In a striking turn of events, a historic Lutheran church in San Francisco has embraced a radical shift in its spiritual direction, now identifying with practices that some may find surprising. Formerly known as Ebenezer Lutheran Church, this congregation has rebranded itself as "herchurch," a name change that reflects its commitment to a feminist and inclusive theology.
Founded in 1882 by Swedish immigrants, herchurch has evolved significantly over the past century. As part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), herchurch is a member of the Sierra Pacific Synod, which includes around 180 congregations across Northern California and Northern Nevada. The church’s transformation began around 2007 when it transitioned from a traditional Lutheran congregation to a community that actively embraces the divine feminine.
Leading the charge is Pastor Stacy Boorn, who describes herself as both a “pastor and priestess of ritual.” Herchurch’s staff includes several "priestesses" and a "priestexx," Thom Longino, who also serves as a spiritual director and is involved with Catholic Charities San Francisco. This eclectic team aims to create a welcoming environment for all, particularly those from the LGBTQ+ community.
One of the more unconventional staff members is Christine Konkol, who identifies as a "resident witch." Her presence, along with the church’s open embrace of various spiritual practices, has sparked both interest and controversy. The church’s website promotes an inclusive ideology, stating that all expressions of gender identity are a blessing and inviting individuals to join in worship that honors the “Great Mother of us All.”
Herchurch’s liturgy reflects its unique approach, drawing from feminist theology and the ancient traditions of the divine feminine. Services often include elements that honor figures like Julian of Norwich, recognized as the first woman to publish a book in English. The church also incorporates a “goddess rosary” into its worship, emphasizing a connection to the divine that diverges from traditional Christian practices.
The building itself is adorned with bright purple and lavender colors, symbolizing the church’s commitment to a liberating love. A sign above the entrance boldly proclaims, “Celebrate the Goddess,” inviting all who pass by to engage with its message. The church showcases over 100 pieces of feminine-focused artwork, including some pieces that challenge conventional norms and provoke thought.
While herchurch has garnered attention for its progressive stance, it also highlights a broader trend within the ELCA, which has faced declining membership in recent years. As reported, the ELCA has seen its numbers drop from over 3.9 million members in 2013 to fewer than 3 million today. This decline raises questions about the future of traditional denominations and their ability to engage with contemporary spiritual movements.
As herchurch continues to redefine its identity and mission, it stands as a provocative example of how faith communities can adapt to the changing landscape of spirituality. The church’s commitment to inclusivity and its embrace of the divine feminine challenge traditional norms and invite new conversations about faith, identity, and community.
For those interested in learning more about herchurch, visit their official website, where you can explore their beliefs, worship services, and community activities. As the conversation around faith continues to evolve, herchurch exemplifies a bold step into a new spiritual frontier.