Category Archived Pastoral Letters

11 Dec

Letter from Bishop Erickson on Immigration Issues

As we prepare for the various policies and procedures that will be implemented by the incoming presidential administration, particularly regarding immigration, there are several items I would like to inform you about and invite your participation.

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27 Nov

Thanksgiving Message from Bishop Erickson

“Come, ye thankful people come; raise the song of harvest home. All be safely gathered in ere the winter storms begin. God, our maker, doth provide for our wants to be supplied. Come to God’s own temple, come, raise the song of harvest home." (ELW #693)

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6 Nov

A Pastoral Message on the Election

I firmly believe that healing needs to occur, but not in a shallow or facile way that calls us to move quickly into a posture of harmony and unity. In order for true healing to occur, we must begin with honesty.

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26 Jul

A Pastoral Message on the Killing of Sonya Massey

I am forwarding here a pastoral statement on the killing of Sonya Massey, written by Bishop Greg Busboom of the Central/Southern Illinois Synod of the ELCA, where this killing took place. I encourage you to read it and share it, and to hold all those impacted by this senseless tragedy in prayer.

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28 Mar

An Easter Message from Bishop Paul Erickson 2024

Last November, I participated in an ELCA Regional Consultation for synods that have companion relationships with churches in Latin America and the Caribbean. The theme for this event was “Reconnect, Renew, Rise Again,” and as you can see in the event logo, it was based on the Japanese art form known as “kintsugi"...

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20 Dec

A Christmas Message from Bishop Erickson 2023

This photo, of a nativity scene with the infant Jesus placed in a pile of rubble, was taken several weeks ago inside Christmas Lutheran Church in Bethlehem, located in the West Bank. Though it is located miles away from the intense combat in Gaza, the impact of the Israel-Hamas war is clearly felt there and around the world...

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