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Join us for lunchtime screenings of Caring for the Earth: Stories from Faith Communities, Wednesdays from September 2nd through October 7th, 2:00 pm-2:45 pm EST / 11:00 am-11:45 am PST

Together, we will watch each 15-minute film and then hear directly from the powerful and inspiring faith leaders from many faiths featured in the films.

Choosing Reconciliation Over Division in a Multifaith America

Dear church,

From its earliest days, the United States has been shaped by religious diversity. Indigenous peoples sustained diverse spiritual and religious traditions long before the nation’s founding, and successive waves of settlers, including Protestants, Catholics, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists and others, brought a variety of beliefs that helped define the nation’s unique and vital religious landscape. 

Throughout the church today, many are struggling with debates regarding the religious identity of our nation. While religious diversity did not begin with the Constitution, the Constitution’s framers recognized an important truth: the future of our nation could not be tied to a single religious identity. By rejecting religious tests for public office, the Founders created space for people of any or no faith tradition to participate in public life together. That commitment continues to be foundational to our nation’s vitality, especially at a time when people are tempted to identify love of the nation, or the government itself, with a single religion. No one faith tradition should rule the United States, just as the framers desired.¹

As the apostle Paul writes, God has given us “the ministry of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:18). Reconciliation involves living in God’s future — including through renewed interreligious relationships.

Religious diversity is the reality of the world we live in. Recognizing this, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America adopted “A Declaration of Inter-Religious Commitment,” which affirms that mutual understanding with other faith traditions can deepen our own faith. Through encountering neighbors and working side by side in shared commitments to love and compassion and community, our own Christian faith is strengthened. This conviction means that through my call as presiding bishop of the ELCA, our church develops and maintains relationships with Jewish, Muslim and many other faith communities. Like personal friendships we hold, these relationships do not require us to set aside Christian faith. Rather they reaffirm that in a nation as diverse as ours, being a good neighbor across religious differences is not optional. It’s a part of the shared American experience. It is an experience we can support as everyday Lutherans in God’s call to reconciliation.

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“The ELCA will explore and encourage inter-religious friendship, accompaniment, and partnership with all who seek justice, peace, human wholeness, and the well-being of creation (ELCA Constitution, Chapter 4.03.f).” —“A Declaration of Inter-Religious Commitment,” p. 10

“The ELCA will defend the full participation of all in our religiously diverse society, ‘strengthening public space as a just place for all’ regardless of religion or worldview (‘The Church in the Public Space: A Statement of The Lutheran World Federation,’ 2016).” —“A Declaration of Inter-Religious Commitment,” p. 11

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The ministry of reconciliation is both local and national. God invites us to love one another across differences. Trusting in God’s grace, we boldly form relationships with neighbors of all faiths who share a commitment to justice, peace and the flourishing of all creation. I encourage you to engage in this essential ministry, which offers a powerful opportunity to heal divisions, deepen respect across differences and strengthen the bonds of our common life. 

In Christ,

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

The data proves it.
Nevada is experiencing record-breaking heat waves, putting vulnerable neighbors at risk and driving up energy costs.

But together, we can push for climate solutions that protect our communities and our future.

Join us!

We are holding in prayer all those affected by the Bug and Stallion Fires burning in Washoe County, Nevada, and Lassen and Sierra Counties, California. We pray for all who are in harm’s way or have been displaced, and for the firefighters and first responders working to protect lives, homes, and communities.

Lake Tahoe is one of Nevada’s greatest treasures. As lawmakers prepare for the 2027 legislative session, an important question is emerging: How do we balance tourism, economic development, public safety, and environmental stewardship?

Lake Tahoe welcomes millions of visitors each year, but growing traffic, wildfire evacuation concerns, aging infrastructure, and increased strain on emergency services are raising important questions about the future of the Basin. Legislators are expected to revisit proposals related to tourism funding, transportation, infrastructure, and development.

At the same time, Northern Nevada continues to make major investments in tourism and economic growth. The nearly $1 billion transformation of Reno-Tahoe International Airport can strengthen tourism, create jobs, and improve connections between Northern Nevada and the rest of the country.

But growth does not happen in isolation.

More visitors and economic development also intersect with housing affordability, transportation, workforce needs, wildfire preparedness, emergency services, water, and the environmental health of the Tahoe Basin.

As people of faith, we believe the common good requires thoughtful stewardship. Economic development matters, but so do safe communities, transparent governance, care for creation, and investments that serve both residents and visitors.

The choices made in Carson City, Reno, and around the Tahoe Basin will not just shape our tourism economy. They will shape the resilience of our communities and the future of one of Nevada’s greatest treasures for generations to come.

As we look toward the 2027 Legislature, we should be asking: How can Nevada ensure that public safety, environmental protection, economic opportunity, and thriving communities remain at the center of Tahoe’s future?

This week, our Advocacy Director, Pastor Paul Larson will be attending the Lake Tahoe Summit. Lutheran Engagement and Advocacy in Nevada will share what we learn.