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Today, July 28, marks the beginning of the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly, taking place in Phoenix, Arizona, and continuing through August 2. This important event is the primary decision-making gathering of our denomination, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), and it occurs only once every three years.

Far more than a business meeting, the Churchwide Assembly is a sacred time of communal spiritual discernment, grounded in Word and Sacrament. Voting members from across the country will worship together daily and do the work of the church on behalf of all ELCA congregations.

Throughout this week, voting members will:

  • Elect a new presiding bishop and secretary of the ELCA

  • Hear reports from churchwide leaders and ministries

  • Consider proposals brought forward by synods

  • Elect board members and other leaders

  • Establish churchwide policy and adopt a new budget

  • And most importantly, gather around word, water, wine, and bread

The theme of this year’s assembly is “For the Life of the World.” It points us back to the Nicene Creed and forward to the abundant life God intends for all creation. Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton has often reminded us of our shared identity:

  • We are church

  • We are Lutheran

  • We are church together

  • We are church for the sake of the world

As Dietrich Bonhoeffer once said, “The church is the church only when it exists for others.” We live that truth when we show up boldly for healing, justice, and hope, not only in our neighborhoods, but across the whole world.

Please hold this assembly in your prayers as voting members begin their work today. May the Holy Spirit guide their hearts, conversations, and decisions. You can learn more or follow along with livestreams at: elca.org/churchwideassembly