Advocacy

What if people in power could hear your voice?

 
ELCA advocacy ministry speaks for biblical values: peacemaking, hospitality to strangers, care for creation, and concern for people living in poverty and struggling with hunger and disease. Explore these pages for issues that interest you.

Washington DC - panoramic photo
Lutherans believe advocacy is a public witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ where the Church speaks with and on behalf of others in need.

ELCA advocacy works for change in public policy based on the experience of Lutheran ministries, programs, and projects around the world and in communities across the United States. Be a part of the ELCA advocacy effort by signing up for the e-Advocacy network.

The advocacy office takes position consistent with ELCA social policy language, and with reference to this church's membership in ecumenical and international bodies.

 

Issue Areas

Nearly a quarter of America's children struggle against hunger. Child Nutrition Reauthorization
Read the ELCA news story on "ELCA Members, Bishops Moved to Ensure Children Don't Go Hungry". You can also take action on behalf of hungry children. Bishop Jessica Crist was interviewed by a midwest radio station about the ELCA coordinated effort to end child hunger. Listen to the interview. Read the ELCA news story.

The House Education & Labor Committee passed the Improving Nutrition for America’s Children Act, H.R. 5504 with a bipartisan vote of 32-13. This legislation authorizes all of the federal school meal and child nutrition programs. But we still need your help! [Call your U.S. Representative and learn more about the reauthorization and child hunger here.]
The Deepwater Horizon oil rig fire and sinking last month resulted in the oil spill threatening the Gulf Coast. (Photo: U.S. Coast Guard) Summer of Oil
Sign the petition to urge Congress for a comprehensive response to the oil spill. Leaders of faith communities have also written a statement on the devastating effects of the spill. [Click here to download the statement.]

The National Council of Churches Eco-Justice Program created a bulletin insert and resource for congregations to facilitate a prayerful response to the Gulf oil disaster. [Click here to download the resource. Find more caring for creation resources here.]
Middle East Middle East Peace
On May 31, Israeli military forces intercepted a ship convoy carrying humanitarian goods to Gaza from Cyprus. ELCA Presiding Bishop Hanson wrote a letter PDF Format to President Obama regarding the incident. [Read the ELCA News Service release.]

Also, a caucus of ELCA bishops sent a letter PDF Format to Sec. Clinton on April 30 regarding new military orders for West Bank.

Read the latest Middle East Network Newsletter.
Environment Climate Change Legislation
On May 12, Senators Kerry and Lieberman introduced the "American Power Act". [Read more about the bill here. Click here to read ELCA's position on environmental issues.]
Passport Immigration
Learn more about the new Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service "A Stand for Welcome" campaign. Check out how people of faith can make a difference on behalf of migrants at risk. [Stand for Welcome resources]

Lutheran Services in America LogoLutheran Services in America News

  • Stay informed about social service legislative policy by following LSA's blog at www.lutheranservices.org/blog.
  • Would you like to learn more about the public policy work of the LSA Disability Network? Visit the social networking Web site, www.lsadnadvocacy.org, to learn more about the importance of Medicaid to people with developmental disabilities.
  • To learn more about the public policy issues within the LSA, please click here.
  • Follow LSA Advocacy on Twitter!

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