CHICAGO (Nov. 17, 2025) — The Church Council of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) met electronically on Nov. 12. The council, which serves as the ELCA’s board of directors, took action on a variety of matters intended to advance this church’s mission and ministry.
In his report, Presiding Bishop Curry told the council of his decision to announce an in-person return to work for two days per week for all churchwide organization staff who live within 50 miles of the Lutheran Center in Chicago. Curry said his decision for the return to the workplace — expected to begin Feb. 1, 2026 — was made in consultation with the churchwide organization administrative team and other churchwide organization leaders.