The 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly officially opened July 28 at the Phoenix Convention Center, meeting through Aug. 2. Highlights and articles about each day of the assembly can be found at LivingLutheran.org
Day one consisted of a worship service of Holy Communion and the first plenary session.
Day two included the second and third plenary sessions and a morning prayer service. Introduction of the draft of the “Civic Life and Faith” social statement. Budget report and proposal for 2026-2028. An update on the repudiation of the Doctrine of Discovery. An introduction of the revision of the “Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust” social statement. Memorials approved Tuesday include: Memorial A3—Indian Boarding School Remembrance and Memorial B14—Consideration of Recommendation 1 of the Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church.
On the third day of the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly, Rev. Yehiel Curry, bishop of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod, was elected presiding bishop of the ELCA. The assembly approved: Memorial D4—Stand of Palestinian Rights and End to Occupation of Palestine.
On day four, ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton offered her report and received recognition for her service, the ELCA’s ecumenical and interreligious partners were recognized, and the assembly considered amendments to the church’s Constitutions, Bylaws, and Continuing Resolutions, among other business. The assembly approved (748-15) a resolution receiving the Common Statement, following the unanimous recommendation of the Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Committee of the Conference of Bishops and the Church Council. After adoption, the assembly recited the Nicene-Constantinople creed, omitting the Filioque for the first time in the ELCA’s history.
On the fifth day, Lucille “CeCee” Mills, assistant to the bishop in the North Carolina Synod, was elected secretary of the ELCA. The assembly adopted (762-16) the social statement “Faith and Civic Life: Seeking the Well-being of All” as amended. During consideration of its implementing resolutions, all amendments were adopted. The following was approved: Motion D (530-236): Amending bylaw 5.01.E19. to increase the percentage goal of youth and young adult voting membership of Churchwide Assembly, Church Council, and churchwide boards and committees from 10 to 20%.
The 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly concluded Aug. 2 at the Phoenix Convention Center. Day six included a service of Holy Communion and the 11th plenary session. During the final plenary, voting members tried to finish as much business as they could before everyone returned to their home congregations. The assembly also honored the outgoing synod bishops and officers and celebrated Church Council members who are finishing their terms.