Being a Public Church: Guidance for churches & clergy participating in the electoral process – Lutherans understand that governments are a means through which God can work to preserve creation and build a more peaceful and just society. As a public church, we have a responsibility to address issues that affect our neighbors in communities throughout the world. Through advocacy efforts, ELCA members and other Christians can work through governmental channels on behalf of biblical values. Participating in the electoral process is one way in which ELCA members live out the public witness of advocacy.
ELCAvotes: We are called to conversation and prayer around our role as U.S. residents and as people of faith in ensuring our election systems promote dignity and respect for all. We are called to act by speaking out as advocates and engaging in local efforts to guarantee the right to vote to all citizens. Sign up for up-to-date information on ELCAvotes.
“Government and Civic Engagement in the United States: Discipleship in a Democracy”. The ELCA has adopted this social message on government and civic engagement. This writing project was requested by the 2019 Churchwide Assembly and was adopted in June 2020 by the ELCA Church Council [CC20.06.17]. To help dig into the text, there is a Study Guide, along with a Leader’s Guide for those facilitating groups. A Spanish translation can be downloaded here. Printed copies (in packs of 5) can be ordered here.
Study Guide: Discipleship in a democracy: How should Lutherans Be Involved in politics?
Download a study guide for “Discipleship in a democracy,” which appeared in Living Lutheran‘s October 2020 issue. The free pdf includes six pages of discussion questions and a copy of the article.
How PA Congregations Can Help Reduce Election Chaos, Increase Safety for Voters – Although some parts of Pennsylvania’s election process are still being litigated, there are ways in which ELCA congregations and parishioners can offer assistance now to reduce stress and increase confidence in a system. Learn more.
After contacting all 67 Pennsylvania county offices, LAMPa assembled a spreadsheet of responses from election officials outlining current concerns, guidelines, and processes related to the November election. This is a “living” document and will be updated as new data arrives. Although most counties reported being prepared for anticipated massive response — either in-person or by mail-in ballot, others are still working to establish polling sites and fill them with necessary workers to avoid long lines and wait times while maintaining safe distancing during the pandemic.
Voting in Pennsylvania – Learn how to exercise your right to vote in PA. This guide will help connect you with Pennsylvania’s voting deadlines, early voting, mail-in voting, absentee voting, in-person voting and election services.
The Institution for Constitutional Advocacy & Protection (ICAP) at Georgetown Law has created fact sheets for all 50 states explaining the laws barring unauthorized private militia groups and what to do if groups of armed individuals are near a polling place or voter registration drive. Select a state from the menu below to view the corresponding fact sheet.
Access ICAP’s fact sheet on voter intimidation laws, detailing what kinds of conduct could constitute voter intimidation, and what to do if you experience voter intimidation.
ICAP has created fact sheets for all 50 states explaining the laws barring unauthorized private militia groups and what to do if groups of armed individuals are near a polling place or voter registration drive.
ELCA Advocacy – ELCA advocacy works for change in public policy based on the experience of Lutheran ministries, programs, and projects around the world and in communities across the United States. Our faith calls us to learn more and speak out on issues affecting our vulnerable neighbors and the forces threatening creation.
Search these resources for information that will educate and equip you to be a more effective advocate.
Sign up from to receive updates including Advocacy Connections, our monthly e-news, and Action Alerts at impactful moments.
Current Federal Action Alerts are available in the Action Center.
Join the conversation through social media @ELCAadvocacy and #ELCAadvocacy.
Find information and tools on the blog and resource page.
Advance the right to vote for all citizens in the upcoming election with the ELCAvotes initiative. Great tip sheets on registration and Get Out The Vote drives plus more are available in the ELCA Civic Engagement Guide.
Downloadable Printable Signs from ELCA Advocacy.
New Civic Engagement Primer and Study Guide Available – A guide, produced by the Pennsylvania Council of Churches, to help discuss faithful citizenship within your own congregations, regardless of whether your congregation leans to one end of the political spectrum or the other, or is a true mix of folks from across the spectrum. The Pennsylvania Council of Churches has long believed in our call as Christians to be faithful citizens, participating in the public square in ways that support God’s call to love our neighbors as ourselves (without defining neighbor as only those in our affinity group) and to treat others as we wish to be treated (known as “The Golden Rule”). The Council observed there appears to be much confusion concerning history, our government systems, and what we can do as faithful citizens and as congregations. This guide provides educational resources to remind us how our government works and how we can recognize a problem to be addressed, or legislation we would like to see passed, making our voices be heard. Knowledge of these systems and how to work within them is essential if we are to engage in ways that are constructive and successful.
