The Weekly Five

Five Things to Know This Week in the Southwestern Texas Synod

Statement from Bishop Briner

on the Recent ICE Shooting in Austin

I join Bishop Daniel Garcia of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Austin and others across our community in praying for Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, who was shot by an ICE officer in North Austin on Sunday, September 20, and for his family and for all affected by this incident.

I am also grateful for Bishop Garcia’s call for authorities to be "transparent and honest about what occurred." This call is especially important now, as differing accounts of this shooting continue to emerge.

Earlier this summer, following the shooting death of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, I stood with other interfaith leaders at the Texas Capitol and called for truth, transparency and accountability. At that time, we said something that bears repeating today: In matters of life and death, the truth belongs to the public.

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Synod Council Summary

Synod Council, conference deans, and synod staff gathered September 11–12 at Ebert Ranch for a retreat focused on leadership, anti-racism and intercultural formation, and the Synod’s ongoing strategic discernment. Click here to read a summary from the retreat.

Proposed Changes to Constitution Re: Candidacy Committee

At the 2027 Southwestern Texas Synod Assembly, April 30–May 1, voting members will be asked to consider changes to our governing documents related to the Candidacy Committee. Because proposed constitutional changes must be announced at least six months before the assembly, we are sharing them now.

Our Candidacy Committee carries important responsibility on behalf of the synod and the whole church, accompanying and overseeing people preparing for rostered ministry in accordance with ELCA candidacy policies and procedures.

Click here to keep reading.

Learning Opportunities From Sumud

1) Is Christian Zionism Lutheran?

• October 15, 22 and 29
• Thursdays 7-8:30 pm
• Learn more and register

2) Church at the Crossroads: How Should Christians Respond to the Realities in the Holy Land?  

• November 5-7
• Atlanta, GA and online
• Learn more and register

3) Friends of Sumud SWT will be at the WELCA Fall Convention in October.

Contact Friends Of Sumud Southwestern Texas Synod for help with education and advocacy about the realities, faith, and life in the Holy Land.

Election Preparation Resources

1) We are grateful to share a new resource, For the Common Good: Prayers and Resources for Congregations in Public Life, developed by the Northwest Intermountain Synod’s Prayer and Presence in Public Life Task Force.

As we move through another election season, many of our congregations are asking an important question: What does faithful Christian presence in public life look like? Click here to keep reading.

2) The days surrounding an election may bring relief, grief, celebration, uncertainty—or no clear result at all. In extraordinary circumstances they may also bring disputed claims, intimidation, threats, vandalism, violence or an unexpected armed presence at a polling place. A Congregational Guide for Election-related Disruption helps your congregation prepare for uncertainty, misinformation, intimidation, violence or other extraordinary circumstances surrounding an election. Download the PDF guide here.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Ministry Partners