Middle East
Sumud: For Justice in Palestine and Israel
The ELCA's new initiative, Sumud: For Justice in Palestine and Israel, presents “Following the Way of Jesus: A Lenten Holy Land Journey.” This Lenten video series for individuals and congregations consists of six short videos that introduce people to the land, the theology of sumud and its significance through Scripture as the “way of Jesus.” Each video will be available in both English and Arabic.
Sumud (Arabic for "steadfast perseverance") is the ELCA’s new name for our church’s engagement in accompaniment, awareness-building and advocacy for justice in Palestine and Israel.
Message from Bishop Malpica
Dear Sibling in Christ,
In these troubled times of conflict between Hamas and Israel, let us come together in a shared desire for peace and justice. May our hearts be touched by the suffering of all those affected by this ongoing strife, and may we find the strength to seek a path towards reconciliation and lasting harmony.
Let us envision a future where children from both Israel and Palestine can grow up without the fear of violence, where families can rebuild their lives, and where the cycle of suffering can finally be broken. In the name of compassion and humanity, let us pray for a just and lasting peace in the Holy Land, one that extends its warm embrace over every child of God.
May our collective efforts pave the way for a brighter tomorrow, where all people can coexist in harmony, and where the sacred lands of this region may flourish in unity and prosperity. Amen.
Rev. Felix Javier Malpica
Bishop, La Crosse Area Synod
Bethlehem Communion Ware
Did you know our synod office has communion ware crafted in Bethlehem by local artisans, that is available for use by synod congregations? We invite your church to take advantage of this opportunity to experience in worship both the presence of Christ and the quest for peace in the Holy Land. Using these Bethlehem service pieces can help raise your congregants’ sensitivity to our connection with the Holy Land, and their prevailing need for peace and justice. We hope you will contact the synod office at 608-788-5000 or email office@lacrosseareasynod.org to schedule use of this special communion ware.
Holy Land Prayers
Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton addresses the hatred and violence toward Arab, Muslim, and Jewish people in the U.S., acknowledges the grief and trauma of Jews and Palestinians, and offers ways that we can support our Palestinian members and our neighbors.