ELCA Presiding Bishop Responds to Executive Orders on Immigration

CHICAGO (Feb. 14, 2025) — ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton has issued a video message in response to the executive order on immigration that rolled back guidance to immigration authorities in protected areas such as places of worship, schools and hospitals.

Eaton spoke out against the order and urged members and others to add their voices. “You are a superpower. They don’t expect thousands and thousands of ordinary people in our pews and in our communities to join together for this action. So, get motivated and get organized. We are church together, and together we will continue to defend the most vulnerable communities and people among us as Jesus taught us.” 

Eaton also addressed the numerous lawsuits challenging this action. “Given the ELCA’s polity and denominational structure, the churchwide organization would not be an appropriate plaintiff in these actions,” she said. “But congregations can demonstrate that they could be harmed by the recission, and they would have standing in this lawsuit. We will continue to speak out against harmful policies and in support of our marginalized neighbors.”

Letter Calling for Compassion by Bishop Wee and Other Washington State Religious Leaders

This ecumenical letter was recently shared with local news outlets:

As Christians, we are called to live out the teachings of Jesus Christ, who welcomed strangers and emphasized love, mercy, and justice for all people. We believe that every human being, regardless of their country of origin or legal status, is created in the image of God and has inherent dignity and worth. This foundational truth compels us to approach the issue of immigration with compassion and a commitment to the common good.

Scripture repeatedly instructs us to love our neighbor and show the stranger hospitality. God commands the people of Israel, "The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself" (Leviticus 19:34). Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) shows us that caring for people in need is central to who we are as Christians. The parable also challenges us to acknowledge the goodness in all people because the “foreigner” in the story is the one who acts in the most Christlike way.

Christianity emphasizes both mercy and justice. Justice requires everyone, including immigrants, to be treated fairly and equitably. While upholding the rule of law is important, it must not be done in ways that dehumanize or exploit vulnerable people. We are especially concerned about the possibility that places of worship, hospitals, and schools could be the target of deportation raids. A policy that allowed such raids would increase the suffering not only of undocumented people but also of many people who would fear being unjustly targeted and thus would avoid those places. Denying people the opportunity to attend worship, be educated, or receive medical treatment violates individuals’ fundamental rights. We urge those in government and law enforcement who are responsible for the detention or deportation of undocumented persons to consider how their actions might be seen in the eyes of God.

We are all members of the same human family. Therefore, we approach immigration not merely as a political or legal issue but as a matter of human solidarity. The health and prosperity of the United States are intertwined with the contributions and lives of immigrants. Immigrants bring diverse gifts and play an essential role in our communities and economies.

As people who have received God’s mercy and grace, we are called to extend that same mercy and grace to others. This means offering opportunities for new beginnings, particularly for those already present in the United States without legal documentation. A just immigration policy would provide pathways to citizenship for those who have lived in the U.S. for years, contributing to the country and integrating into our communities. It should also guarantee protection for those fleeing violence or persecution, ensure that immigrant families remain united, and make sure that children are not punished for their parents' actions.

We are called, as individuals and as a society, to remember that the immigrants among us are not intruders or enemies but bearers of the image of God, deserving of our care, respect, and advocacy.

Most Rev. Paul D. Etienne, Archbishop of Seattle

The Rev. Shelley Bryan Wee, Bishop, Northwest Washington Synod, ELCA

The Rev. Richard Jaech, Bishop, Southwestern Washington Synod, ELCA

The Rev. Dr. Meggan Manlove, Bishop, Northwest Intermountain Synod, ELCA

The Rt. Rev. Philip N. LaBelle, Bishop, The Episcopal Diocese of Olympia

The Rt. Rev. Gretchen Rehberg, Bishop, The Episcopal Diocese of Spokane 

The Rev. Dr. Carey G. Anderson, First African Methodist Episcopal Church

The Rev. Dr. Edward Donalson III, Bishop Freedom Assemblies Worldwide 

The Rev. Cedrick Bridgeforth, Bishop, Greater Northwest Episcopal Area, United Methodist Church 

The Rev. Laura Terasaki, Executive Presbyter of the Northwest Coast Presbytery PCUSA 

The Rev. Sheryl Kinder-Pyle, Executive Presbyter, Presbytery of the Inland NW, PCUSA 

