Faith and Society

“Faithful participation in society is integral and vital to the mission of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.” - Social Statement Church in Society: A Lutheran Perspective

The ELCA is a church that believes God is calling us into the world — together. As part of this call, we seek the common good for society, provide moral vision and are committed to addressing social and cultural injustices and issues. The ELCA participates in God’s just and loving purpose for all of creation in many different ways, from the daily actions of members as citizens, to efforts in social service, to public witness for justice.

In response to God’s gracious love that seeks justice, the ELCA equips and nurtures us for our callings in the world, fosters social service and ministries of mercy, encourages learning and moral deliberation around social and cultural concerns, enacts social teaching and policy documents, interprets and applies social policy, and partners with agencies, organizations and institutions dedicated to service and justice.

Resources and opportunities for participation in addressing social concerns are found on many ELCA Web pages; see especially those dedicated to "Publically Engaged Church." You may also find the ELCA social messages and statements here.