Tomorrow, we celebrate Katharina von Bora Luther’s birthday. She was born Jan. 29, 1499.
Nearly 25 years ago, Women of the ELCA created an endowment fund and named it after Martin Luther’s wife, Katharina von Bora Luther—affectionately known as Katie Luther. She was a woman who we all can admire for her bold faith. Katie actively lived out her boldness as a wife, mother, farmer, brewmaster, innkeeper, and more. Katie’s Fund endowment was created to support ministry in leadership development, global connections, and living theology.
In introducing Katie’s Fund, we’ve said, “There’s a little bit of Katie in all of us.” And it’s true. Many women in this organization can relate to Katie as we live out our purpose as a community of women created in the image of God, called to discipleship in Jesus Christ.
Katie’s Fund has been used in several ways: once it sent 12 young women to the Holy Land on an ELCA young adult ministry initiative and the Peace Not Walls campaign. These weren’t sightseeing jaunts or mission trips. They were journeys of accompaniment, discovery, and transformation.
Katie continues to inspire us as we celebrate her birthday on January 29. Do you know a woman who lives out her faith like Katie? Are you supporting and affirming her in her calling? Today, we ask you to consider giving to Katie’s Fund as we continue to support all women by raising bold leaders for the churchwide women’s organization and transformative ministries for generations to come.
Learn more about the bold life of Katharina von Bora Luther from Women of the ELCA resource.
Give to Katie’s Fund (current) and help us celebrate Katie’s birthday by honoring a bold woman of faith.
Eva James Yeo is director for membership for Women of the ELCA.