CHICAGO — The Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (LSTC) was deeply honored to welcome Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton for her inaugural visit to campus. During her time at LSTC, Bishop Eaton met with institutional leaders, toured the campus, and participated in a profound reflection on the ELCA’s landmark 1994 Declaration to the Jewish Community. Crafted in partnership with the ELCA Consultative Panel on Lutheran-Jewish Relations, this declaration acknowledges Martin Luther’s legacy of anti-Judaic writings, repudiates those views, and emphasizes the ELCA’s commitment to fostering understanding and respect between Lutherans and the Jewish community.
Bishop Eaton’s visit, which took place during the campus community’s commemoration of Kristallnacht, underscored the ELCA’s active dedication to these principles, especially critical in a time that calls for clarity, compassion, and action. Historically, Christian relations with Jewish communities have often been marked by tragedy. For Lutherans, addressing the dark legacy of Luther’s influence and its appropriation to justify anti-Semitism is essential. Recognizing the ways in which these writings were weaponized to perpetuate suffering, the ELCA has made it a priority to promote a path of repentance and mutual respect, as symbolized by the 1994 declaration.
The gathering, which featured reflections from Bishop Eaton, Rabbi Rick Jacobs, President of the Union for Reform Judaism, and Professor Esther Menn, Chair of the ELCA Consultative Panel on Lutheran-Jewish Relations, affirmed the ongoing relevance of the declaration’s mission. Together, they acknowledged the depth of past wounds and renewed their commitment to combating anti-Semitism, affirming that such prejudice contradicts the Gospel’s core message of grace.
“Because Bishop Eaton is so deeply committed to improving relations between Jewish and Lutheran communities, we at LSTC were very glad to host her on campus and join in marking the thirtieth anniversary of the 1994 Declaration to the Jewish Community during our annual commemoration of Kristallnacht,” said President James Nieman of LSTC.
Bishop Eaton’s visit to LSTC, marked by genuine engagement and reflection, stands as a testament to the school’s mission: to oppose bigotry, cultivate dialogue, and live a faith rooted in love and humility. LSTC remains steadfast in its commitment to reconciliation, learning, and transformation and invites its community to join in this journey toward healing and understanding.
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Contact:
Rhiannon Koehler
Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago
773-841-2159
rhiannon.koehler@lstc.edu
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