by Annie Lynsen, ELCA News Service
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Washington
Office released "Called To Be a Public Church: 2008 ELCA Voting
and Civic Participation Guide" -- a resource to guide
congregations through the 2008 election cycle. The resource
includes IRS guidelines, suggested nonpartisan election
activities for congregations and student groups, and briefs on
current issues as they relate to ELCA social statements. The
guide is available as a free download or for purchase through
Augsburg Fortress, the publishing ministry of the ELCA.
Staff of the ELCA Washington Office is offering presentations on
faithful civic participation to clergy and lay leaders in the key
primary states of Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina.
"As Lutherans it is part of our vocation to be responsible
citizens," said the Rev. Philip L. Hougen, bishop, ELCA
Southeastern Iowa Synod, Iowa City, at the Nov. 8 presentation in
Cedar Rapids, Iowa. "For us, responsible citizenship involves
engaging in the world as a public church, which includes
participation in the civic process during elections. Iowans have
the special privilege to be involved in the nation's first
caucus, and we have the opportunity to ask questions of
candidates that are important to people of faith, including
issues of justice, hunger, poverty and global disease."
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About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 2.8 million members in more than 8,500 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work. Our hands.," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.
For information contact:
Candice Hill Buchbinder
Public Relations Manager
Candice.HillBuchbinder@ELCA.org
