Category Archived Pastoral Letters

14 Aug

Pastoral Letter on Recent Floods

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult. (Psalm 46:1-4)

READ MORE

28 Jul

Pastoral Letter on Immigration Lawsuit

I am writing today to inform you of a decision recently made by the Greater Milwaukee Synod Council to join a lawsuit that challenges the reversal of what is commonly referred to as the “sensitive locations policy.”

READ MORE

29 May

A Pastoral Letter from Bishop Paul Erickson Regarding Mr. Alan Buresh

I am writing you all in response to the article published this morning in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel regarding the case of a former ELCA pastor, Alan Buresh, who has been charged with sexual abuse and misconduct and is currently incarcerated in Iowa. Mr. Buresh served congregations in Nebraska, Southwestern Minnesota, and Northwest Wisconsin, and he resigned from the ELCA clergy roster in 2017.

READ MORE

16 Apr

An Easter Message from Bishop Paul Erickson 2025

In this time of significant change and uncertainty, when fear and conflict seems so prevalent, I often want to cling tightly to those things that bring beauty and joy to my life, but I can’t. Everything in this life is impermanent, and I am learning that the only thing I can count on lasting is the new life and love that comes from Christ.

READ MORE

12 Mar

Joint Statement: For Religious Liberty and Against Christian Nationalism

We, the undersigned, urge the federal government to protect the religious liberty of all people and we strongly condemn the rise of Christian Nationalism, a dangerous conflation of fundamentalist Christianity, conservative politics, and fierce patriotism which distorts what it means to be an American citizen and an engaged Christian in society.

READ MORE

6 Mar

A Pastoral Message on Supporting our LGBTQIA+ Siblings

In recent weeks, we have witnessed a number of statements and executive orders that have sought to create a hostile environment for our LGBTQIA+ siblings. While this saddens and often angers me, I recognize that the stakes are incredibly higher for those whose safety and identity are threatened by these actions and statements. As a leader in a church that has pledged to stand with and walk with all who may be marginalized and vulnerable, I urge us all to take the following steps.

READ MORE