Oct. 14, 2025
A message from Bishop Tim
Re: Bishop’s response to not signing the letter on 10/8/25
Dear Beloved Ones of the Indiana-Kentucky Synod,
Grace, mercy, and peace be to you from God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
I want to address a question that has come up regarding my choice not to sign the recent letter associated with the ELCA Conference of Bishops. Not all bishop colleagues signed this letter for various reasons, including myself. As a result, several IK rostered leaders and laypeople have asked about my personal decision.
First, I want to clarify that I participated in the discussion and voted in favor of the document. My decision not to sign was not made lightly, nor does it reflect disagreement with the concerns expressed within the letter. Instead, my choice was rooted in my conviction that a statement coming from the Conference of Bishops should represent the unified voice of all its members. When such unity is not achieved, it is better to refrain from individual endorsements.
As people of faith, we are called to act prayerfully, carefully, and out of a place of trust in God, not in haste or division. Scripture reminds us that words are powerful—able to build up or tear down—and so I strive to weigh mine with great care and in the spirit of Christ. In an era that admires, desires, and even demands rapid reactions and responses, I find it more necessary than ever to pause, listen, and act in accordance with prayerful discernment, rather than submit to the pressure for immediate response.
It’s vital to acknowledge that the Indiana-Kentucky (IK) Synod actively works to embody the spirit and purpose of the letter. The IK Synod dedicates itself to guiding our leaders and congregations in ways that genuinely respect the dignity and freedom of all individuals. Let me offer four brief examples to illustrate this:
1. We are organizing a prayer vigil for immigration on October 27, 2025, at the Miami Correctional Facility in Bunker Hill, Indiana. This event, organized with ecumenical partners from Indiana, aims to support vulnerable communities, as well as ICE, law enforcement, and legislators who can influence immigration. We are praying for all people who are impacted.
2. In January 2026, we will join Indiana Faith Voices for Justice as they will convene over 1,000 Hoosiers from diverse religious traditions at the Indiana State House for a day of worship, advocacy training, and connection in preparation for the upcoming legislative session. This gathering equips participants to stand with vulnerable communities, build interfaith partnerships, and engage in meaningful public witness.
3. We are continuing to establish Social Advocacy and Justice Teams focused on LGBTQIA+, Hunger/Poverty, Immigration, and Accessibility for individuals with disabilities. This initiative aims to educate, equip, and empower leaders and congregations to engage in advocacy both locally and through broader collaborations.
4. I am actively serving on the Kentucky Council of Churches, making many similar strides.
My hope and prayer are always for unity, reconciliation, and the well-being of the church and its witness to the world. I ask for your understanding, your prayers, and your partnership as we continue to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in all things. We are Church together, for the life of the world and the sake of the Gospel.
Trusting in the promise of God’s abundant grace through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Rev. Timothy Mark Graham
Bishop, Indiana-Kentucky Synod, ELCA
May 23, 2025
A Message from Bishop Tim
Dear Siblings in Christ,
In the wake of recent devastation across Indiana and Kentucky, we hold our hurting communities in prayer and commit ourselves to the work of long-term recovery and care.
In Bloomington and Linton, Indiana, tornadoes have left deep scars. Twenty-five homes have been destroyed and more than 50 more severely damaged. Assessments are still ongoing. St. Thomas Lutheran Church has been actively partnering with the local COAD (Community Organizations Active in Disaster) to assist with recovery efforts. We are grateful for their leadership and presence.
In Somerset, Kentucky, an F4 tornado struck on May 16 with winds topping 170 mph, causing severe destruction, including to Redeemer Lutheran Church. For nearly 60 years, Redeemer has quietly lived out a ministry of compassion—housing the homeless, supporting food banks, and serving their neighbors with grace and humility. The storm ripped apart their sanctuary, scattered pews, blew the pulpit through the back wall, and left the building in ruins. The community has rallied around them, and a GoFundMe page has been established to help with rebuilding efforts. Every dollar raised will go directly toward Redeemer’s recovery. More information can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/RedeemerLutheranSomerset.
Jayme Beneker and our disaster response team has been present from the beginning in both communities. We are committed to walking with our siblings through every stage of this recovery—meeting immediate and long-term needs, both spiritual and material. Direct giving to the IN-KY Synod Disaster Response Fund can be made here: https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/403455. Please note that you may have to choose "disaster response" in the drop-down menu.
Funds we receive will support both disasters and all needs, ensuring a just and compassionate response for all.
We know that trauma affects each of us differently. There is grief, uncertainty, and fatigue. These are holy things to name. In this season, we invite congregations not only to give but also to pray, pause, and care for one another gently. If you feel called to contribute spiritual gifts of time, skills, or presence, please reach out to Jayme Beneker at jbeneker@iksynod.org
You can find more information and direct support links here: https://iksynod.org/get-involved/in-ky-synod-disaster-response.html
As Psalm 34 reminds us: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.” May we continue to draw near to one another in hope, grace, and shared strength.
Be gentle and kind to yourself! God holds you and those who have been through this awful disaster in love, grace, and strength.
In Christ's peace and hope,
Bishop Timothy Graham
Indiana-Kentucky Synod, ELCA
Jan. 27, 2025
A Message for the Indiana-Kentucky Synod
Dear Beloved Siblings of the Indiana-Kentucky Synod,
Paul writes the following to the Galatians:
9 So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up. 10 So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith. (Gal 6.9-10)
Last week's worship celebrations honoring Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and the heartfelt message shared at the Washington National Cathedral have quickly been overshadowed by contradictory actions taken by the U.S. government. These actions directly oppose the core gospel values of love and acceptance that we hold dear. Indeed, these new orders may now challenge or even hinder our collective and individual efforts moving forward.
Rostered and lay leaders are asking many questions about how local congregations can faithfully adapt to this significant change in government policy. Unfortunately, misinformation is also spreading rapidly. Therefore, I am attaching some notes from our Synod Attorney provided by the ELCA’s General Counsel that may be helpful to all leaders, congregations, campus ministries, schools, preschools, childcares, and food pantries and ministries.
- Below is a summarized version prepared by Rev. Kim Lengert, Esq., the Attorney for the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod of the ELCA. It addresses ELCA leaders and congregations directly.
- The second attachment comes from the National Immigration Law Center and focuses on the recent “Rescission of Protected Areas Policies Undermines Safety for All.”
Dear Beloved Ones, we are called and named as baptized children of God to act boldly with justice and love wherever we can. At the same time, we trust God to manage what we cannot and seek the wisdom to know the difference. God is with us. Together, we are the Indiana-Kentucky Synod, and we will find a way together in times like this.
May God’s peace be with you all through Christ’s unfailing love.
+ Bishop Timothy Graham
