Bishop's Reflections - Central/Southern Illinois Synod

For your prayers on September 11, 2021

11 Sep 2021

Beloved in Christ, today is the 20th anniversary of that horrific terrorist attack on our country that killed 2,977 people, of whom 412 were first…READ MORE

Pastoral Letter – April 2021

27 Apr 2021

April 26, 2021 Beloved in Christ, We have had several days to digest that Derek Chauvin has been convicted of the murder of George Floyd. …READ MORE

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

18 Jan 2021

January 18, 2021 Beloved of Christ, The need to lift up anti-racism continues to be acute. Racist symbols were prominently displayed by rioters at the…READ MORE

A Word to Christmas 2020

21 Dec 2020

“The Solemn Hour” Bishop John Roth A sermon by pastor/theologian Fleming Rutledge brought to mind Christmases in my experience. When I was a child, our…READ MORE

End of Year Letter – 2020

9 Dec 2020

December 9, 2020 Dear Beloved Saints in the Central / Southern Illinois Synod, God’s rich grace be yours in this Advent season! With ultimate gratitude…READ MORE

“How Beautiful are the Feet”

3 Oct 2020

October 3, 2020 In Romans chapter 10, the apostle Paul speaks of preaching the gospel: Then how are they to call on one in whom…READ MORE

We Need a Cure

1 Jun 2020

June 1, 2020 Sisters and Brothers in Christ, As many of you know, I signed on to an open letter from bishops of the ELCA…READ MORE

A Pastoral Letter on Renewing Gathered Worship

13 May 2020

Dear sisters and brothers in Christ, The rich grace of our risen Lord Jesus be with you in this Easter season. Let me begin by…READ MORE

The Second Sunday of Easter 2020 – A Sermon by Bishop S. John Roth

14 Apr 2020

Click here to download this video. Click here to download the manuscript of this sermon. Easter 2 John 20:19-31 April 19, 2020 19 When it…READ MORE

Synod Assembly Postponed

7 Apr 2020

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, God’s rich grace be yours in this Holy Week! Our Synod Council met via videoconference this past Saturday, April…READ MORE