Reflections on Churchwide Assembly
The 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly, held in Phoenix, met under the theme, “For the Life of the World.” In addition to tending to business, the assembly elected the the Rev. Yehiel Curry, Bishop of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod, as the next Presiding Bishop and the the Rev. CeCee Mills as Secretary of the ELCA. The assembly passed several key resolutions, including one to advocate for human rights and peace for Palestinians and Israelis, and another to establish an annual day of remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools.
Approved a resolution to receive the Common Statement on the Filioque, leading to the historic reciting of the Nicene-Constantinople Creed without the “Filioque” clause — a step toward unity with Orthodox churches
Approved the ELCA churchwide budget for 2026–2028
Formally adopted the social statement on “Faith and Civic Life”
Updated language in the revision of the social statement “Human Sexuality – Gift and Trust”
Began a process of public repentance for patriarchy and sexism
Reflecting on her experience, Breanna Drossart, member of synod council and St. John Lutheran Church, Ashwaubenon shared these reflections when thinking about her experience of Churchwide Assembly:
“Something that was hard about assembly was how emotional it was, and even though we knew it was good work being done it's hard to work with messy people. It's hard to make sure you're honoring everyone in the best way. It's hard to deal with complicated issues. What felt good was our morning meetings where we got to talk with each other and listen instead of being talked at. It was so meaningful.
CWA was moving. It's wonderful and inspiring to see the holy spirit working through everyone. To see we are making a difference, that things are always being worked on. I would also say it was HOT. Because it was hot. One last thought was the church coming together on a 1000 year division about the Nicene creed. It took a long time, but is amazing how things can still be mended.”
Reflecting on her experience, member of Good Shepherd, Wausau, Laurie Sturzenegger shared,
“We are on the cusp of change. When we elected Bishop Curry, now Presiding Bishop-elect AND Pastor Mills, now Secretary-elect, it was a defining moment of our intent to be a new church unafraid of change. At this assembly I was empowered to be what I was called to be and confident to say: I am a lay leader (not just a lay leader) and that is exactly what I am needed and called to be and it is enough!"
Learn more about the work of the assembly: https://www.elca.org/about/leadership/churchwide-assembly
Visit Living Lutheran for summary update of each day: https://www.elca.org/news
