Advocacy In Action: News From the ELCA Conference of Bishops
From February 27 to March 5, 2024, the Conference of ELCA Bishops gathered in Itasca, IL for its semi-annual conference. The conference is an advisory body of the ELCA in which 65 synod bishops, the presiding bishop and the council secretary discuss the many goings-on within the Church and how best to meet the needs of our world.
In a rare move, the Conference decided to write and release two key statements advocating for justice and peace. The two letters, addressed to policy makers and the public, advocate in solidarity with the Annunciation House in El Paso, Texas, and for lasting solutions to the violence in Gaza. These letters come at a pressing time for both topics, as migrants and refugees in Texas face increasing hostility and the death toll in Israel and Palestine continues to rise.
Calls for a Ceasefire
On March 3rd, the conference released a second letter, adding their collective voice to the call for a permanent, bilateral ceasefire in Gaza. The letter stresses the grief and loss felt by the Israeli people on October 7th, and mourns the deaths of the tens of thousands of Palestinian civilians killed in Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem. The bishops call upon our federal government to work for a lasting peace; to reinstate funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency; to extend humanitarian aid access within Gaza, where more than half a million people are facing starvation; to negotiate a release of political prisoners and hostages; and to find a path that disrupts historic cycles of violence. Our bishops also call upon us, our elected officials, and our neighbors to oppose hatred of all forms as violence and anger rise here at home. The bishops recall the Beatitudes, reminding us of Christ’s blessing to the peacemakers.
The bishops also made personal pledges to contact their respective legislators, urging them to work for a ceasefire. Read the full letter below.
Advocacy for Migrants
On March 4th, the bishops released a statement of solidarity with migrants in Texas. The letter uplifts Annunciation House, a volunteer-run faith-based organization that has been a pillar of welcome and hospitality in El Paso for more than 40 years. Annunciation House works with the federal government and other local non-profits to live out the Gospel News through serving and accompanying refugees, migrants, and other vulnerable people in the border region; their work includes advocacy, education, and hospitality. As of late, the House, along with several similar organizations, is facing threats of closure from the Texas Attorney General.
In their statement, the ELCA bishops underscore the importance of immigration within our Lutheran history, and redoubles our Church’s pledge to accompany migrants and those serving migrants. The bishops also called upon policy makers to prioritize the protection of migrants, especially families with children, and to work for humane and just solutions. Read the full letter below.
We are thankful to have leaders in our church who faithfully advocate as a way to love and accompany our neighbors in need!
