The ELCA Churchwide Assembly (CWA) held in Phoenix in August was full of business and Holy work. We elected a new Presiding Bishop of the ELCA, Bishop Yehiel Curry, and a new Secretary, CeCee Mills. Unlike the 2022 CWA, where a memorial to reduce greenhouse gasses was passed, there was not an abundance of time to discuss other matters, including creation care. However, the work continues to move as an inherent part of our ministries, regardless of having a dedicated agenda spotlight. There was a pre-assembly Bible Study focused on Creation Care (watch here). Also all attendees were encouraged to read through the the follow-up reporting over the past 3 years since we were challenged as an institution to reduce harm and re-think consumption: Greenhouse Gas Reduction Report.
A few voting members took matters into our own hands and organized a creation care lunch and are excited to mobilize into sustainable, lasting creation care action for our church body. There was a tangible sense of excitement for new era of leadership in our church. Where can we work with our new leaders to bring the ELCA in alignment with God’s vision for Creation? The deep longing of ecological and human justice reflected in this Theological Message by Rev. Chad Rimmer at Churchwide Assembly! At least, listen to the sung prayer if you’re short on time.