Resources
Educate. Advocate. Lead.
Sexism and Patriarchy
New from the NCC Justice for Women Working Group! Print and share this tool for performing a gender analysis. This tool will help you identify areas in which you may perform a gender analysis as well as examples of how the analysis might be implemented.
Our Voices, Our Stories
Rooted in the gospel, truth-telling is a part of all social change, no less so when confronting patriarchy and sexism. This booklet of true stories, written by a variety of people across the ELCA, serves to encourage listening and dialogue about tough realities surrounding gender.
Use this resource to share your own stories!
Vocabulary for Understanding Patriarchy and Sexism
Key terms in the study of sexism and patriarchy
“Dismantling Sexism: A Faith Response by Women and Men Together” brochure
The theological foundation for our work in dismantling sexism and its connection to our work in social issues and theology
Theological Resources
Transformative Lutheran Theologies Video
A basic introduction to feminist, womanist, and mujerista Lutheran theology from women’s points of view. A study guide and English and Spanish transcripts are also available. Printed copies also available. (Filmed at the Transformative Lutheran Theologies conference in January 2009)
Transformative Lutheran Theologies Book
This book holds some of the most exciting recent work from Lutheran perspectives in systematic theological subjects, such as the doctrine of God, sin and grace, christology and the Holy Spirit. The contributors seek to be faithful to the witness of the Christian tradition and the central wager of the Protestant Reformation—justification by grace through faith—while at the same time raising the critical and constructive wager that all humans are equally created, broken and redeemed. Taking this equality to heart changes how theology is done and what theology says. (from the introduction to Transformative LutheranTheologies) Read more. Order online.
Suggested reading list
Learn more about womanist, feminist and mujerista theologies
Leadership
Bible study series
The following two Bible study series are designed to help men and women talk together biblically and theologically about sexism and patriarchy. Printed copies also available.
- Series 1: Speaking of Sexism: Called to Trust and Risk
In the three sessions of the first series, participants study parts of the story of the Israelites in the wilderness and the gospel of Mark in order to talk about resistance and readiness for change and power and privilege.
- Series 2: Humanity in God’s Image
Now available! The second series explores the ways we are all loved, known, chosen, forgiven, and bidden by God through the stories of the Samaritan woman, the angel's visit to Mary and Mary's visit to Elizabeth, the woman who anoints Jesus' feet, and Jesus' named female disciples.
Human Trafficking
"Human Trafficking: A Faith Response” brochure
Information about the cycle of trafficking, with a brief Lutheran theological introduction, examples of ELCA responses to trafficking, fast facts and suggestions for further action
Human Trafficking Awareness Day worship resources
National Human Trafficking Awareness Day is observed annually on January 11. This resource includes topical readings, hymns, and prayers and ELCA documents for study and guidance.
Human Trafficking bulletin insert
Use this insert in your congregation!
Human Trafficking Curriculum Series
Designed to be led for and by young people, these hour-long sessions are also easily adapted to beginner audiences. You don’t have to be an expert to lead! Simply download, print and follow the user-friendly directions.
Intro Session: "Getting Started"
A helpful guide to prepare for the human trafficking curriculum series
Session 1: “Our Call to Care and Action”
A first look at what human trafficking is and how our faith calls us to respond
Session 2: “Scope, Definition, and Identification”
A detailed assessment of the term "human trafficking," whom it affects, and how to identify victims
Session 3: "The Big Picture"
A deeper look at some of the root causes of human trafficking and how they relate to vulnerability
Session 4: "Our Lives and Our Responsibilities Part 1: Labor Trafficking"
An analysis of the role of demand in labor trafficking, how we contribute and what we can do
Session 5: "Our Lives and Our Responsibilities Part 2: Sex Trafficking"
An analysis of the role of demand in sex trafficking, how our society contributes and what we can do
Session 6: "Responding to our Call"
A wrap-up of the series with reference to the ELCA's Social Message on Commercial Sexual Exploitation and an opportunity to create an action plan for your group
ELCA Social Message on Commercial Sexual Exploitation
Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence informational poster
Print, fill out information and post this poster in restrooms and other accessible locations at churches, laundromats, community organizations, etc. Visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline page for help filling out your local resources information.
Ministry with the Abused publication
Information on domestic and intimate partner violence in the United States and Canada (versión en español 
)
Domestic Violence Awareness month bulletin insert
Use during the month of October to help raise awareness about domestic violence
Domestic Violence Awareness Month worship resources
Use these worship resources during the month of October to help raise awareness
Lutheran Theology Facing Sexual and Domestic Violence
Written by Mary Pellauer, Ph.D., this booklet provides an introductory Lutheran theological analysis on intimate partner violence. Please contact us for hard copies. (versión en español )