In 1990, the ELCA Church Council adopted the social message “Homelessness: A Renewal of Commitment.” Since that time, much has changed in our experience and understanding of homelessness and housing insecurity in the United States. New approaches have changed how service providers support unhoused individuals and families. New ministries accompanying people who are unhoused have emerged within the ELCA. At the same time, rapidly rising costs, economic crises, and a shortage of affordable housing have increased ongoing risks and introduced new challenges.
Aware of these many changes, the ELCA Church Council has authorized a substantive reconsideration of two sections of the “Homelessness” social message, “with attention to contemporary and systemic issues affecting housing in the United States and impacting individuals experiencing homelessness.” The two sections are “Remembering the Reality” (pages 1-2) and “Walking with People Who Are Homeless” (pages 2-3).
Reconsideration of a social message is a formal process in which the whole church is invited to participate. While this reconsideration for revision may lead to substantive changes, there is no pre-determined outcome for the process.
During the process, all members of the ELCA will be invited to participate by submitting their insights, comments, or questions here. There will also be an extended period for public comment on a revised draft of the social message, during which ELCA members can respond to a survey and submit their feedback.
Updates to the process will be shared on this webpage.
To read the current social message visit Homelessness: A Renewal of Commitment.
To learn more about the reconsideration of social teachings, download Policies and Procedures of the ELCA for Addressing Social Concerns.
