On June 17, the ELCA commemorates the martyrdom of the Emanuel Nine, d. 2015. On June 17, 2015, nine people (Clementa C. Pinckney, Cynthia Marie Graham Hurd, Susie Jackson, Ethel Lee Lance, DePayne Middleton-Doctor, Tywanza Sanders, Daniel Lee Simmons, Sharonda Coleman-Singleton, and Myra Thompson) gathered for Bible study and prayer at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina, and were murdered by a self-professed white supremacist. Congregations of the ELCA are encouraged to reaffirm their commitment to repenting of the sins of racism and white supremacy which continue to plague this church, to venerate the martyrdom of the Emanuel Nine, and to mark this day of penitence with study and prayer.

Let us pray: God, our truth, through the ages you have spoken through prophets. Stir up in your church a passion for your word revealed in Jesus, that following the witness of the Emanuel Nine, your church studies the scriptures, shows hospitality, prays without ceasing, and embodies prophetic justice in community. Embolden church leaders and all the baptized to remember the lives of the Nine, repent of racism and white supremacy, and renew our commitment to your word revealed most fully in Jesus, our way, truth, and life. (From ELCA “Prayers, Litanies, and Laments for the Commemoration of the Emanuel Nine”)

What Does it Mean to be Lutheran in a Crucial Election Year?

6 online sessions from 7:00-8:30 PM ET

June 25, August 27, September 10, September 24, October 8, October 22, 2024

The United Lutheran Seminary Kindling Faith initiative, in collaboration with the Churchwide office of the ELCA, is presenting a series of webinars between now and election day in the fall. As our faith informs our day-to-day lives, Lutherans recognize that “faith is active in love [and] love calls for justice in relationships and structures of society” (ELCA, Social Statement on Church in Society, 1991). We also know the church is called to be a community that prays, deliberates, and acts together when it comes to complex social issues. In this election year, how might our Lutheran faith shape our thinking, acting, and voting on major issues? Join us to learn and ponder timely social teachings of the ELCA and to learn tips for leading discussions in your own community. 

Learn more and register here.

Cost: $20 per individual or $80 per congregation, for all sessions

Poor People's Campaign March on Washington

On Saturday, June 29, join "a historic assembly of impacted poor and low-wage workers, representatives from over thirty state coordinating committees, leaders from major religious organizations and denominations, labor unions, and other advocates as we kick off four months of outreach to 15 million poor and low-wage infrequent voters." 

Learn more and sign up through the button below.

Juneteenth Resources

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the day when the last enslaved people in the United States learned of their liberation. President Abraham Lincoln had signed the Emancipation Proclamation more than two years earlier, but not until Union general Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, were individuals enslaved there informed of their emancipation.

The ELCA has worship resources for Juneteenth.

Advocating for Affordable Housing in Virginia

The Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy is the ELCA state public policy office in Virginia. VICPP advocates economic, racial, and social justice in Virginia’s policies and practices through education, prayer, and action.



Faith and Housing Workshops: VICPP has scheduled three Faith and Housing workshops to help congregations explore how they might help in developing affordable housing. Registration is free and open now. Click on the date to register. VICPP is also open to schedule more such training sessions if there is interest.

For more information, contact Sheila at sheila@virginiainterfaithcenter.org/

• October 15 (3-6 p.m.) Coastal Virginia Unitarian Universalist, Virginia Beach 
• October 22 (3-6 p.m.) Village of Faith, Sandston 
• October 29 (3-6 p.m.) Central United Methodist Church, Arlington

People Helping People

EnCircle’s Immigration and Refugee Services is a vast system with multiple layers, but at its core, people are helping people, with a goal of welcoming newcomers to the community. Networking in this multifaceted arena is what equips enCircle’s I&RS team to be trusted guides for those immigrating to this country.

Read more about how making community connections helps make the world a more loving place.