Canada, Denmark, U.S. Lutheran bishops issue joint statement supporting Greenlandic people

January 16, 2026

To our dear siblings in Christ,

As the national bishops of Lutheran churches in the United States, Canada and Denmark, we wish to send the Greenlandic people our full support in an unusually difficult situation. We pray for and encourage our own congregations and people to pray for and stand with Greenland and the Greenlandic people who want to maintain their independence. We pray for peace and respect between nations.

We unreservedly support the Church of Greenland and Bishop Paneeraq Siegstad Munk, whose statement has been quoted in several media outlets: “This is a question of human rights, dignity, and respecting international laws and treaties. We are a small people, but we are not invisible. Our future is not something to be decided over our heads. We have language, culture, ancestors, children, and a future tied to this place. We are people, not property. Greenland is not land to be bought. It is our home and it is not for sale” (Christian News, Jan. 14).

The Church of Greenland works closely with dioceses in Denmark and plays an active role in international affairs as a member of the World Council of Churches, the Lutheran World Federation and other organizations. We wish that this close cooperation will continue and bring joy and benefit to the people of Greenland.

We invite you to write to your elected leaders and tell them to respect the independence of Greenland and the Greenlandic people.‍

In Christ,

The Rev. Dr. Larry Kochendorfer,
National Bishop
Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada

The Rev. Yehiel Curry,
Presiding Bishop
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Rt. Revd. Henrik Stubkjær,
Bishop of Viborg
Evangelical Lutheran Church in Denmark

Read on ELCA blog.

The ELCA, in partnership with Augsburg Fortress, will observe the 2026 National Day of Racial Healing (NDORH) with a free evening program on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 6-8 p.m. Central time:

“Just Us Narratives: A Night of Centering Multiracial Voices Across the ELCA”
Online and in person at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church’s Celebration Campus
919 S. Washington St., Naperville, Ill.
Tuesday, Jan. 20, 6-8 p.m. Central time

Online attendees: No registration is required. A link to join virtually will be available on this page.

‍In-person attendees: Space is limited, and registration is requested. Register here.

This program will be recorded, and the video recording will be available on the ELCA YouTube channel at a later date.

God of justice and compassion,

we give thanks for the life and witness of The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,

who dared to dream of a world shaped by love, dignity, and peace.

Inspire us with his courage.

Strengthen us to stand against racism and injustice.

Move us to walk the path of nonviolence,

to speak truth with love,

and to build communities where all belong.

May your dream of justice roll down like waters

and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.

Guide our steps as we follow Jesus,

the Prince of Peace.

Amen.

Is your congregation celebrating Reconciling in Christ Sunday on January 25? Reconciling in Christ (RIC) Sunday is an annual worship celebration that honors and lifts up the ongoing work of welcome, inclusion, and advocacy for LGBTQIA+ people in the life of the church. 

Explore these meaningful resources from ReconcilingWorks HERE

to help your community celebrate and grow in love.

1 out of 10 ELCA Lutherans live around Minneapolis and St. Paul. Add links and information in the comments of churches and organizations and people that are doing the work to care for families on the ground right now.

Read here.