Social Issues

 
 


Social Statements Messages
As a public church, we are called to address significant social issues that affect the common good. We seek to bring God’s justice not only in the world but also in the church. The social statements of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America are social policy documents, adopted by the churchwide assembly in accordance with our policies and procedures.

Abortion (1991)
Church in Society (1991)
Death Penalty (1991)
Economic Life (1999) 
Education (2007) 
Environment (1993)
Heath and Health Care (2003)
Peace (1995)
Race, Ethnicity & Culture (1993)
Sexuality (2009)		 Messages, which are adopted by the ELCA Church Council, are built on the social policy of the church (including social statements), draw attention to current social issues and encourage action.

AIDS (1988)
Changing Europe (1990)
Commercial Sexual Exploitation (2001)
Community Violence (1994)
End of Life Decisions (1992)
Homelessness (1990)
Immigration (1998)
Israeli/Palestinian Conflict (1989)
Sexuality (1996)
Suicide Prevention (1999)
Terrorism (2004)

Projects that are in process
Criminal Justice
Genetics
Human Disabilities

Predecessor Church Body Historial Documents Invitation to a Conversation
These documents were voted on by a church body which preceded the founding of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). [more]

Teachings and Practice on Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage
A Social Statement of The American Lutheran Church, a predecessor church body of the ELCA (1982)

Human Sexuality and Sexual Behavior
A Social Statement of The American Lutheran Church, a predecessor church body of the ELCA (1980)

Sex, Marriage, and Family
A Social Statement of the Lutheran Church in America, a predecessor church body of the ELCA (1970) 		In April 2008, the ELCA Church Council invited ELCA members and congregations to a sustained conversation on race. It asked for a resource to help them discuss the ELCA’s social statement, "Freed in Christ: Race, Ethnicity, and Culture."

We invite you to use A Guide to Leading Conversations on Race, Ethnicity, and Culture PDF Format  (41 pages) in your congregation as you host these conversations.