See below for information on a grassroots movement and advocacy opportunity happening in Washington, D.C. on September 16-17. Gathering at the Gate is not officially sponsored by the ELCA and LAMPa, though the advocacy portions will be informed by ELCA Advocacy and Witness in Society staff.

We offer this invitation to you who want to respond to the call of Amos 5:15 to “hate evil, love good, and establish justice in the gate.” There are virtual options available, in addition to the in-person gathering. Registration closes September 1.

An Invitation to Make A Strong Impact

2025 has seen relentless attacks on civil rights, equal rights, refugee resettlement, and support for the most vulnerable globally and nationally. People of faith are sensing a call to embody the call of Amos – Hate Evil, and love good, and establish justice in the gate (5:15). As Lutheran leaders—bishops, pastors, deacons, and faith leaders—please join us to gather as a public witness to God’s justice and mercy. Together, we pray to gather 500+ leaders to stand at the “gate” of Washington, D.C., where harmful decisions are made that shape the lives of immigrants and refugees, LGBTQIA+ people, and all those who are pushed to the margins, and are being erased in front of our eyes. This gathering will root and connect us together as we journey forward in our work together.

Why We Gather

We are Lutheran Christians—rostered and lay—gathering in a time of growing injustice against refugees, immigrants, 2SLGBTQIA+ people, those experiencing poverty, and many pushed to the margins and harmed by unjust systems. We are compelled by our faith to proclaim good news and act with courage. Rooted in Amos’ call to justice, we gather not only to pray, but to build relational power and pursue sustained change.

This is more than a two-day event in our hearts and minds. It’s a faithful step into a sustained movement over multiple years—deepening relationships, naming what is broken, and discerning a shared call to action.

What Guides Us

We are:

WITH those who suffer violence, exclusion, or erasure and organizations that advocate and work on their behalf.

AGAINST systems and rhetoric that deny dignity.

COMMITTED to sustained empowerment, advocacy, and organizing beyond this moment.​

CALLED to act from our Christian Lutheran commitments to justice, accountability, and mercy.

What Gathering at the Gate Is

This is a grassroots movement, and we pray only a starting point. We are working to create the capacity for leaders to show up, listen deeply, and speak clearly. We gather to root ourselves in faith, amplify marginalized voices, and build trust that can carry lasting work forward. We gather as Lutherans, friends, and neighbors with and for the whole church and world.

“Be merciful, just as your God is merciful.” – Luke 6:36

Learn more and register.