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 […]
Honored for work that has provided a strong moral foundation and an enduring record of demonstrated influence on corporate policies, Patricia Zerega received the 2024 Legacy Award from the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility (ICCR) on Sept. 19 at Riverside Church in New York City. The ELCA is a member of ICCR. “The breadth and […]
For two weeks in November, thousands of people from across the globe will travel to Baku, Azerbaijan, to attend the 29th Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29). One participant in this annual gathering will be Christine Moffett, ELCA Witness in Society program director for environment and energy […]
Earlier this year the ELCA bishops in Pennsylvania knew they needed to do something. Called to shepherd God’s people in a swing state during an already contentious election, all seven felt the deep responsibility to use their voices and authority to speak words of peace—to their pastors who are leading congregations with deep divisions, to […]
Congregations across the ELCA regularly engage with the question of what actions communities of faith should take in an election season. On election day in 2016, Edina (Minn.) Community Lutheran Church opened its sanctuary doors to anyone seeking a place to pray. After the 2020 presidential election, the congregation held a prayer vigil as a […]
