ELCA Messages
How the ELCA views timely issues
Messages of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America are built on its social policy (including social statements), draw attention to certain priority concerns that arise from this church’s mission in the world, and encourage discussion and action. They address the contemporary situation in light of the prophetic and compassionate traditions of the Bible. They are adopted by the ELCA Church Council and express the convictions of the leaders of this church. Since 1988, the ELCA has adopted eleven messages.
Suicide testifies to life’s tragic brokenness. . . . Increasingly, suicide is being viewed as a serious and preventable public health problem. . . . Suicide prevention requires concerted and collaborative efforts from all sector of society.
A Message on Suicide Prevention, p. 1
This site is still under construction as this location. Please visit http://archive.elca.org/socialstatements to view the existing site.