The ELCIC National and Synod Bishops
Write to the Church

March 17, 2025

Dear members of the ELCIC,

We are writing to you today in the midst of uncertain and anxious times. Climate crisis, wars, famine, natural and climate related disasters… the list goes on. Added to it recently is the uncertainty that has arisen with the government of our southern neighbours. Threats of tariffs and of annexation have both created more anxiety and fueled a new sense of Canadian pride.

Into all of this God comes to us again with a message of hope. That these will not be the last days of our country. That this time of uncertainty will pass. That our neighbours to the south are also God’s beloved children. That this is God’s good creation.

We must be careful as a church not to fall into patterns of Christian nationalism that we see being manifested in other countries around the world. God’s call for us is to walk humbly as the baptized, loving our neighbour as ourselves. Right now that may feel hard to do.

Supporting Canadian products and taking pride in our country is wonderful, and we can do so while respecting and valuing our neighbours – many of whom are our family, friends and full communion partners.

In the meantime, let us pray together and for each other. Let us support and encourage one another. Let us not fall into despair. And let us hear again God’s promise to be with us until the end of the age.

Yours in Christ’s love,

Rev. Susan Johnson – National Bishop, ELCIC

Rev. Dr. Ali Tote – Bishop of the Saskatchewan Synod

Rev. Kathy Martin – Bishop of the British Columbia Synod

Rev. Jason Zinko – Bishop of the Manitoba/Northwestern Ontario Synod

Rev. Patricia Schmermund – Bishop of the Synod of Alberta and the Territories

Rev. Carla Blakley – Bishop of the Eastern Synod

To download a copy of the letter, click here.