ELCA Homeless and Justice Network on Executive Order Ending Crime and Disorder on American Streets
As members of the ELCA Homeless and Justice Network, we firmly oppose this administration’s executive order “Ending Crime and Disorder on America’s Streets,” which falsely conflates homelessness with criminality, mental illness and addiction. Rooted in stigma and lacking credible evidence, the order misrepresents the realities of unhoused individuals and communities. It uses uncited statements as facts and misdirects blame for major national problems such as substance use disorder, mental health crisis and violent crime.
Our faith compels us to reject the scapegoating of our vulnerable neighbors. We remember the words of the prophet Isaiah: “Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, ... to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house?” (Isaiah 58:6-7). Homelessness is not a crime. It is a complex social and economic condition that demands justice-driven public policy, not fear-based executive action.
As stated in the ELCA’s social message on homelessness, “God’s love in Jesus Christ … [moves] us to care for (people experiencing homelessness) as God cares for all.” This love manifests not in forced removals, increased policing or denial of services but in creating adequate, affordable and sustainable housing; in public health interventions grounded in dignity; and in community care.
We call on elected leaders to reject narratives rooted in distortion and division. We urge the church and all people of goodwill to pursue solutions that affirm human worth and to resist policies that deepen suffering in the name of order.
Together we can choose a better path — one rooted not in fear but in justice, mercy and truth.
TAKE ACTION
Learn and Engage: Let us educate ourselves about housing insecurity and justice for the homeless. Visit the ELCA Homeless and Justice Network for more information.
Pray: Let us use the ELCA’s Homeless and Justice Ministries dedicated devotional guide to pray for those affected by this decision and for our ministries that work to secure shelter for those in need.
Speak Out: Let us review the ELCA World Hunger resource on housing and engage in activities to support effective policies, such as writing a letter to a local news outlet or speaking out at a town hall.
Practice Advocacy: Learn about how you can make a difference with ELCA Advocacy.
The Homeless and Justice Network (HJN) of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is an ecumenical coalition of ministries called to serve with those on the margins who are living with homelessness, poverty and justice issues. The network believes that ALL of God’s children deserve an opportunity to gather and be the church together, in the walls or outside the walls. The HJN gathers the pastors and lay leaders of these ministries to connect, refuel, bring new ideas to the table, share the stories that ignite passion, and equip leaders. The wisdom from this group is shared with the wider church to help shape the future.
Any questions about the HJN can be directed to the coordinator:
Rebeca Malmgren, rebeca.malmgren@elca.org