Reconciling Works

2025 ELCA Synod Assembly Materials

2025 Synod Assembly season looks different across the ELCA, while some choose to gather in person and others gather virtually. To make sure the work of welcome, inclusion, celebration, and advocacy for our LGBTQIA+ siblings continue in our Synod conversations and actions, we have compiled some helpful resources to use. Feel free to share them at your tables, or with those interested in learning more about the Reconciling in Christ (RIC) Journey.

As you support those in your Synod through in-person or virtual tables, here are some resources to help aid in their RIC Journey and continue to set new RIC milestones.

Suggested Synod Assembly Materials

Are you hoping to create a space at your local Synod Assembly to support the ministry of ReconcilingWorks? Purchase materials from the ReconcilingWorks eStore and save 25% by using the code SYNOD2025 (discount available from 1/21/25 - 5/20/25). 

We suggest one display copy of each of the following:

  • Reconciling Scripture for Lutherans
  • Lutheran Introduction to Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Gender Expression
  • Guide to Welcome LGBTQIA+ Youth and Their Families
  • Lutheran Guide to Advocacy for LGBTQIA+ People in Church and Society
  • LGBTQIA+ Welcome in Rural Communities

We suggest 25 of each of the following:

  • ReconcilingWorks Rainbow Button
  • Proud to be ELCA Button
  • Reconciling in Christ: Resources for the Journey Brochures

2025 Resolutions/Memorials

A Resolution/Memorial on Indian boarding schools for synod assemblies:

The ELCA Truth-Seeking & Truth-Telling Initiative on Indian Boarding Schools has written a memorial on Christian / Lutheran complicity in operating Indian boarding schools and the ELCA's response, with a goal to have it submitted for consideration in multiple synod assemblies this spring. See the memorial HERE. If you would like to work on getting this considered at your synod assembly, please contact the Initiative's lead organizer Liz Andress. (You don't need to be a voting member at the assembly to shepherd it through the process of getting submitted.)

2025 Synod Bishop Elections

The following Synods will elect bishops to a six-year term this year. We pray for the Holy Spirit to guide the process.
Synods are invited to use the 2025 Synod Bishop Election Questionnaire to get to know the candidates.

Click the small arrows at the top of each column to sort the information.

SynodRIC Synod?Synod Assembly DatesBishopBishop-Elect
1BNorthwest Washington SynodRIC SynodMay 16 - 17, 2025Shelley M. Bryan WeeShelley M. Bryan Wee
1CSouthwestern Washington SynodJune 13 - 14, 2025Richard E. Jaech
1EOregon SynodRIC SynodMay 30 - June 1Laurie A. Larson CaesarLaurie A. Larson Caesar
1FMontana SynodMay 29 - June 1Laurie A. JunglingBen Quanbeck
3CSouth Dakota SynodMay 30 - June 1Constanze HagmaierConstanze Hagmaier
3DNorthwestern Minnesota SynodMay 30 - June 1William T. TeschWilliam T. Tesch
3ISoutheastern Minnesota SynodRIC SynodMay 30 - 31Regina M. HassanallyRegina M. Hassanally
4BCentral States SynodRIC SynodJune 5 - 7Susan CandeaDonna Simon
4FTexas-Louisiana Gulf Coast SynodRIC SynodMay 15 - 17Michael W. RinehartTracey Breashears Schultz
5AMetropolitan Chicago SynodRIC SynodMay 30 - 31Yehiel CurryYehiel Curry
5EWestern Iowa SynodJune 13 - 14Lorna H. Halaas
6BNorth/West Lower Michigan SynodMay 18 - 20Craig A. SatterleeJulie E. Schneider-Thomas
6FSouthern Ohio SynodJune 6 - 7Suzanne D. DillahuntSuzanne D. Dillahunt
7ANew Jersey SynodRIC SynodJune 5 - 7Tracie L. BartholomewChrista M. Compton
7CMetropolitan New York SynodRIC SynodMay 2 - 3Paul T. EgensteinerKatrina Foster
8ANorthwestern Pennsylvania SynodJune 11, 13 - 14Michael L. Lozano
8BSouthwestern Pennsylvania SynodMay 17 and June 12 - 14Kurt F. Kusserow
8DLower Susquehanna SynodRIC SynodJune 5 - 7James S. DunlopStephen Robert Herr
8GMetropolitan Washington, D.C., SynodRIC SynodJune 6 - 7Leila M. OrtizPhilip Hirsch
9BNorth CarolinaMay 29 - 31Timothy M SmithEmily Hartner
9DSoutheastern SynodRIC SynodMay 29 - 31Kevin L. StricklandKevin L. Strickland