U.S. Hunger and Poverty
"Speak out for those who cannot speak, for the rights of all the destitute." Proverbs 31:8
Through human decision and actions, God is at work in economic life. Economic life is intended to be a means through which God’s purposes for humankind and creation are to be served. When this does not occur, as a church we cannot remain silent because of who and whose we are.
- Sufficient, Sustainable Livelihood for All
The ELCA social statement,
Sufficient, Sustainable Livelihood for All, states:
"Economic life pervades our lives the work we do, the income we receive, how much we consume and save, what we value, and how we view one another. An economy (oikonomia or "management of the household") is meant to meet people's material needs. The current market-based economy does that to an amazing degree; many are prospering as never before. At the same time, others continue to lack what they need for basic subsistence. Out of deep concern for those affected adversely, we of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America here assess economic life today in light of the moral imperative to seek sufficient, sustainable livelihood for all."
The ELCA seeks a sufficient, sustainable livelihood for all because people need access to “income and resources that enable people to meet their basic needs, including nutrition, clothing, housing, health care, personal development, and participation in community with dignity.” This sufficient and sustainable livelihood is for the “whole household of God-all people and creation throughout the world.”