On Saturday night, delegates, visitors and special guest attending the 2025 ELCIC National Convention celebrated and honoured the legacy of outgoing National Bishop Susan Johnson.
“This year’s convention theme reminds us that even in uncertain times, we are encouraged to rejoice in hope,” ELCIC Vice-Chair Bruce Cook said. “Because God is still with us, we have every reason for hope. Let’s gather, let’s be strengthened in hope and let’s rejoice together. Susan, we have gathered, we have been strengthened and we have rejoiced. And now, we rejoice with you in this exciting new chapter in your life.”
Gifts, presentations, speeches, food, singing, dancing and tears were all present as the church honoured its longest-serving National Bishop in “a night of thanksgiving, storytelling and celebration.”
Taking office in 2007, Johnson became the first female national bishop in the ELCIC, and carried the role through three further elections (2011, 2015, 2019) until the announcement that she will be retiring this fall.
The University of Manitoba stage was decorated with imagery of key moments from her time as bishop, while various friends and colleagues gave speeches, shared memories and presented her with personal gifts. In-person remembrances came from Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s (ELCA) Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land’s (ELCJHL) Bishop-elect Imad Haddad, Rev. Sonia Skupch of The Lutheran World Federation (LWF), Rev. Dr. Willard Metzger of Citizens for Public Justice (CPJ) and the ELCIC’s own Bruce Cook and Rev. Dr. Michael Pryse.
“Susan, you are exceptional,” Rev. Dr. Pryse shared. “It has been your heart and your love, expressed in your big, shiny smile, your generous laughter, your tremendous warm embrace, and how you always bring your authentic self to every encounter. It’s in your tears… Because you’re authentic, you allow us to be authentic. In everything, you gave your heart, you gave that love and you shared it extravagantly.”
Letters from good friends Rev. Dr. Jerry Pillay and Rev. Dr. Linda Nicholls were also read to Johnson and the assembly.
On behalf of the church, Johnson was presented with a piece of Inuit artwork from Joanasie Manning, a third-generation Inuk carver. Manning’s work focuses mainly on owls and in partcular, his signature creations, known as pancake owls, feature protective, outstretched wings symbolizing the strong bonds of family and community.
The evening also featured a video montage from ecumenical colleagues around the world, including: Rev. Dr. Martin Junge (former LWF General Secretary, 2010-2021), Robert Granke (former CLWR Executive Director, 2006-2018), Rev. Fred Hiltz (former Anglican Church of Canada Archbishop, 2006-2019), Cindy Halmarson (former ELCIC Sasktachewan Synod Bishop, 2002-2010) and Rev. Munib Younan (former Bishop of the ELCJHL, 1998-2010), who each shared their greetings and memories through their work together.
“Thank you for your partnership and friendship, Susan,” Granke said in his video message. “For helping our church be in mission for others. We pray for your good health and wish you much happiness as you transition.”
“Your presence at several sacred circles and your faithful accompaniment of our church in the very long-haul work of truth, healing and reconciliation,” Hiltz said when asked what he would most remember from his time working alongside Bishop Johnson.
For Junge, it was a deeper reflection, based on the quality of work that Johnson delivered when in ecumenical circles abroad.
“She always ended up in the LWF in the most difficult working groups and committees, but for good reasons,” Junge shared. “Because her judgment, her reflection, her eloquence in bringing those across was so much appreciated and respected.”
Event emcees Trina Gallop Blank, Rev. Peter Wall and Rev. Christie Morrow-Wolfe helped lead a selection of five hymns of personal meaning to Johnson, that were sung throughout the program.
Over her 18 years as National Bishop, Johnson has had to have various difficult conversations within the church, while providing vast direction and guidance in topics such as the ELCIC’s work with its Indigenous neighbours and communities, its work with partners overseas, working towards full communion partnerships with the Anglican and Moravian churches, fighting for rights within the LGBTQSIA+ communities and exploring more ways to diversify the church.
“I would like to thank you for your leadership in the ELCIC over all these 18 years,” Rev. Skupch said. “I also want to thank you for your leadership in the Lutheran World Federation. You have been Vice-President for the North American Region and a member of the council and executive committee and serving in other capacities. Through your witness and your ministry, you have always shown that the church is truly church only together with others. And that is not a path we can go alone, but one we take with others.”
Bishop Johnson has done significant work with international partners of the ELCIC throughout her tenure, forming and strengthening bonds while reinforcing the ELCIC’s vision for, and devotion to accompaniment and walking together with its global partners. She was the first bishop from the ELCIC to join the Coordination Committee for Co-Operation (COCOP) with the ELCJHL, and has served as the co-chair of COCOP several times. Johnson is also the longest standing member of Churches Beyond Borders, an ecumenical partnership on Turtle Island (North America) which includes the ELCIC, ELCA, the Anglican Church of Canada (ACC), and The Episcopal Church (TEC).
