Ministries of Diverse Cultures and Communities

Living God’s Call to Diversity and Justice
Building a More Inclusive ELCA

The Ministries of Diverse Cultures and Communities (MDCC) team equips the ELCA to live more fully into its call to be a diverse, inclusive and anti-racist church. Working in partnership with congregations, synods, churchwide colleagues, institutions and communities, the MDCC team supports the shared goal of full participation of people of African Descent, African Nationals, Arab and Middle Eastern, Asian and Pacific Islander, Indigenous and Latino heritage in the life of this church.

Through resources, consultation and collaborative programming, the MDCC team helps all expressions of the church embrace the beauty and richness of God’s diverse creation. The team draws deeply on the wisdom, gifts and lived experiences of diverse communities and sovereign tribal nations, whose faithful witness strengthens the ELCA’s ministry and proclaims Christ’s love and justice in the world.

Together, we seek to nurture a church where every community’s story is honored, every person’s gifts are uplifted and all are invited to walk together in God’s mission of reconciliation, justice and abundant life.

Our Diverse Ministries

African Descent and African Nationals

We celebrate people of African ancestry, honoring their faith, culture and leadership while working together for justice, unity and vibrant ministry across all communities.

Arab and Middle Eastern

We honor Christians of Arab and Middle Eastern heritage—descendants of ancient faith communities—and embrace their languages, stories and witness as integral to our shared mission.

Asian and Pacific Islander

We welcome people of Asian and Pacific Islander heritage, honoring diverse languages, cultures and faith traditions and working toward ministries rooted in identity, unity and service.

Indigenous and Tribal Relations

We partner with Indigenous peoples in truth, healing, and justice—facing the harms of colonization, repudiating the Doctrine of Discovery and supporting land acknowledgment and reconciliation.

Latino

We honor Latinos in the ELCA, embracing their diverse heritage, faith and stories as essential to our shared life and mission.

White Racial Justice

ELCA’s White Lutherans for Racial Justice gathers white-identifying members to serve as visible and active anti-racists supporting a multicultural church.