ELCA Exposed - on Social Justice

ELCA Exposed News on Social Justice and DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility)

As with many pages on Exposing the ELCA, there is overlap with topics so not all Social Justice and DEIA related articles related to the ELCA will be here.

How DEIA, Anti-Racism and CRT Are Becoming the New Gospel in the ELCA

. . .I expect these changes to begin to be implemented at the 2025 Churchwide Assembly. Once DEIA changes are implemented, Bound Conscience will fall. Conservative pastors and churches will no longer be welcome in the ELCA, nor will we be safe. . .

A Warning of What is Coming

. . .Here is just a sampling of the (ELCA) audit’s Recommended Minimum DEIA Standards for Congregations. A question for all ELCA pastors and congregational leaders is this: Is this what you want to spend a considerable amount of your time, energy, and resources on? . .

How Did It Happen? The ELCA and Community Organizing – Part One

. . .How did LGBTQ+ values, priorities, and agenda completely take over the ELCA, and so quickly? The purpose of this article is to show how the principles of community organizing were used most effectively to bring about this change. . .

How Did It Happen? The ELCA and Community Organizing - Part Two

. . .We need to be concerned for upcoming generations, who more and more are going to be told lies concerning human sexuality, so we must be aware of the principles and methodology of community organizing. . .

ELCA Releases Hilariously Woke DEI Recommendations For their Denomination (2023)

. . .Require annual DEIA training for all pastors, church staff and lay leaders, using an Approved Provider and covering at least the following topics, among others. . .

CRLC and Critical Theory (ELCA) (2024)

. . .it is important to understand the chief philosophical assumption of ELCA policymakers, namely, Critical Theory. In critical theory, the world is viewed chiefly through the lens of power and how some groups use their power to oppress other groups. There are oppressors and victims, especially in the sense that some groups are kept from having full access to the power that opposite groups enjoy. This oppression is racism, classism, sexism, heterosexism, ableism, etc. This means that oppression like racism is much more than personal prejudice (which is how most of us would understand the term); rather, racism is systemic and institutionalized. . .

National Council of Churches: White Christians Must Repent for ‘America’s Original Sin’ of ‘White Racism’

. . .regardless of the individual speakers or their personal backgrounds, all of them had one resounding message: White Americans are oppressing “black and brown people” through a deliberate system of “white supremacy,” and they must repent and seek redemption by taking action to destroy that system. . .

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America just became the country's first 'sanctuary church body'

. . .The measure, approved during a churchwide assembly in Milwaukee, pledges that in addition to providing shelter for undocumented immigrants, the ELCA could:
-- Respond to raids, deportations and the "criminalization" of immigrants and refugees;
-- Fight individual cases of deportation, press for the end of mass detentions and lift up immigrants' voices;-- Take "prophetic action" to extend "radical hospitality" to immigrants and immigrant communities. . .

The largest US Lutheran denomination votes to become the nation's first 'sanctuary church body'

Fox News panel discussion.

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America misinterpreting Christ’s teachings yet again

. . .Martin Luther would be ashamed for his name to be connected in any way to this denomination that pretends to follow his Christian teachings. Thankfully, there are other Lutheran denominations that more closely follow the Bible and Christ, and hopefully the ELCA will eventually be on the ash heap of history, along with their decision to make their organization a sanctuary church for anyone whose first act in our country is unlawful entry. . .

ELCA declares self a ‘sanctuary church body,’ marches to ICE building in Milwaukee

. . . the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America declared itself a “sanctuary church body,” signaling its support for immigrants. . .

Report on the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Audit of the Governing Documents of the ELCA and Part 2

. . .This report represents the findings and recommendations of the external auditor. . .

The ELCA's User's Guide for Faith, Sexism, and Justice: A Lutheran Call to Action

. . .Equality and Equity - Inclusive and Expansive Language for God – Intersectionality - Patriarchy - Privilege – Sex, Gender, and Sexuality - Toxic Masculinity - Transgender, Gender Non-Conforming, Nonbinary, Queer, and Intersex. . .

An Incoming DEIA Disaster (2024)

. . .I see these recommendations centering the church’s focus on DEIA and moving it completely away from its God-given mission to spread the gospel. . .

“Credibility and integrity”: An investment in social responsibility (2023)

(ELCA's pension). . . an issue paper addresses a topic—examples include climate change, extractive industries, human rights, health care and genetics. Individual investors and financial services firms such as Portico use issue papers to allocate capital in ways that align with ELCA philosophy and practice. . .

