The ELCA has adopted a groundbreaking social message on “Child Protection,” offering both theological grounding and practical guidance for congregations responding to abuse and neglect. Adopted in 2025.

The social message on “Living in a Time of Terrorism” was developed in the early years of the 21st century as acts of terrorism reached haunting proportions throughout the world. Adopted in 2004.

In 2025, the “Deeper Understandings” series focuses on ELCA social statements, reintroducing them to readers as a means of provoking fruitful, enriching conversation between Christians with different understandings and convictions, and as a springboard for active discipleship in the world.

Faith, Sexism, and Justice: A Call to Action (2019) conveys ELCA teaching on matters related to sexism and patriarchy, gender identity and justice and much more. English, Spanish and 6-session user guide available.

The ELCA is developing a social message on child protection and maltreatment. The feedback period will be open until June 30, 2025. Please comment!

The ELCA invites your feedback on proposed updates to Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust. These small editorial changes reflect shifts in marriage laws and family diversity while maintaining the statement’s theological core. Share your thoughts by January 31, 2025 via an online survey or email.

For Peace in God's World (1995) conveys ELCA teaching on matters related to war, domestic and international security, and the Christian call to be peacemakers. English, Spanish and 5-session study guide available.

The ELCA adopted its social message about gun-related violence and trauma in April, 2024. The message's themes focus on trauma, public health, and an ethic of shared responsibility for peacemaking, seeking to move beyond the strict polarization of gun rights vs. gun control.

In this election year, how might our Lutheran faith shape our thinking, acting, and voting on major issues? In this important 6-part series, ponder timely ELCA social teachings and learn tips for leading discussions in your own community.

The social message on "Immigration" presents basic themes for discernment on questions of immigration that our society is facing. It draws from Scripture and the experience of Lutherans in America as an immigrant church in a country of immigrants.

Reminder: The ELCA is developing a social statement on civic life and faith, the relationship of church and state, and related matters. The feedback period will be open until Sept. 30, 2024.

A new video from Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton addressing Christian Nationalism. Bishop Eaton says this dangerous ideology “is a perversion of the gospel and a threat to our democracy. It’s precisely because I love my country that I warn against it.”

The statement reads in part, “Whether we worship at a church, mosque, synagogue, or temple, America has no second-class faiths. All are equal under the U.S. Constitution. As Christians, we must speak in one voice condemning Christian nationalism as a distortion of the gospel of Jesus and a threat to American democracy.”

How Strategic and Authentic Is Our Diversity: A Call for Confession, Reflection, and Healing Action is the report from an ELCA Task Force that was adopted by more than a two-thirds vote (855-13) by the 15th triennial Churchwide Assembly on August 9, 2019, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

The ELCA’s newest social message, adopted on Thursday, April 20, 2023 is entitled Earth’s Climate Crisis, a message on climate care. This project was authorized in light of the grim contemporary situation affecting our global home and the need for fresh action on the part of this church.

The preparation of this study is part of the process toward developing a social statement on these many topics related to civic life and faith. Participants’ feedback is key. The study response period is open through Oct. 15.

The Caring for Creation: Vision, Hope, and Justice social statement explains the ELCA’s teachings on ecology and the environment, grounded in a biblical vision of God's intention for the healing and wholeness of creation.

Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton’s comments from 2020 on the work Lutherans are called to do around civic engagement and voting are still very relevant today.