Thank you for Your Service, Bob Tuttle!

It is with great gratitude that we honor Robert “Bob” Tuttle, long-term attorney for the Metro D.C. Synod, in the latest Stories of the Spirit. Bob retired from this position as of July 1, 2023 after decades and countless hours supporting the synod office.

Bob’s influence and dedication to the work of the Synod was profound. He first offered his services to Bishop Ted Schneider and has continued to provide advice and counsel for over two decades. He guided leaders and congregations through challenging legal circumstances while being a competent interpreter of the U.S. Constitution and its impact on religious life. He has served in additional volunteer roles including personal attorney to synod staff members, a consultant to the legal team of the ELCA, and writing/editing a few of the ELCA’s social statements. 

Bishop Emeritus Richard Graham recalls of his work with Bob, “The thing that stands out about Bob is that he was always helpful in an instructive way. I learned something from him every time we talked. [His] advice was direct and practical. The calm and careful way he helped the synod work meant that, while I was bishop, we had very few issues that made it to a crisis point.”

After graduating from George Washington University (GWU) Law, Bob earned a PhD in religious ethics from the University of Virginia; he also holds a BA from the College of William & Mary, and a master’s degree from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. He is currently a professor of Law and Religion at GWU with a specialty in the first and second amendments of the U.S. Constitution. 

Bob is the son of the late Army Four Star General William Tuttle, Jr. and his beloved mother, Helen Tuttle. Bob has a rich family history in the Lutheran faith—the Tuttle family are charter members of Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Fairfax, VA. He currently resides in Washington, D.C. with wife Rev. LeeAnn Schray. 

Bishop Leila Ortiz and the synod staff, past and present, share our deepest thanks and appreciation for Bob’s commitment over the many years. May the Holy Spirit continue to guide you, Bob, as you live out God’s call in your life!