ELCA leaders call on Congress to pass US Citizenship Act of 2021 in new letter (2021)

. . .The proposed legislation would create a pathway to citizenship for 11 million undocumented immigrants living in the U.S. . .

ELCA Support for the Equality Act: What Does it Mean? (2021)

. . .this year, I noticed that ELCA Advocacy had given the Equality Act its full and unqualified endorsement. It also encouraged members of the ELCA to write their Senators, . .

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51 ELCA Bishops Want Next Covid-19 Response Benefits Package to Extend to All "regardless of immigration status"

. . .Everyone who files tax returns should have access to the emergency economic support being made available to all Americans. This must include the 16.7 million people in mixed-status families in the U.S., as well as DACA recipients, TPS holders and undocumented workers. . .

"No Ban Act" Has ELCA Backing

. . .The NO BAN Act would end the harmful Muslim Ban and put in place vital protections against future discriminatory bans. . .

44 ELCA Bishops Sign Letter Wanting the NO BAN Act

. . .The expansion of this policy reflects racial and religious discrimination. . .

243 ELCA Leaders Want More Refugees Brought into the United States

. . .we write to express our support for welcoming refugees and urge you to commit to resettling at least 95,000 refugees in fiscal year 2021. . .

ELCA Hosting Theological Framework of Reparations Webinar (2022)

. . .The February webinar will provide a theological framework for the reparatory justice movement in general. This will include repair to re-create a just world and economy for all. . .

A journey to reparation (2023)

. . . Oct. 6 the synod announced that it would give $185,400 plus $100 plus $1,100 to the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe, which includes leadership from the tribe’s six reservations (White Earth, Bois Forte, Grand Portage, Mille Lacs, Fond du Lac and Leech Lake), as an act of reparation. . .

ELCA Introduces “Now Is the Time” Study Guide

. . . the ELCA "apologizes to people of African descent for its historical complicity in slavery and its enduring legacy of racism in the United States and globally. We lament the white church's failure to work for the abolition of slavery and the perpetuation of racism in this church." . .

Statement from the ELCA Conference of Bishops in solidarity with migrants in Texas (2024)

. . .We are deeply troubled by the actions of the Texas attorney general's office against Annunciation House, a volunteer-run faith-based organization that has been a pillar of welcome and hospitality in El Paso for more than 40 years. Annunciation House has been singled out by the attorney general's office over potential legal violations for the social services it provides to immigrants in Texas. . .

Boston clergy urge 'white churches' to 'atone' for slavery ties with millions in reparations

. . .The grassroots Boston People's Reparations Commission held a press event at Resurrection Lutheran Church in the Roxbury neighborhood on Saturday. Multiple clergy members suggested that some of Boston's churches should "confess to their complicity" in slavery and pay up. . .

Explore Lutheran Values in Election Year: Join the Social Teachings Series

. . .As we navigate through this election year, the ELCA invites you to engage deeply with our social teachings through an online series of workshops. These sessions aim to explore how our Lutheran faith informs our thinking, acting, and voting on major social issues. . .

The ELCA’s actions on immigration policy

. . .The ELCA currently has five sanctuary synods and at least 50 sanctuary congregations connected to the AMMPARO network. AMMPARO has organized groups in 19 synods and 97 welcome and sanctuary congregations in 28 synods. . .

Faithful engagement: Iowans develop, participate in racial justice curriculum

. . .As a result, the project has sparked many debates—not least in Iowa, said Erika Uthe, director for evangelical mission and an assistant to the bishop in the Southeastern Iowa Synod. Students, educators and community members statewide have shown strong interest in the project.
But some lawmakers have led a charge to ban it from public institutions. A state law that took effect in July 2021 limited what can be taught in schools about systemic racism. The law doesn’t specify 1619 Project curriculum, but lawmakers often refer to the initiative as an example of unacceptable content. As a result, educators fear losing funding over curriculum disputes and complaints.
“[Iowa clergy] decided that if it is illegal to teach the 1619 Project in schools, we’d make it available in churches,” Uthe said. . .

ELCA Pastrix Encourages Congregation to Defy ICE, Aid and Abet Illegal Immigrants

. . .tells her congregation that there are “social, cultural, political rules and legal rules” that are not working and need to be defied. She suggests that folks need to be ready to “break” the rules and give material aid to illegal immigrants, once the deportations begin. . .

Defund Lutherans for Open Borders Now!

