The ELCA's social statement entitled Abortion is grounded in the conviction that "Christians are united in Christ through faith with both the freedom and obligation to engage in serious moral deliberation" (page 1). As ELCA social teaching, it draws upon this community's faith tradition that understands God's life-giving purposes as pressing "beyond the usual 'pro-life' versus 'pro-choice' language" (page 2). The social statement provides guidance for pastoral care and deliberation regarding unintended pregnancies as well as basic themes for reflecting on and discussing public policy issues. It was adopted by the 1991 ELCA Churchwide Assembly.
Follow these links to find resources for understanding this social statement:
We are the church that shares a living, daring confidence in God's grace. Liberated by our faith, we embrace you as a whole person--questions, complexities and all. Join us as we do God's work in Christ's name for the life of the world.
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
8765 W Higgins Road
Chicago, IL 60631