Posts tagged ELCA Advocacy
ELCA Adopts New Social Statement on Faith and Civic Life
ELCA Adopts New Social Statement on Faith and Civic Life

The ELCA Churchwide Assembly has overwhelmingly adopted Faith and Civic Life: Seeking the Well-being of All, a social statement on the relationship between church and state. This theologically grounded document guides Lutherans in civic engagement, aiming to help shape conscience and inform faithful action in public life. Developed over several years through churchwide participation, this statement encourages us to pursue justice, peace, and the common good. To explore the full statement and the process behind it, click here for more.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardSocial Statements, ELCA Advocacy, Advocacy, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA)Comment
Here I Pod: Regina Banks Talks Climate Action with Lutherans Restoring Creation
Here I Pod: Regina Banks Talks Climate Action with Lutherans Restoring Creation

In the latest Here I Pod episode from ELCA Advocacy, Regina Banks interviews Phoebe Morad, Executive Director of Lutherans Restoring Creation, on how faith communities can integrate climate justice into congregational life. The episode also features young adults on Capitol Hill raising awareness about climate issues with elected leaders. Learn how Lutheran faith inspires advocacy and intergenerational dialogue for caring for God’s creation—click here for more.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardHere I Pod, Climate Change, Lutherans Restoring Creation, Advocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment
Grace in the Face of Violence: Lutherans Respond to Political Division
Grace in the Face of Violence: Lutherans Respond to Political Division

In response to a tragic act of political violence in Minnesota, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry–Minnesota (LA-MN) offers tools and hope to address the root causes of division. From the Graceful Conversations workshop to emerging resources on media literacy and Christian nationalism, this spotlight highlights how faithful advocacy, grounded in Lutheran theology, can help rebuild community and resist extremism. Click here to read the full article from ELCA Advocacy.

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ELCA, News, LettersBrian FlatgardChurch and Society, Advocacy, ELCA Advocacy, Christian NationalismComment
Speak Up for Gaza: Aid Must Reach the Vulnerable Safely
Speak Up for Gaza: Aid Must Reach the Vulnerable Safely

The ELCA urges action to ensure safe and neutral humanitarian aid access in Gaza. Current aid delivery mechanisms, backed by U.S. and Israeli authorities, force Palestinians to risk their lives for food and fail to provide access to medical and hygiene supplies. As people of faith, we are called to advocate for peace and human dignity. Learn how you can contact your lawmakers and make your voice heard. Click here for more.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA Advocacy, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), Church and Society, Israel and PalestineComment
Navigating Political Violence with Faith: New Season of Here I Pod Launches
Navigating Political Violence with Faith: New Season of Here I Pod Launches

The second season of Here I Pod from ELCA Advocacy launches with a compelling episode on faith, advocacy, and community in the face of political violence. Host Regina Q. Banks speaks with Lutheran leaders in Minnesota and across the church, including the Rev. Amy Reumann and the Rev. Angela Denker, about how we can respond theologically and practically to violence in our public life. To explore how our faith informs action in this moment, click here.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardHere I Pod, ELCA Advocacy, Church and SocietyComment
How Ohio Advocates Treat Budgets as Moral Documents
How Ohio Advocates Treat Budgets as Moral Documents

State budgets shape the everyday lives of our communities—from schools and libraries to food security and elder care. In a powerful reflection, Deacon Nick Bates of the Hunger Network in Ohio highlights how Lutherans and faith leaders across Ohio engaged the budget process as a matter of moral responsibility. Through advocacy meetings, prayer chains made from paper plates, and public witness, they worked to ensure that faith values shaped public policy. Click here to read more about this inspiring and strategic advocacy work.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment
From the Pulpit to the Statehouse: Faith Communities Push for Equity in Kansas
From the Pulpit to the Statehouse: Faith Communities Push for Equity in Kansas

