Bishop's Pastoral Letters

Pastoral Letter on The Church We Are Called to Be

As we enter the third week of the new presidential administration in Washington, DC, there seems to be so much happening so quickly that it reminds me of the early days of the pandemic in the spring of 2020, when there was so much uncertainty and change that it was hard to know what to believe, what to expect, how to respond, and what to do. Amid all the swirling claims and counterclaims, I believe it to be of utmost importance that we in the church stand firm and remember who we are called to be and with whom we are called to stand.

Read More »

Joint Statement On Immigration

“But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body’s growth in building itself up in love.” – Ephesians 4:15-16

Read More »

A Christmas Message from Bishop Erickson

This light of faith and strength does not eliminate the challenges and pain of this age, but my prayer is that it gives us what we need to keep moving forward, to keep loving even when it’s hard, to keep finding ways to listen with curiosity and acting with courage as we strive to follow the ancient path of wisdom to the Christ child and beyond.

Read More »

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.

Read More »

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)

Read More »

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.

Read More »

Past Messages