by Bishop Stephen Herr
The ELCA Social Statement, Freed in Christ: Race, Ethnicity and Culture (1993), states that the “Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, with the whole Church, look forward to the time when people will come from east and west, north and south to eat in the reign of God (Luke 13:29). For the Church catholic, diversity of cultures is both a given and a glimpse of the future.” It further notes that “The Christ to whom the Church witnesses is the Christ who breaks down walls of cultural exclusivity (Mark 7:24-29; John 4). We, of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, have recognized ourselves to be in mission and ministry in a multicultural society, and have committed ourselves to welcome cultural diversity.” These convictions and commitments continue to guide and inspire the racial justice ministry and work of this church.
Racial Justice and Reconciliation was the focus of several ELCA events this past January. The ELCA’s 2026 National Day of Racial Healing event, “Just Us Narratives: A Night of Centering Multiracial Voices Across the ELCA,” was held on the evening of January 20, and I participated virtually. The event included music, storytelling, and listening. I encourage rostered ministers and congregations to view the event and utilize it as a resource in this church’s ongoing ministry towards racial justice and healing. To learn more about the event, to view it, and to download a companion reflection worksheet, visit elca.org/org-events/2026-national-day-of-racial-healing.
The ELCA Association of White Lutherans for Racial Justice Assembly was held on January 23 and 24. I had the opportunity to participate in this virtual assembly which brought together Lutherans from around the ELCA to connect, worship, learn, and organize. The association seeks to educate and organize white Lutherans to support churchwide racial justice efforts and its sibling associations. To learn more about the association, become a member, and support its work visit whitelutheransforracialjustice.org/.
On January 17, LAMPA and Kindling Faith at United Lutheran Seminary hosted the event Prophets, Saints, and Kings: Resisting Christian Nationalism and Building the Beloved Community with King and Bonhoeffer. Internationally renowned Bonhoeffer scholars, Dr. Stephen Haynes and Dr. Reggie Williams presented. In addition, Haynes presented an engaging lecture on the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. on January 19th at Gettysburg College. You can view the January 17th event on YouTube here.
African Descent Ministries of the ELCA observes Black History Month with Talks at the Desk, a video series that explores diverse expressions of the church. The most recent season focuses on the Reclaim Gathering and its themes: reclaim, embolden, embody and liberate. Watch them on YouTube or download them here. To learn more about the African Descent Ministries of the ELCA also visit their association website.
I share these resources and reflections inviting our pastors, deacons, lay leaders, and congregations to commit themselves to the important ministry of racial justice, reconciliation, and healing. As your bishop, I am committed to encouraging and supporting this ministry throughout our synod and to creating opportunities for us to learn, grow, and advocate together. I look forward to mutual conversation and consolation trusting that God will guide and inspire us.
Your servant in Christ,
✠ Bishop Stephen Herr
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