The Evangelical Lutheran Church gathers every three years in a Churchwide Assembly. Each synod sends a number of delegates, including rostered leaders (pastors and deacons) and lay members. Often, the church participates in a multi-assembly process of commissioning studies and crafting what are called Social Statements. Social Statements are passed by the entire church and are used for teaching and crafting policy. These are our strongest statements which, according to the ELCA website, speak to "social issues in the context of faith and life." There are thirteen social statements at this time, on
Explore the thirteen Social Statement of the ELCA (many of the Social Statements include brief overviews and, if you are interested, a simple search on the ELCA's website normally uncovers the study documents used to help congregations respond to studies that form the foundation of the Social Statements). What does it mean to you that the church considers these issues? Are there social issues the church should not consider? What role do you think the church should take when it comes to front-page-of-the-newspaper issues? Consider contributing to the current social writing projects, including a Social Statement on Government and Civic Engagement, expected to be considered by the 2025 Churchwide Assembly.
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