Kansas Interfaith Action (KIFA), an ELCA-affiliated partner in the Central States Synod, led bold public witness during the 2025 Kansas legislative session. From challenging anti-trans legislation to advocating for equitable policies, KIFA’s faithful presence was visible at the Capitol and beyond. With a record-breaking Advocacy Day, prayer vigils, and continued coalition work on immigration and Medicaid, KIFA lives out a call to love and justice in trying times. Click here to read more.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment
From Minnesota to Virginia: Lutherans Advocate for Housing, Health, and Hope
From Minnesota to Virginia: Lutherans Advocate for Housing, Health, and Hope

Across the country, ELCA-affiliated state public policy offices are hard at work advocating for justice-rooted policies in areas like housing, healthcare, hunger, climate, and civic engagement. From Minnesota’s letter-writing campaigns and housing wins, to over 200 disciples gathering for Lutheran Day in Pennsylvania, to Texas Lutherans standing against religious extremism, the spring updates reflect faithful witness in action.

Read the latest state-by-state highlights and explore how you and your congregation can stay involved in policy that reflects our shared Lutheran values. Click here for the full Spring State Policy Update from ELCA Advocacy.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment
“Here I Pod” Amplifies Voices on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women
“Here I Pod” Amplifies Voices on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women

The latest Here I Pod episode from ELCA Advocacy addresses the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW), featuring a powerful conversation with ELCA Indigenous Ministries leaders. Vance Blackfox, Justice Nichols, and Brenda Blackhawk reflect on the church’s call to justice, truth, and healing. Timed with MMIW Awareness Day on May 5, this episode explores the intersections of advocacy, climate justice, media representation, and the ELCA’s ongoing Truth & Healing Movement. Click here to listen or learn more.

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ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardAmerican Indian and Alaska Native, Here I Pod, ELCA AdvocacyComment
Gaza, FEMA, and the Common Good: ELCA Advocacy May 2025 Update
Gaza, FEMA, and the Common Good: ELCA Advocacy May 2025 Update

From proposed Medicaid and SNAP cuts to the dismantling of FEMA and halted humanitarian aid to Gaza, the May 2025 Advocacy Connections report from ELCA Advocacy highlights urgent policy concerns affecting vulnerable communities at home and abroad. Guided by Lutheran social teaching, ELCA advocacy staff are responding with calls to action on hunger, healthcare, global health funding, disaster response, and tax justice.

Learn how these developments intersect with ELCA priorities like Sufficient, Sustainable Livelihood for All and Caring for Creation, and see how our companion churches are helping shape the conversation in Washington, D.C. Click here to read the full May update from ELCA Advocacy.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment
Catch up on all the episodes from Here I Pod, the new podcast from ELCA Advocacy
Catch up on all the episodes from Here I Pod, the new podcast from ELCA Advocacy

Listen in to Here I Pod from ELCA Advocacy, where we connect faith-based advocacy and current events that matter in our neighborhoods, worship communities, social service and lives. Each episode brings you insights on important advocacy topics and shows you how to get involved. You will hear from ELCA staff who share their knowledge and experience, helping you reflect on today's challenges. We bring together voices of faith-advocates caring for all people and creation. Tune in to learn, act, and be inspired! 

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardHere I Pod, Advocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment
Why Lutherans Care About Workers’ Rights—Past and Present
Why Lutherans Care About Workers’ Rights—Past and Present

How does our Lutheran faith inform our understanding of work, justice, and human dignity? From the Haymarket strikes to today’s threats to workplace protections, Christians have long stood with laborers seeking fair treatment. Lutheran theology, rooted in Martin Luther’s expansive view of vocation, calls us to honor all forms of work and support the rights of workers—then and now. Click here to read the full article on the ELCA Advocacy blog.

