With gratitude for those who have gone before and hope for the future, the ELCA gives thanks to God for the ministry of women. In 2019 and 2020 we celebrate 50 years of Lutheran women being ordained in the United States, 40 years of women of color being ordained, and 10 years of LGBTQIA+ individuals being able to serve freely.
As part of this anniversary year, we lament that women have been barred from serving and have been bullied, dismissed and excluded. We also celebrate the gifts and service that women have brought to our church and our world as pastors.
Congregations are encouraged to hold commemorative events throughout the year! Below are three resources to help congregations observe these anniversaries, including a five-session adult forum, a four-session Bible study, and a liturgy with Scripture and hymn suggestions.
If you want to dig deeper, this website explores the history of the ordination decision and what came after. Here is a playlist of ELCA videos related to the anniversary. To read the stories of rostered women of color, check out "God's Faithfulness on the Journey." Living Lutheran has a series of articles reflecting on the anniversary as well!
AVAILABLE NOW! Get the 50/40/10 poster to download for your use.
We are the church that shares a living, daring confidence in God's grace. Liberated by our faith, we embrace you as a whole person--questions, complexities and all. Join us as we do God's work in Christ's name for the life of the world.