. . .One of the top promoters of the so-called Lights for Liberty nationwide protests by Trump-hating, ICE-bashing radicals was a nonprofit religious organization known as the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service. As a designated "host," LIRS played a key role in publicizing, organizing and participating in demonstrations against President Donald Trump's deportation enforcement actions targeting some 2,000 illegal immigrants and their families who have ignored removal orders or skipped out on court hearings. . .

Milwaukee religious leaders declare support for asylum seekers at the border

. . .The signers also vowed to hold "elected leaders accountable for dehumanizing those seeking protection from persecution and violence.". .

ELCA Article Calls for 'Reparations' - Witness Stone Blog

. . . the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) posted an article on social media by their Living Lutheran publication about George Floyd. The article written by an ELCA pastor calls for racial reparations. . .

ELCA bishops support Obama’s immigration reform announcement

. . .Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Conference of Bishops released a statement Nov. 20 in support of President Obama’s announcement of immigration reform. . .

Jesus Was Divisive: A Black Pastor's Message To White Christians (an ELCA pastor)

. . .We shouldn't be surprised that white Christianity is willing to sacrifice black and brown bodies for the cause of their own personal salvation and relationship with Jesus Christ. That has been part of the history of the American church experience. Of course, they are willing to sacrifice black and brown bodies to hear a full-throated hymn. Of course, they are willing to sacrifice our communities for tithes and offerings. Of course, they are willing to sacrifice the people I grew up with and call that patriotism. . .

Reparations -- From Intention into Action

. . . resolved to gift $185400 + $100 + $1100 to the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe. The funds are from a portion of the proceeds on the synod's sale of land that was originally inhabited by Anishinaabeg (Chippewa, Ojibwe) in the City of Duluth. . .

(ELCA) 'Sanctuary’ church puts up $15K bail to free migrant accused in Times Square police beatdown

. . .was being held at Rikers Island on the Jan. 27 cop attack and is due to be arraigned on an assault indictment this week, walked out of jail Tuesday after Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Bay Ridge put up the money, the church’s pastor said. . .

Happy Indigenous Peoples’ Day

. . .The ritual and practice of land acknowledgment is being developed and initiated by many congregations and synods across the ELCA. We are encouraging all synods, congregations and churchwide organization leaders to begin practicing this important ritual at the beginning of every church meeting or gathering. . .

ELCA Church Council approves sanctuary church guidelines (2021)

. . .decision to name the Tuesday following the celebration of the birth of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as an annual ELCA Day of Repentance From Racism and encouraged members, congregations and synods to use the "Lamenting Racism" resource in All Creation Sings and other liturgical resources of lamentation and repentance offered by the churchwide organization's Worship team to accompany this annual day of repentance. . .

ELCA Apologizes for "Cross on Fire" logo

. . .But all I see when I look at it, is a cross on fire. For those who have been hurt by this imagery, I apologize. . .

ELCA issues declaration to American Indian and Alaska Native people

(2021) . . ."The Doctrine of Discovery created a theological framework that supported racism, colonialism, and the annihilation of Indigenous people," the declaration states. . .

A Refutation of the ELCA Social Statement on The Death Penalty - By Kenneth Lohr

. . .the social statement is crafty, illogical, implicitly heretical, and undermining to civil government. It should be rescinded, and the procedure for developing social statements revised. The fact that these documents are not coercive in their teaching authority should not be a license for them to contradict the Lutheran Confessions.

ELCA, Church of Sweden and The Episcopal Church issue climate commitment

. . . The intensity of the challenges becomes ever more apparent, and the link of unprecedented climate change to human action rests now on insurmountable scientific evidence. In human societies, these climate changes compound social injustices, disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable among us with insecurities of food, livelihood and living space. . .

Northeastern Lutheran Synod backs fossil fuel divestment

. . .Divestment from Fossil Fuels resolution included the following directives:“Exclude the 200 largest fossil fuel companies as an option for ELCA retirement plan participation,” and
“That the Synod encourage its congregations and individual members to prayerfully consider their own divestment from fossil fuels, and consider re-investment of sustainable and clean energy.” . .

Faith-based organizations urge Biden not to enact ‘asylum ban’

. . .The letter urges the Biden administration not to move forward with what it calls an “asylum ban,” calling it “harmful, inhumane and deadly for the most vulnerable.” . .

Reply to the ELCA Draft Social Statement on Women and Justice

. . .The Draft embraces a false religion, demands preferential treatment for women where that is not justified on the merit of the facts and treats men unfairly. It is sexist, and pitches the sexes against each other, rather than supporting them in, together, pursuing worthy aims. . .

A prophetic call to action: An interview with author Kenneth Wheeler (Living Lutheran mag.)

