March - Women’s History and Contribution Awareness Month

This year, our Reconciling In Christ Core Team is highlighting a different justice focus each month. March is Women’s History and Contribution Awareness Month — a time to give thanks for the faith, courage, leadership, and service of women throughout the Church and in our own community.

The Virginia Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America celebrates a historic milestone: the election of Rev. Dr. Phyllis Milton as its first female bishop and first African American bishop. Her election represents more than a milestone. It reflects resilience, deep scholarship, pastoral wisdom, and a Spirit-led commitment to justice and inclusion.

Bishop Milton has faithfully served congregations across Virginia, including Holy Communion Lutheran Church in Portsmouth, First Lutheran Church in Norfolk, and Gloria Dei Lutheran Church and School in Hampton. She has also served as Synodical Minister for Christian Formation for the Virginia Synod.

Born in Levelland, Texas, Bishop Milton earned degrees from South Plains College and Morgan State University with highest honors, along with graduate degrees in business and Christian education. She holds a doctorate in Church Leadership Development and Organizational Systems and completed her Lutheran studies at Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary. In addition to parish ministry, she has worked as a Christian education consultant and adjunct faculty member.

As we give thanks for Bishop Milton’s leadership, we also honor the countless women, named and unnamed, whose faithfulness has shaped our Church. May we continue to uplift and affirm women in every expression of ministry, trusting the Spirit to lead us toward a more just, inclusive, and faithful future.