The Rev. Eliana Maxim, Co-Executive Presbyter, Seattle Presbytery, PCUSA

The Rev. Scott Lu​msden, Co-Executive Presbyter, Seattle Presbytery, PCUSA

The Rev. Phil Hodson, Designated Conference Minister, Pacific Northwest Conference, United Church of Christ 

The Rev. Tyler Connoley, Conference Minister, Central Pacific Conference, United Church of Christ 

The Rev. Douglas Avilesbernal, Executive Minister, Evergreen Association of American Baptist Churches

Find this letter on our website - along with other Immigration Resources here:

https://www.lutheransnw.org/resources/immigration-resources

Find it here posted by the Herald here:

https://www.heraldnet.com/opinion/forum-state-church-leaders-call-for-compasion-for-immigrants/

Reflective Leadership Grants

Applications open March 7, 2025, and close May 2, 2025

In 2025, Leadership Education plans to award upwards of 30 Reflective Leadership Grants, which provide Christian leaders “balcony time” to reflect on accomplishments, broaden perspectives and discern next steps.

The Reflective Leadership Grant supports an opportunity for structured reflection for lay or clergy leaders of Christian organizations that are advancing their mission following the complex opportunities and challenges that emerged and/or intensified throughout the past few years.

While all leaders are encouraged to practice some form of ongoing reflection, this grant aims to support those leaders whose work has made a demonstrable contribution to their organization’s mission. These leaders are at a pivotal moment for stepping back and reflecting on what has been accomplished, what is changing and what is stable. The Reflective Leadership Grant allows leaders to broaden their perspectives and gain clarity about what needs to happen next in their personal and professional life.

We welcome applicants who serve in a range of leadership roles, from project director to senior administrator, and who are working in a variety of organizations, including denominations, seminaries, church-related colleges, consultancies, congregations, Christian nonprofits, Christian social enterprises and others. We are particularly interested in supporting leaders whose work contributes to healing and hope in their communities by strengthening congregations, social services, schools and other organizations.

The Reflective Leadership Grant application will open March 7, 2025. We will host two Q&A sessions about the grant via Zoom, which you can sign up for here: Register for a Q&A session

Want to know more? Reach out to Rev. Darla DeFrance, pastor at Columbia City Church of Hope in Seattle - and current recipient - email her here: darla@columbiacityhope.org

Lenten Devotional from Luther Seminary

Luther Seminary invites you to use the 2025 Lent devotional, “There in God's Garden” for personal or congregational use this Lent.

Download regular print

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Help Shape the Future of Luther’s Table!

Luther’s Table is stepping boldly into a new chapter as a thriving community gathering space, offering nourishment for mind, body, and spirit. As we grow, we are assembling a team of dedicated leaders to help guide and sustain this mission.



We are looking for passionate individuals who believe in fostering connection, creativity, and radical hospitality. Whether your strengths lie in building inclusive communities, fundraising, nonprofit leadership, finance, event planning, or simply have a deep desire to see Luther’s Table flourish, your gifts and ideas matter in shaping this next chapter. There’s a place for you at the table.



Curious to learn more? Take a look at the Board of Directors Description and Application and let’s grab coffee and chat! Your insight, creativity, and commitment can help move Luther’s Table forward in meaningful ways. Reach out to Bobbi Cyr, Mission Developer at director@lutherstable.com

ELCA Mission Support Memo

Find mission stories and helpful info in these monthly memos from the ELCA.

In this month's edition you will find a story about Lutheran Campus Ministry, how to create a Narrative Budget, and a survey to help improve the memos. Find the February Memo here

Celebrate Black History Month with Women of the ELCA

Join us as we celebrate Black History Month this February. Access articles and resources to share with your congregation and community this month.

A Legacy of Faith: Celebrating African Descent Women of Faith blog series: Follow the Women of the ELCA blog every Monday throughout February. This blog series written by Valora K Starr, director for discipleship, will introduce you to "women of great faith." Starr writes, "What we know about most African-descent 'sheroes' is not written in American history, but their stories have been passed from generation to generation and new learnings are surfacing every day." Visit the Women of the ELCA blog this month to learn more.

Find prayers and a devotion for Black History Month here.

