UPSTATE NEW YORK SYNOD
THERE IS A PLACE FOR YOU HERE.
Click the image above for messages from the Bishop’s office.
Messages from the Bishop’s Office
NEW: Bishop Miller calls for a full investigation into the death of Nurul Amin Shah Alam
New: A Pastoral Letter from Bishop Miller “Why We Raise our Voice” Includes links to recent statements from Presiding Bishop Curry and Minnesota synod bishops.
A Pastoral Letter from Bishop Miller encouraging advocacy in support of Statewide hunger relief and nutrition initiatives in care for our neighbors.
A letter to the ELCA from members of the Conference of Bishops, following our baptismal call to work for peace and justice in the world, and to Insist on Love in the way of the cross.
Pastoral Letter upon the death of Sam Nordquist. Corrected.
Pastoral Letter - A Response to U.S. Executive Orders
“How I am Choosing to Respond” Bishop Miller’s letter to Rostered Ministers on next steps the Synod Office is taking to support congregations, leaders, and communities following new executive orders.
2024 Annual Report for Rostered Ministers - Under Call
2024 Annual Report for Rostered Ministers - Not Under Call / Retired
Bishop Miller’s Letter to Rostered Leaders post-election with encouragement to care for oneself and care for one another in kindness.
Being a Public Church - Guidance for churches and clergy participating in the electoral process (or, what you can and can not do as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.)
Pastoral Letter regarding violence in Israel and Gaza - October 10, 2023
Click image above for resources on being church together in these days, including a livestreaming kit.
highlighted posts:
NEW: 2026 Annual Report for Ministers On Leave/Not Under Call
NEW: 2026 Annual Report for Ministers Under Call
NEW: Proposed Constitutional Amendments for consideration at the 2026 Synod Assembly
NEW: 2026 Remittance Form
NEW: 2026 Mission Commitment Form
Guidance on Updated Federal Grant Terms and Conditions
What Can Congregations Do to Prepare for Immigration Raids? A resource from AMMPARO
Churchwide Assembly 2025 Highlights (PDF)
ELCA Resources for the LGBTQIA+ community
Incarnating Peace in Political Anxiety - by the Rev. Amy E. Reumann, Senior Director, ELCA Witness in Society
ELCA Civic Engagement Guide: A resource guide to encourage, empower, equip voter education and other responsible civic participation shaped by faith values.
Resources to learn more about Palestine and accompanying the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land
Middle East Crisis - Advocacy Resources
Clergy Ethics and Congregational Boundaries - sign up for this 2-hour course for Rostered Minsters and SAMs.
Ethics and Boundaries Training expectations for Rostered and Lay Ministers