Current Social Writing Projects

Thoughtful, active participation in society is vital to the mission of the ELCA as we join in God's work in the world. The ELCA teaches that we, as individual members and as an organized faith community, are liberated by God’s love to share that love by serving and seeking justice for the neighbor—questions, ambiguities, complexities and all. Various kinds of written materials aid this mission.

The social writing projects described here may include, at different times, ELCA social statements, social messages, social policy resolutions, studies, moral deliberation tools and study guides. These resources are prepared according to ELCA protocol and serve as documents for teaching, discernment and action as our church participates in what God is up to in human society and the whole creation.

Currently a task force is working on a social statement on church, state, and civic participation. Right now the group is in its studying phase. To learn more about the task force, the social statement process and how to participate, please go to elca.org/civicsandfaith. The social statement is currently scheduled to be voted on at the Churchwide Assembly in 2025.

You're invited to participate in a study curriculum to learn more about the civics and faith. The preparation of this study is part of the process toward developing a social statement. Participants’ feedback, gathered with a survey after each session, is key in helping the task force as it moves into the next phase of its work, drafting a social statement. The study response period is open through Oct. 15. Click here to access the study.

A second writing project is now underway is the development of an ELCA social message on climate care. Social messages are ELCA teaching documents that draw from existing social teaching but throw a fuller and sharper spotlight on a particular social issue. The project was authorized by the ELCA Church Council in light of the grim contemporary situation affecting our global home and the need for fresh attention and action on the part of this church. The draft social message is being written over the course of summer 2022 in a consultative process and then will be posted for public comment and response in September through November. It is currently scheduled for consideration by the ELCA Church Council in late March 2023. For additional information go to www.elca.org/climatecare.