. . .It would mean that every white congregation would commit to yearly anti-racism training, and that no white congregation could opt out of such training. It would mean that white clergy who preach about race in their congregations will not be penalized by their congregations or their bishops. . .

Linked with Our Muslim Neighbor s

(ELCA Article). . .sponsor one or more educational sessions on Islam or on interrupting religious bias, or partner with another congregation in doing so. . .

ELCA Draft Social Statement: My Response to “Women and Justice

. . . If the Draft Social Statement on Women and Justice is approved by the ELCA, then This Church neither understands, nor stands under Scripture. And the tragedy is, it seems incurious and unconcerned about what that means for the very real women and men it purports to care about, and for.

Source: Claims of Financial Mismanagement, Fraud, and Harassment at Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service Spark External Investigation

. . .“The issues related to Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIaRS) are widespread but are rooted in the main areas of financial mismanagement and the incompetence of leadership,” the source who is familiar with the operations of the refugee resettlement industry tells Breitbart News. . .

Why the ELCA Needs to Start a Reparations Process Part 1 (by an popular ELCA pastor)

. . .Next if the ELCA doesn’t listen to us as the people of God I think it’s time we have a serious conversation about #defundingchurchwide and doing this work ourselves. . .

Why the ELCA Needs to Start a Reparations Process Part 2

. . .Do you know a ton of us at churchwide are with you, and have been for years? Yes Beloved, I see you. . .

Why the ELCA Needs to Start a Reparations Process Part 3

. . .The Conference of Bishops and Bishop Eaton are going to fire a ton of folks in November and leave them lying and bleeding on the road to Jericho because they are shitty stewards. . .

Why the ELCA Needs to Start a Reparations Process Part 4

. . .I never once expected the entrenched empire that is whiteness in the ELCA to move one inch on this. . .

Mountain Lion Cubs Do Not Stay Mountain Lion Cubs

. . .for at least three reasons the ELCA’s endorsing and embracing the Black Lives Matter movement reminds me of people who think that a mountain lion cub would be safe. . .

The ELCA and Human-Caused Climate Change - Witness Stone Blog

. . .reveal their belief in human-caused climate change by signing a letter that states they will work to reduce climate change and also states their opposition to the United States withdrawing from the Paris Agreement. . .

The ELCA Wants the United Nations to Investigate Racism in the United States

. . .Evangelical Lutheran Church in America wants the U.N."to conduct an official fact-finding visit to examine the historic and present marks of racism and racial discrimination that have presented new and renewed, alarming trends of racism in the United States." . .

84 New Hampshire Faith Leaders Sign Anti-'Right-to-Work' Letter

. . .The "right to work" bill, S.B. 61, is an attempt to weaken the ability of working people to organize. . .

LWF and ecumenical partners launch Zacchaeus campaign for tax justice

. . .Educating churches locally and advocating for justice and reparations at the highest level. . .

Becoming a White Antiracist - Living Lutheran

. . .Those of us who are white benefit from the system to such an extent that it’s really up to us to change it. . .

Pastor Calls for ELCA to Give 10% Income to Black Churches For Reparations

. . . As a church which has benefited from white privilege, we would simply be returning these benefits in some measure. . .

A Growing Number of Religious Groups Are Developing Reparations Programs for Black Americans (2022)

. . .The Seattle-based Evangelical Lutheran Church of America's Northwest Washington Synod, which oversees Salt House and 108 other congregations, has set up a reparations fund for retired black ELCA clergy. . .

Beyond all logic and reason (ELCA publication)

. . .I’m convinced the transfiguration story is where we get white Jesus (Matthew 17:1-8). I’m convinced that this change, this shift, this transformation of Jesus was a turning point and a signal for later audiences of this Gospel to see Jesus transfiguring into whiteness. Over time, that whiteness prevailed for some beyond all logic and reason, but I guess that’s how racism works—beyond all logic and reason. . .

Liberals Hold Prayer Breakfast in U.S. Capitol to Pray for Bill to End Secret Ballots in Union Organizing (2009)

. . .Rev. Sue Gaeta, an Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) minister representing the Gamaliel National Clergy Caucus, told the gathering that “faith traditions encourage us and compel us” to stand for “workplace justice.”. .

Bishop's Letter: Hearing our planet's call

. . .I am convinced there is no issue more pressing or impactful on our life together. To make this a more livable world for all, our faith calls us to unite in truth-telling and hope. . .

