Guiding Principles
Advocacy is a public witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ where the church speaks with and on behalf of others in need articulating positions consistent with our faith
Committed to supporting individual Lutherans, the ministry of advocacy provides information and communication about current justice-related policy issues, using many communication technologies and strategies
Working in coalitions with other faith-based, secular and service organizations with common commitments is a priority for the advocacy ministries of the ELCA in its many settings. We believe that such partnerships strengthen the church's voice for increased effectiveness.
Our policy base consists of the ELCA Social Statements, Messages, and Resolutions and Statements or Actions of its predecessor church bodies. We use these documents to review, analyze and evaluate all issues. We also take into consideration the view of ecumenical and international bodies in which ELCA holds membership.
(A guide to the Basic Principles of the Advocacy Ministries, 4/99)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Advocacy different than lobbying?
Many people find it difficult to distinguish advocacy from lobbying. After all, both advocates and lobbyists aim to influence public policy and civil legislation. Both advocates and lobbyists testify at public hearings, provide written information regarding specific issues and legislative initiatives, speak individually with elected officials and administrators, and keep their constituencies informed about changes in public policy.
However, in contrast to many lobbying organizations, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry never endorses candidates for public office, and we do not make financial contributions to political candidates or organizations. We do not "lobby" for the institutional interests of the Lutheran church, but for those most vulnerable in our society: the poor, the hungry, children, the elderly, the abused, the homeless, and the mentally or physically ill.
What about separation of church and state?
As Lutherans, we believe that the government is a means through which God works to preserve creation and to maintain a peaceful and just order in our sinful world. Seeking and serving in political office is a worthy calling in our common life. "Christians are called to respect the integrity and tasks of governing authorities, and to hold them and the decisions they make accountable to God"
(The Church in Society: A Lutheran Perspective, ELCA, 1993)
"The Gospel and civil government are two important and different ways in which God works. Through the Gospel God redeems a sinful world. Government is necessary for our life together, but it is not our saving hope. We confuse the Gospel with a political agenda if we identify a given political position as 'Christian.' Because of the Gospel, we are freed to look critically at policies we may have supported in the past, and to be open to changes that will better serve the public good."
(Christian Faith and U.S. Political Life Today, ELCA 1995)
Lutheran Christians believe in "institutional separation and functional interaction" between the Church and the State. We achieve "functional interaction" through advocacy, the vocations of the ELCA's baptized members, and the witness and service of social ministry organizations,.
How Does the Church Decide What to Advocate ?
When making a decision about a particular issue, our Policy Committee asks the following questions:
Is there a policy base for addressing the issue in the official statements or actions of the ELCA or its predecessor church bodies?
How urgent is the need to be addressed?
How many people are affected by the problems?
Is this a timely issue?
Will it be possible to address the issue in upcoming public policy deliberations?
What is the possibility of achieving the desired outcome?
How basic is this issue - e.g. does it cause or contribute to other problems about which the church is concerned?
Is there a special reason for the ELCA to take a leading role in addressing this issue?
Is there sufficient staff time for effective advocacy?
(from the ELCA - Advocacy Plan 1999-2000)
Background: The institutional mandate for the advocacy ministry of the ELCA is rooted in the church's constitution and in the actions and statements of the ELCA and its predecessor church bodies. The ELCA social statement, The Church in Society: A Lutheran Perspective (1991) sets forth the church's commitment to advocacy: "... this church shall ... work with and on behalf of the poor, the powerless, and those who suffer, using its power and influence to develop and advocate policies that seek to advance justice, peace, and the care of creation."
Policy Base: Our policy base consists of the ELCA social statements, messages, social policy resolutions and statements or actions of predecessor church bodies. We use these documents to review, analyze and evaluate all issues. We also take into consideration the view of ecumenical and international bodies in which the ELCA holds membership.
(ELCA Principles for Advocacy)
As Lutherans, we believe that the government is a means through which God works to preserve creation and to maintain a peaceful and just order in our sinful world. Seeking and serving in political office is a worthy calling in our common life. "Christians are called to respect the integrity and tasks of governing authorities, and to hold them and the decisions they make accountable to God"
(The Church in Society: A Lutheran Perspective, ELCA, 1993)