Church in Society

 
The Church in Society unit leads this church in stepping forward as a public church that witnesses boldly to God’s love for all that God has created.

Listed below are the programs within Church in Society. You can keep informed by subscribing to the e-newsletters that are created within Church in Society.

Advocacy [ ] Advocacy
From its beginnings, Christianity has had a rich tradition of speaking truth to those in power. Two millennia ago, Jesus empowered his followers to advocate for justice, and today many Christians have  continued in that path. The unit for Church in Society carries out this church's advocacy with national and international governmental bodies and with institutions in the private sector, and coordinates its advocacy with state governments. learn more
Visit the four main offices:
* Lutheran Office for World Community  * State Public Policy Office
* ELCA Washington Office  * Corporate Social Responsibility
ELCA World Hunger ELCA World Hunger
This is a comprehensive and sustainable program that uses multiple strategies — relief, development, education, and advocacy — to address the root causes of hunger and poverty. ELCA World Hunger responds to neighbors around the corner and around the world. The Church in Society units coordinates the ELCA World Hunger Program. learn more
Lutheran Disaster Response   Lutheran Disaster Response
We help to bring God’s comfort, healing and renewal to those affected by disasters.  Even after the dust settles and the headlines change, we stay — providing ongoing assistance to those in need. The Church in Society unit administers the ELCA Domestic Disaster Response and, in cooperation with The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, Lutheran Disaster Response. learn more
Justice for Women   Justice for Women
The ELCA is committed to challenging and eradicating sexism in this church and in society. Central to this challenge for Lutherans are the twofold theological bases of creation and baptism and the christological basis of Jesus Christ's life and death. Addressing sexism and advocating for full participation and equal opportunity in church and society for women is the assignment of Justice for Women, an initiative of this unit. learn more
Poverty Ministries   Poverty Ministries
ELCA Poverty Ministries is a multi-faceted approach to the scandal of poverty in a wealthy nation. This work is grounded in God's unflagging commitment to people who are poor and oppressed, articulated by the prophets and embodied in the life of Jesus. Congregations receive assistance in developing programs and strategies that help people in poverty, in caring for creation, and in developing their communities. learn more
* AIDS and HIV  * Congregation-based Organizing
* Community Development Services
* Domestic Hunger Grants &  Loans Program
* Poverty Ministries Networking  * Alliance on Poverty and Wealth
Social Issues   Social Issues
As a public church, we are called to address significant social issues that affect the common good. The Church in Society unit studies social issues, prepares social statements for this church's consideration and action, and promotes moral deliberation. learn more
* Social Statements and Messages   * Journal of Lutheran Ethics
* Faith, Science and Technology  * Department for Studies
Social Ministry Organizations   Social Ministry Organizations
The ELCA, along with The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and 300 health and human service organizations, participate in an alliance known as Lutheran Services in America (LSA). LSA serves more than six million people each year — 1 out of 50 people in 3,000 communities in the United States and the Caribbean. The Church in Scoiety unit grants and maintains church affiliation with these organizations and through LSA develops a comprehensive delivery system among social ministry organizations, congregations, and community organizations. learn more