IRD Activities

• LEIRN Network

  The Lutheran Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Relations Network is a group of volunteers representing the 65 synods of the ELCA. Each volunteer is appointed by his or her synod bishop. The network representatives serve as a model for ecumenical and interreligious engagement in the life of the synod and for this church. The network gathers annually during the National Workshop on Christian Unity

• ELCA-Reform Judaism Dialogue

  In the early 2000s, the ELCA entered into dialogue with Reform Judaism. The purpose was to increase sharing and understanding in areas of mutual interest. The ELCA-Reform Judaism Dialogue was composed of members of the ELCA and members of the Reform Movement Commission on Inter-Religious Relations. Dialogue topics have included identity and self-understanding of Lutherans and Jews, individual governing structures, the meaning of covenant, and conflict in the Middle East

• Shoulder-to-Shoulder

  In 2010, Islamophobia was reaching a fever pitch. Controversy was raging over a proposal to build a Muslim community centre a few blocks from Ground Zero in New York City, and a Florida pastor was threatening to burn the Qur'an. In response, nearly 40 senior religious leaders held an emergency interfaith summit in September 2010 at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. Standing in solidarity with Muslim Americans, they released a powerful statement and held a press conference that received international media coverage. The result was the formation of “Shoulder-to-Shoulder- Standing with American Muslims, Upholding American Values,” an interfaith campaign. Shoulder-to-Shoulder works at the national level and offers strategies and support to local and regional efforts to address Islamophobia. The ELCA is a founding member.

Main Focus Countries of Activities

World - World - USA