ELCA Social Statement: Faith, Sexism, and Justice: A Call to Action
This social statement comes in two versions. The short version conveys the statement’s essence in 40 articles, containing the entire scope of convictions and commitments.* The full version consists of those same 40 articles (in bold), along with a preface, a conclusion, and an explanation for each article, allowing readers to go deeper into an article’s meaning. These two formats serve different needs. Both were crafted in the hope that the Holy Spirit will move readers into fruitful understanding, commitment, and action. Several supplemental resources are available to aid readers with this statement. All supplemental resources are available on the statement’s web page, ELCA.org/socialstatements. Please note that underlined words in the text refer to the first appearance of words defined in the glossary.
Faith, Sexism, and Justice: A Call to Action and its accompanying implementing resolutions are available here. This text is what was officially adopted by the 2019 Churchwide Assembly. You can order paper copies in packs of 5 here.
In response to diverse needs expressed by ELCA members, the text comes in a dual format of a "short statement" and a "full statement." The full version expands upon the central articles of the short one. You can access just the short version here.
Full Statement:
Preface — A Shared Vision: We trust God’s promises, and we hope for justice. page 12
Section I — Fundamental Teaching: God desires abundant life for all. Articles 1-8, page 14
Section II — Analysis of the Problem: Sin subverts human flourishing in many ways. Articles 9-15, page 25
Section III — The Christian Tradition: It is both challenge and resource. Articles 16-22, page 38
Section IV — Response: The ELCA is called to new commitments and action as a church. Articles 23-30, page 51
Section V — Response: The ELCA calls for action and new commitments in society. Articles 31-40, page 59
Conclusion — A Shared Challenge: Living in hope, we are called to action. page 68
Reference Material: Endnotes, page 70.
Glossary, page 75.
Implementing Resolutions: Resolutions 1-18, page 81
Click here to read Frequently Asked Questions about Faith, Sexism, and Justice: A Call to Action.
This social statement was amended and then adopted by a more than two- thirds vote (863-26) at the fifteenth Churchwide Assembly on August 9, 2019, at Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 84 pages.
6-session Study Guide
This study guide for the social statement Faith, Sexism, and Justice: A Call to Action has six sessions that guide participants to engage the social statement and discern ways to take action. The sessions are interactive and flexible (45-, 60- or 90-minutes), with options for in-person gatherings, interactive virtual meetings, or virtual discussions.
Below are links to each study session, which includes a leader's guide, each session's handouts and videos, and additional resources. The sessions are available in English and Spanish, and the videos all have Spanish captions.
If you do not have access to reliable internet and it would be difficult to download the sessions and stream the videos, you can purchase a USB flash drive that has all of the materials in English by clicking here. If you need a USB of the Spanish materials, email us here. 33 pages.
Study Guide Links
For best results, download the PDF files to your computer.
Showcase Videos | All Videos
Study Guide (in English) on USB Flash Drive | Order
Here is a discussion guide to dig deeper into the video.
2025 worship rite of repentance
During the 2025 Churchwide Assembly, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) participated in a worship service of repentance for the sins of sexism and patriarchy. This action was part of the church's ongoing efforts to address gender justice, building on its 2019 social statement, "Faith, Sexism, and Justice: A Call to Action".
The worship service took place during the 2025 Churchwide Assembly in Phoenix. The evening prayer service was dedicated to repentance for the sins of patriarchy, with the theme, “Forgive Us and Transform Us for the Life of the World”.