Church in Society

The Church in Society unit leads this church in stepping forward as a public church that witnesses boldly to God’s love for all that God has created.

This unit studies social issues, prepares social statements for this church’s consideration and action, and promotes moral deliberation. Congregations receive assistance in developing programs and strategies that help people in poverty, in caring for creation, and in developing their communities. This program unit is responsible for domestic refugee concerns and, accordingly, relates to Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service.

The Church in Society units coordinates the ELCA World Hunger Program. It administers the ELCA Domestic Disaster Response and, in cooperation with The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, Lutheran Disaster Response.

The unit is responsible for this church’s ministry of service through some 280 affiliated social ministry organizations. It grants and maintains church affiliation with these organizations and through Lutheran Services in America develops a comprehensive delivery system among social ministry organizations, congregations, and community organizations.

The unit for Church in Society carries out this church’s advocacy with national and international governmental bodies and with institutions in the private sector, and coordinates its advocacy with state governments.

Addressing sexism and advocating for full participation and equal opportunity in church and society for women is the assignment of Justice for Women, an initiative of this unit.