Smithsonian Institution

The Smithsonian Institution website features a list of events to participate in during the month of February in celebration of Black History Month.

Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) As founders of Black History Month, the ASALH website features information about the theme for the 2025 celebration.

ELCA Join Global Refuge and the ELCA by signing up to participate in Virtual Advocacy Days for Refugees! in the Advocacy Days March 3rd-7th. Attendance at our Advocacy 101 training on February 19th at 5PM EST is required for participation. REGISTER by Feb 18 here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScu7FvFvL1gWwcYn7tLdqTwYylytiQqN7M34b5vq9SgTTIVVw/viewform

Interfaith Advocacy Day - February 20

They are at capacity for this event, but learn more here about how to support this work: https://fanwa.org/interfaith-advocacy-day/

While on their website, sign up to receive their e-news and keep up to date on all things advocacy!

Additional resources for showing up in deep solidarity and mutual accountability with our migrant neighbors from Church Council of Greater Seattel can be found here: https://www.thechurchcouncil.org/news/immfaithconv-recap

Substance Use Recovery: How Your Church can be Part of the Solution

A one-hour free webinar presented by the Center of Addiction & Faith.

Wednesday, February 26, 10am

Guest presenter is Mark Sanders, LCSW, CADC, from the ATTC Network, a multidisciplinary resource for professionals in the addictions treatment and recovery services fields. He will present church-based initiatives which have been effective in addressing substance use challenges, and share multiple ways churches can support recovery for individuals, families and communities impacted by addiction. Webinar host is the Rev. George A. Wood.

The link to register is https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_L67QnN2LSe-IumxdSlkRlg

From our Friends at Underground Ministries

An opportunity to connect and learn via Zoom office hours!

Have you ever pondered Jesus’ words about visiting and freeing the prisoners? How do we as disciples faithfully follow those calls to action? One Parish One Prisoner offers a two year journey of relationship with one person coming home from prison. As this relationship brings us closer to the world of prisons, we glimpse resurrection.

Join us for our quarterly Zoom Office Hours to ask questions and learn more: Wednesday, February 26 at 5pm! Join here: bit.ly/OPOPoffice 

Global Film Festival featuring a Lutheran Guest Preacher/Singer at NW Synod Churches Featured in playing in Everett on Feb. 28

Lutheran pastor's kid Mikah Meyer guest preached and sang with his male soprano voice at 4 of our synod churches--and 113 congregations around the USA--during his world record journey to all 400+ National Park Service sites from 2016 - 2019. Now he's back in NW Washington and screening his new short film as part of the Banff World Tour that showcases the best outdoor films of the year. Whether you saw him at Central-Seattle, Edmonds Lutheran, Holy Spirit-Kirkland, Trinity-Lynnwood, or read about him in Living Lutheran, or are just a fan of adventure films, come see his film "Canyon Chorus" that highlights his journey as a Lutheran and National Parks Expert, plus meet him in person at the Historic Everett Theatre on Friday February 28th at 7pm.

If you can't make the live event, you can watch "Canyon Chorus" (16 minutes) for free on YouTube at: https://www.mikahmeyer.com/documentary

Tickets Feb. 28th 7pm - Historic Everett Theatre 2911 Colby Ave, Everett, WA 98201: https://www.ticketor.com/livetoplay/banffeverett

Call to Allyship Gathering

Saturday, March 1, 10am-2pm at Calvary Lutheran in Federal Way

Cost is $40, lunch included

Do you wish your congregation was more diverse? Have you encountered conflicts because of cultural or racial differences and didn't know how you got there or what to do next? Then this event is for you!

The NWWA and SWWA synods of the ELCA invite all congregations to join us for a special joint event sponsored by our anti-racism teams.

We will spend a day studying "Called to Allyship," a book written by ELCA rostered leaders of color from across the country. One of the authors, Rev. Priscilla Paris-Austin (pastor at Immanuel Lutheran in Seattle's South Lake Union neighborhood), will be helping to lead our discussion. Other discussion leaders are pastors and lay leaders from congregations who have read this book together.

The book can be purchased from major booksellers, preferably directly from Augsburg Fortress: https://www.augsburgfortress.org/store/product/9781506497761/Call-to-Allyship

Says one local congregation member: "This is an important anti-racism book for any congregation to read. Any congregation will benefit from it!"

