Prepared with what they wanted to say and passionate about saying it, 10 young-adult Lutherans spent time in Washington, D.C., and New York City advocating for climate action as part of the Young Adult Climate Immersion program. Opportunities to speak about care for creation at the corporate, federal and international levels built up their advocacy […]
In May, the ELCA marked Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) Awareness Month with a series of events focused on amplifying Indigenous voices and bringing critical attention to the ongoing missing persons crisis. Events began with a May 1 call-to-action for all communities—congregations, synods, camps, universities, seminaries, social service agencies and the churchwide organization—to host […]
If you’ve ever witnessed a public confrontation, you may have felt a jolt, followed by the internal question: “Should I do something?” Or perhaps you’ve heard about something your congregation was showing up for and thought, “There might be trouble.” Though situations like these can be tense, uncomfortable and stressful, we can think through our […]
Are you looking for meaningful discussions on the intersection of Lutheran faith, public policy and justice? Look no further than Here I Pod from ELCA Advocacy! This podcast brings together important voices from across the ELCA—theologians, advocates, policy experts and everyday leaders—who tackle critical issues such as climate justice, hunger, migration, political violence and more. […]
When the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly convenes on July 28, part of the body’s business will be to consider memorials passed by synod assemblies. Memorials are one way the ELCA addresses broad policy issues or issues important to advancing God’s mission in the world. Layers of preparation and follow-through may intersect with ELCA Witness in Society […]
It may start with a hyperlocal question: A pastor, noticing a food bank running out of products and experiencing longer lines, asks, “Why is that? What can we do?” State and federal government decisions can noticeably affect our lives, including those of our neighbors at the food bank. Our questions and experiences as faith-centered advocates […]
Many ELCA congregations, synods and households reflect on how their budgets reveal their values and priorities. As the U.S. federal budget is finalized for fiscal year 2026, it, too, reflects values and priorities. Through the ELCA Action Center, ELCA members can use action alerts to contact their elected representatives, offering perspectives on these decisions that […]
Faith-based advocates in Oregon are increasing access to affordable housing through a lesser-known advocacy action. Last year, the Coos-Curry Housing Authority opted into a Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) program that allows low-income renters to use housing vouchers for specific units or bedrooms within existing housing. Cora Rose, an attorney and an ELCA […]
“Faith-based advocacy has revealed to me the deep connection between our faith and the call to seek justice,” said Allison Lizdas, who recently concluded her service in the Southeastern Synod as assistant to the bishop for advocacy. “What inspires me most is how it empowers ordinary people of faith to address extraordinary challenges. “I’ve been […]
When a 7-year-old asked his parents (names withheld) if their neighbors were “bad people” because of the campaign signs in their yard, they did a double take. Then they tried something beyond a wordy explanation to share Jesus’ teaching on loving our neighbors. With seed money from a raffle held by Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in […]