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ELCA, Letters, NewsBrian FlatgardELCA AdvocacyComment
Region 3 Hunger Retreat Sparks New Collaboration in Worship, Advocacy, and Education
Region 3 Hunger Retreat Sparks New Collaboration in Worship, Advocacy, and Education

Over 20 ELCA leaders from Region 3 gathered March 7–8 at Camp Onomia to discern how God is calling us to end hunger together. Guided by worship, Bible study, and community, the retreat resulted in five shared focus areas: worship, giving, local networking, leader connection, and education. The retreat, supported by an ELCA World Hunger grant, offered hope and renewed purpose in a time of challenge. Click here for more to read Rev. Sarah Stadler’s full reflection on the gathering.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardHunger, Advocacy, ELCA Advocacy, ELCA World HungerComment
Confronting Christian Nationalism through Relationship, Truth, and Love
Confronting Christian Nationalism through Relationship, Truth, and Love

On March 7–8, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania co-hosted a powerful event with United Lutheran Seminary exploring Christian nationalism and how we as followers of Jesus are called to respond. Featuring speakers Amanda Tyler of Christians Against Christian Nationalism and Dr. Lori Brandt Hale on Bonhoeffer’s legacy, the gathering emphasized relational approaches, theological clarity, and communal courage. ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton preached at the closing worship, reminding us we are part of a movement of truth, freedom, and love. Click here to read the full blog post and explore the original article.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardChurch and Society, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, ELCA AdvocacyComment
A Lutheran Response to Federal Cuts: Why These Budget Shifts Matter
A Lutheran Response to Federal Cuts: Why These Budget Shifts Matter

The March 2025 Advocacy Connections update from the ELCA highlights critical federal policy developments affecting public servants, energy and climate programs, immigration enforcement, and international aid. Of particular concern to our synod are proposed HUD staff cuts, threats to solar tax credits used by congregations, funding freezes to Augusta Victoria Hospital in Palestine, and a broader retreat from humanitarian support. These changes call for faithful public witness rooted in our Lutheran theology of justice and care for neighbor. Click here to read the full update from the ELCA Advocacy Office.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA Advocacy, Church and SocietyComment
Lutherans Speak Out: The Urgent Need to Defend Medicaid
Lutherans Speak Out: The Urgent Need to Defend Medicaid

Proposed Medicaid cuts could leave millions without essential healthcare, impacting our congregations, ministries, and the most vulnerable in our communities. A recent ELCA Advocacy and Lutheran Services in America webinar explores the implications of these changes and how Lutherans can take action. Watch the webinar recording and find key resources to help advocate for protecting Medicaid. Click here to learn more.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardChurch and Society, Advocacy, ELCA Advocacy, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), Lutheran Services in America (LSA)Comment
From Arizona to New Jersey: Lutheran Advocacy at Work
From Arizona to New Jersey: Lutheran Advocacy at Work

How do Lutherans make a difference through advocacy? Solveig Muus, director of Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), explores how intentional intersectionality strengthens our collective impact, from bipartisan legislation to Lutheran Disaster Response and interfaith collaboration. Read about the 40-40-40 Lenten Challenge, new legislative efforts inspired by Lutheran advocacy in New Jersey, and how faith communities are working together to create change. Click here to read more: SPPO Spotlight: Inspired by Intersectionality.

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Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardLutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), Advocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment
Advocacy as an Act of Hope: ELCA Leaders Share Wisdom
Advocacy as an Act of Hope: ELCA Leaders Share Wisdom

Faith-based advocacy is a powerful way ELCA members live out their calling to love God and neighbor. Former state public policy office (SPPO) directors share their insights, emphasizing the persistence, faith, and courage it takes to work for justice. Whether advocating for climate action, hunger relief, or racial equity, Lutherans across the country are making a difference—one conversation, prayer vigil, and legislative meeting at a time. Click here to read more in Living Lutheran.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA Advocacy, Living LutheranComment
Lutherans Across the Country Mobilize for Policy Change and Community Care
Lutherans Across the Country Mobilize for Policy Change and Community Care

ELCA state public policy offices nationwide are actively advocating for justice, equity, and compassion. Recent highlights include Arizona's Lutheran Day at the Legislature, Minnesota's housing and environmental initiatives, New Mexico's broad social justice agenda, Pennsylvania's defense of vulnerable communities, Texas's robust advocacy teams, and Virginia's focus on healthcare and criminal justice reform. Explore how Lutherans across the U.S. continue to make a difference. Read the full update here.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA Advocacy, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA)Comment