Register HERE

Learning Love Lenten Series

This year’s installment of LiVE’s Lenten “Gospel & Culture” series. In her book All About Love, bell hooks explores the transformative power of love through a commitment to personal growth, justice, and self-awareness.

Come and deepen our calling to love as we explore her writing together Thursday evenings in Lent, beginning March 6.

Learn more and get registered here: https://www.lutheransnw.org/events/learning-love-lenten-journey-with-bell-hooks/2025-03-06

“Speaking Truth to Power: What Would Bonhoeffer Do?

Led by Rev. Dr. Rick Rouse with Rev. Dr. Mark Brocker

Offered by Our Savior's Lutheran, Everett on March 9, 16, 23, and 30

in person and via ZOOM on Sundays at 11 am

recordings will be available on YouTube

Is this a Bonhoeffer moment in America and what can Dietrich Bonhoeffer teach us about God’s call to be courageous disciples during difficult times? We’ll explore how we are called to be tellers of the truth as well as messengers of healing and hope. Mark Brocker is President of the Oregon Bonhoeffer Society, translator of Bonhoeffer’s works for Augsburg Fortress, and former PLTS professor. Rick Rouse is retired pastor, professor and author of several books including A Journey Called Hope: Today’s Immigrant Stories and the American Dream (Chalice Press, 2024).    

Congregations or individual who wish to participate via ZOOM are welcome. 

Please contact Rick at rwrouse@comcast.net 

World Mission Institute Conference:

The Challenge of our Age: Migration & Mission

Register for the 2025 World Mission Institute (WMI), an annual conference held in the spring since 1970. Each year outstanding international speakers and resource persons deal with a significant aspect of Christian mission. This year’s theme is “The Challenge of Our Age”: Migration and Mission.

This event will be held both in person and virtually on Thursday, March 13 - program at 7:00 p.m. (central time) Visit the event webpage to learn more about the 2025 World Mission Institute. 

Camp Lutherwood Elementary Retreat

We welcome Elementary school-age campers and their guardians for our one-night retreat at Lutherwood! This introduction to camp allows kids and their guardians to stay overnight in a cabin, eat meals in the Dining Hall, make crafts, participate in campfire worship, play games, and more!

Whether you’ve never been to Lutherwood before or you’re a seasoned pro, it’s a great time to meet young people from around our region and dip your toes in our Summer 2025 theme, “The Water of Life”!

• When: Friday, March 14 to Saturday, March 15, 2025 (6:00 pm to 6:00 pm)

• Who: K-6th grade students*, their guardians, and Youth Leaders

• Cost: $65 per youth - $45 per adult

*K-1st grade students must have at least one guardian in attendance; additional guardians are welcome.

Registration opens in February. For questions please contact Ashleigh Ellsworth-Keller, Program Director at ashleigh.ek@camplutherwood.org 

Play Ball and Connect: A Desert Sojourn Retreat

March 16-20 in Arizona!

Join us for an inspiring Spring Training experience in Arizona, where baseball enthusiasts and faith-driven individuals unite to explore the connection between sport and spirituality.

This unique retreat, led by Pastor Dave Ellingson, combines fellowship, worship, and the excitement of baseball with opportunities to attend MLB Cactus League games in the vibrant Arizona desert.

Learn more and register here: https://spiritinthedesert.org/events/play-ball-and-connect/

Considering Seminary?

Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS)

Discernment Weekend April 4-6

Are you wondering if seminary might be right for you? Consider joining Signs Along the Way at PLTS in Berkeley, California to connect with others in discernment, get to know PLTS faculty, and explore what it’s like to be an online student in the MDiv, MA in Spirituality and Social Change, or Lutheran Year programs. PLTS is transitioning to only offer online study with in-person intensives, so this weekend is designed for those interested in online learning.

PLTS covers lodging and meals during the event and can offer some travel assistance for those who need it. Visit plts.edu/signs to learn more.

Want an item included?

Email Susan Berg, Dir. Communications & Events

All items due by 2pm on the prior Thursday

Northwest Washington Synod / ELCA

5519 Phinney Avenue North

Seattle, WA 98103

206-783-9292