Local (ELCA) pastor begins 12-day fast in support of Green New Deal

. . .“Jesus would support the Green New Deal,” Barker said. . .

Faith groups sue Trump administration over refugee resettlement order

. . .“As we … embark in the holiday season and Christmas Day, that celebration of the coming of the world’s most famous refugee". . .

Lutheran Bishop Arends: Merge faith, politics for justice

. . .a pastor before the Iraq War began, he ran a statement in the parish bulletin from the denomination’s presiding bishop saying that going into Iraq would be wrong and urging the U.S. not to do so. . .

(ELCA Presiding Bishop letter) Trump's travel ban is 'deeply upsetting' [Opinion]

. . .I am dismayed by the Supreme Court's recent decision concerning the president's authority to restrict travel into the United States. . .

ICE allegedly arrests Racine student pastor; Vigil planned for Wednesday

ELCA Presiding Bishop Tweets about it - https://twitter.com/ELCABishopEaton/status/1128433937485680640

Nearly 1000 New Jersey Leaders and Organizations Support Allowing More Residents To Access A Driver’s License

(Signed by Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Bishop Tracie Bartholomew of the New Jersey Synod)

Guess Who Supports the Migrant Caravan - Witness Stone Blog

. . .Yesterday they, and the Southwest California Synod posted this supportive article about the migrant caravan heading to the United States. . .

More US churches commit to racism-linked reparations

. . .We may not all be guilty, but we all have a responsibility." . .

Taxpayers Spend Billions Of Dollars Annually On A Woke Welfare Racket

. . .Illegal immigrants are fed, lodged, and clothed by pro-amnesty, anti-enforcement organizations such as Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services. Legal groups that oppose deportation in court and assist (mostly) fraudulent asylum applicants receive money for “citizenship instruction” and/or “naturalization services.” . .

Trump Illegal Immigration Strategy has ELCA Frantic - Witness Stone Blog

. . .all of these ELCA agencies, the seminary and organizations are funded by money given by ELCA members. . .

(2 articles) The ELCA's Involvement in the Global Climate Action Summit and A New Report Details How Nonprofits Are Funneling Millions To Democratic Governors To Further Their Global Warming Agenda

. . .liberal nonprofits are funneling millions to Democratic governors to further their agenda. . .

ELCA Exposed News on Social Justice and DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility)

​How Did It Happen? The ELCA and Community Organizing - Part Two

ELCA Releases Hilariously Woke DEI Recommendations For their Denomination (2023)

CRLC and Critical Theory (ELCA) (2024)

​The largest US Lutheran denomination votes to become the nation's first 'sanctuary church body'

Report on the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Audit of the Governing Documents of the ELCA and Part 2

​The ELCA's User's Guide for Faith, Sexism, and Justice: A Lutheran Call to Action

An Incoming DEIA Disaster (2024)

“Credibility and integrity”: An investment in social responsibility (2023)

​ELCA leaders call on Congress to pass US Citizenship Act of 2021 in new letter (2021)

ELCA Support for the Equality Act: What Does it Mean? (2021)

​51 ELCA Bishops Want Next Covid-19 Response Benefits Package to Extend to All "regardless of immigration status"

44 ELCA Bishops Sign Letter Wanting the NO BAN Act ​

ELCA Hosting Theological Framework of Reparations Webinar (2022)

A journey to reparation​ (2023)

​ELCA Introduces “Now Is the Time” Study Guide​

Statement from the ELCA Conference of Bishops in solidarity with migrants in Texas​ (2024)

​Faithful engagement: Iowans develop, participate in racial justice curriculum

​Happy Indigenous Peoples’ Day

ELCA Church Council approves sanctuary church guidelines (2021)

​ELCA, Church of Sweden and The Episcopal Church issue climate commitment

​Linked with Our Muslim Neighbors

​Mountain Lion Cubs Do Not Stay Mountain Lion Cubs

​Pastor Calls for ELCA to Give 10% Income to Black Churches For Reparations

A Growing Number of Religious Groups Are Developing Reparations Programs for Black Americans (2022)

​(ELCA Presiding Bishop letter) Trump's travel ban is 'deeply upsetting' [Opinion]

(2 articles) ​The ELCA's Involvement in the Global Climate Action Summit and A New Report Details How Nonprofits Are Funneling Millions To Democratic Governors To Further Their Global Warming Agenda

​Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) Statement

21 faith leaders arrested during religious sit-in at Portland ICE offices​

​National Council of Churches: White Christians Must Repent for ‘America’s Original Sin’ of ‘White Racism’

​ELCA Social Policy Resolutions