2025-26 ELCA Federal Policy Priorities for the 119th Congress
A Shared Foundation
As the largest Lutheran denomination in the United States, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) encompasses major geographical, cultural, ideological and generational differences. We therefore ground our advocacy in our shared foundations: Scripture, the Lutheran theological tradition and, above all, our baptismal identity as belonging to God in the love of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit.
As we work to make a difference in the shared life of our communities and our country, these values guide our witness in society.
Civic Engagement
Facilitate depolarizing conversations and relationships.
Foster cultural and political pluralism.
Support Lutheran participation in civic life and public witness.
Honor and pray for our elected officials and public servants.
Following are policy priorities discerned for ELCA federal advocacy during the 119th Congress, which convened in
Washington, D.C., in January 2025 and will end in January 2027.
Economic Policy
Support poor and working families.
Expand the supply of affordable housing.
Advance a just and sustainable tax code.
Reduce bureaucratic and administrative burden.
Care for farmers, hungry neighbors, and creation.
Migration Policy
Ensure stable families and communities.
Maintain a safe and orderly border.
Oppose mass deportation.
Respect human dignity in immigration enforcement.
Protect vulnerable women, children, refugees and asylum seekers.
Civil Rights Policy
Prevent discrimination.
Protect religious liberty for all.
Improve outcomes for disadvantaged groups.
Recognize and address historical injustices.
Support mental health of high-risk groups.
Uphold constitutional rights and promote good governance.
International Policy
Restore and support humanitarian aid.
Defend human rights and religious freedom.
Advance women and girls’ rights and equality.
Help prevent conflicts and build peace.
Model moral consistency in foreign policy.
Environment & Energy Policy
Pursue pragmatic climate solutions.
Support impacted communities.
Promote community health.
Prepare for and respond to natural disasters.
Middle East & North Africa Policy
Insist on equal rights and safety for all in the Holy Land.
Stabilize the Middle East and North Africa region.
Protect civilian life.
Defend freedom of religion and religious minorities.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY + FULL STATEMENT OF ELCA FEDERAL POLICY PRIORITIES FOR THE 119TH CONGRESS
Find the full ELCA Federal Policy Priorities for the 119th Congress with theological foundations and policy priority details through the ELCA Resource Center, by contacting the ELCA Witness in Society staff at washingtonoffice@elca.org, or by clicking the link below. More about ELCA Witness in Society is available from ELCA.org/advocacy.
How can you get involved?
Our ministry of advocacy is a public witness to God’s love for our neighbor, ourselves and for all creation. In addition to activity in Washington, D.C., on federal advocacy priorities, this public witness is also organized by state public policy offices in the ELCA Advocacy Network, through our ELCA Corporate Social Responsibility strategy and by Lutheran Office for World Community representation to the United Nations – plus the advocacy of members, congregations and synods.
Connect with the ELCA Advocacy Network for updates and invitations to action at ELCA.org/advocacy/signup. Find resources at ELCA.org/resources/advocacy and a community with which to engage on social media @ELCAadvocacy.