Partners in Mission,

In 2018 I was honored to be a part of the installation of Bishop Ibrahim Azar of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land. This was a great honor for us as a synod to be included in this global event. Lutherans from across the world gathered to acknowledge and give thanks for our partners in the ELCJHL. Palestinian Lutherans who continue to be living stones of Christian Witness in the Holy Land. Particularly with their work in the occupied West Bank. Preaching the gospel, operating Augusta Victoria Hospital (the only oncology hospital for Palestinians), and doing so under constant pressure from settlers.

This past weekend Bishop Azar’s successor Bishop Imad Haddad was installed at the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Jerusalem. Again a global group of leaders gathered for this important occasion. A reminder we are connected globally to over 70 Million Lutherans in the Lutheran World Federation.  .

Please join me in praying for Bishop Haddad and our Palestinian Lutheran siblings in this time of transition. And for their continued work for peace and justice in the land we call Holy.

Bishop Gronberg