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“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.” (Isaiah 43:2). 

Dear church, 

The images of leaping flames, smoke-choked skies, and the wreckage of homes and habitats in and around Los Angeles are hard to bear. The ongoing, deadly California wildfires have claimed lives, displaced hundreds of thousands of people, and destroyed homes, businesses, schools and houses of worship. The devastation continues as winds spread the flames. So far we know that Bishop Brenda Bos of the Southwest California Synod and her wife, Janis, lost their home in the Eaton fire. We believe that the fires have touched the lives of many more ELCA members and several congregations as the synod continues to receive damage reports and assess the immediate needs for support. 

The prophet Isaiah writes that even when fires rage, the final word is faith, not fear. God redeems us and calls us by name to be agents of healing and hope, even amid staggering loss. In faith, we respond through prayer, accompaniment and action. 

Please join me in praying that God’s love and care be manifest among all who are impacted by these wildfires. 1. Pray for the firefighters battling unrelenting blazes and for first responders, health care providers and public servants providing safety and support for those impacted. 2. Pray for ELCA ministries as they care for the many needs of their communities. 3. Pray for the long-term well-being of all who are affected by the widespread devastation and who face ongoing danger. 4. Learn how your church is responding and how you can get involved. 

In Christ,

The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton
Presiding Bishop
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America  

Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, Presiding Bishop, ELCA  

For eight horrific months war has raged in Gaza. Thousands of people have died, and thousands more are suffering. In recent days we have seen unspeakable images of violence in Rafah and escalating violence in the West Bank. Like the prophet Isaiah, we lament, "How long, O Lord?" (Isaiah 6:11).
 

At times a just peace for Palestinians and Israelis doesn't seem possible, yet as Christians we believe that it is. The psalmist assures us that God "makes wars cease to the end of the earth" (Psalm 46:9). At times it seems that there is nothing we can do, yet through baptism God calls us to be peacemakers. We live out this calling in many ways, including through prayer, advocacy and accompaniment.

As a church, we continue to:

• Pray for all people who are suffering and grieving, and for this war to end diplomatically in a lasting peace, rooted in justice and human rights for Palestinians and Israelis.  
• Advocate for an immediate, bilateral cease-fire and a halt in U.S. arms transfers to Israel, to prevent further loss of life; the release of all hostages and uncharged prisoners; and unimpeded humanitarian aid for all in need. We will continue to advocate for these priorities with the Biden administration and the U.S. Congress. 
• Walk with all who long for a just peace, including especially our Palestinian siblings in the ELCA, as well as Christian, Muslim and Jewish partners here in the U.S. and in the Holy Land.

As Christ taught, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God" (Matthew 5:9). Let us continue to hope and to live our faith.

Lutheran Disaster Response shares God's hope, healing and renewal with people whose lives have been disrupted by disasters in the United States and around the world. When the dust settles and the headlines change, we stay to provide ongoing assistance to those in need. Learn more.

• Eastern Europe Crisis Response
• Horn of Africa Drought
• Middle East Crisis
• Middle East & Europe Refugee Crisis
• South Sudan Relief
• AMMPARO: Protecting Migrants