love, is His excellency. God’s nature, or the Divinity, is infinitely…

Issue 103 of Administration Matters Rostered Ministers Gathering 2026 Registration for the 2026 Rostered Ministers Gathering, happening July 6-9 at the JW Marriott in Indianapolis, is open! All ELCA deacons, pastors, bishops and candidates approved for call are invited to be “Woven Together” in a time of intentional connection, listening and learning from one another in these challenging times. Engage with dynamic preachers, speakers, presenters, and even a theologian-in-residence and artist-in-residence. Register soon to get the early bird rate (available through March 31). A limited number of scholarships are available to defray registration costs and other expenses — learn more…

Each month ELCA Worship highlights resources and events from other organizations and institutions. These Lutheran and ecumenical partner organizations work alongside the ELCA to support worship leaders, worship planners, musicians, and all who care about the worship of the church. ELCA Worship also features resources from Augsburg Fortress Publishers in a monthly blog post. Association of Lutheran Church Musicians ALCM nurtures and equips musicians to serve and lead the church’s song. ALCM  2026 Conference “Now and Forever” St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minn. Celebrating the 1986 ALCM Constituting Convention Overlapping with Lutheran Summer Music’s Festival Week! Featuring Bach’s St. Matthew Passion, Bach…

Years ago, and for years and years I would publish a blog post every single day. Over the years, if you have been following me for any length of time, you will have noticed that that pace has slowed. In fact, as of late you will have probably noticed that my publishing output here has slowed down quite a bit; i.e., I think I’m averaging just about a post in a half every seven days. I just wanted to acknowledge that. I’m not the young whippersnapper I once was when I first started the blogging game. But let it also…

“For what shall we pray?” is a weekly post inviting individuals, groups, and congregations to lift up our world in prayer. This resource is prepared by a variety of leaders in the ELCA and includes prayer prompts, upcoming events and observances, and prayer suggestions from existing denominational worship materials. You are encouraged to use these resources as a starting point, and to adapt and add other concerns from your local context. More information about this resource can be found here.   Prayer prompts: For justice and peace among nations where war and violence rage, especially in Iran, Lebanon, Gaza, South…

Prepare Samuel thinks he knows what a king should look like: strong, tall, impressive. Yet, God challenges him on this notion, declaring, “The Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” This same theme of seeing beyond appearances in John 9 emerges when Jesus heals a man born blind and invites everyone present to reconsider what true sight really means. What should be a moment of joy becomes a debate. The disciples assume someone must have sinned. The neighbors doubt what they see. The religious leaders question the…