ELCA social statements can be downloaded in English or Spanish. Click the “download” link. For print version, click on the “order” link.
Abortion
The ELCA social statement on abortion was adopted by the Churchwide Assembly in 1991.
Abortion (Spanish)
La traducción al español de la declaración social de la ELCA sobre el aborto.
Church in Society
The foundational ELCA social statement, adopted by the Churchwide Assembly in 1991.
Church in Society (Spanish)
La traducción al español de la declaración social de la ELCA sobre la iglesia en la sociedad.
Criminal Justice
The ELCA Social Statement on criminal justice was adopted by the Churchwide Assembly in 2013.
Criminal Justice (Spanish)
La traducción al español de la declaración social de la ELCA sobre justicia penal.
Death Penalty
The ELCA social statement on the Death Penalty was adopted by the Churchwide Assembly in 1991.
Death Penalty (Spanish)
La traducción al español de la declaración social de la ELCA sobre la pena de muerte.
Economic Life
Sufficient, Sustainable Livelihood for All is the ELCA social statement adopted by the Churchwide Assembly in 1999.
Economic Life (Spanish)
La traducción al español de la declaración social de la ELCA sobre la vida económica.
Education
The ELCA social statement Our Calling in Education was adopted by the Churchwide Assembly in 2007.
Education (Spanish)
La traducción al español de la declaración social de la ELCA sobre la educación.
Environment
Caring for Creation: Vision, Hope, and Justice is the ELCA Social Statement adopted by the Churchwide Assembly in 1993.
Environment (Spanish)
La traducción al español de la declaración social de la ELCA sobre el medio ambiente.
Genetics
The ELCA social statement on human genetics was adopted by the Churchwide Assembly in 2011.
Health
Caring for Health: Our Shared Endeavor is the ELCA social statement adopted by the Churchwide Assembly in 2003.
Health (Spanish)
La traducción al español de la declaración social de la ELCA sobre la salud.
Human Sexuality
The ELCA social statement on human sexuality was adopted by the Churchwide Assembly in 2009.
Human Sexuality (Spanish)
La traducción al español de la declaración social de la ELCA sobre la sexualidad humana.
Peace
For Peace in God's World is the ELCA social statement adopted by the Churchwide Assembly in 1995.
Peace (Spanish)
La traducción al español de la declaración social de la ELCA sobre la paz.
Race, Ethnicity and Culture
The ELCA social statement on race, ethnicity, and culture was adopted by the Churchwide Assembly in 1993.
Race, Ethnicity and Culture (Spanish)
La traducción al español de la declaración social de la ELCA sobre la raza, la etnicidad y la cultura.
Sexism
Faith, Sexism, and Justice is the ELCA social statement adopted by the Churchwide Assembly in 2019.
Sexism (Spanish)
La traducción al español de la declaración social de la ELCA sobre el sexismo.
ELCA social messages can be downloaded in English or Spanish (most). Click the “download” link. Most are available in print. Use the “order” link.
AIDS
The ELCA social message on AIDS was adopted by the Church Council in 1988.
AIDS (Spanish)
La traducción al español del mensaje social de la ELCA sobre el SIDA.
Climate Care
As adopted unanimously on behalf of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America by the Church Council on April 20, 2023.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation
The ELCA social message on commercial sexual exploitation was adopted by the Church Council in 2001.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation (Spanish)
La traducción al español del mensaje social de la ELCA sobre la explotación sexual comercial.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation (Spanish)
DownloadCommunity Violence
The ELCA social message on community violence was adopted by the Church Council in 1994.
Community Violence (Spanish)
La traducción al español del mensaje social de la ELCA sobre la violencia en la comunidad.
End-of-Life Decisions
The ELCA social message on end-of-life decisions was adopted by the Church Council in 1992.
End-of-Life Decisions (Spanish)
La traducción al español del mensaje social de la ELCA sobre las decisiones al final de la vida.
Gender-Based Violence
The social messaeg on gender-based violence, adopted by the ELCA Church Council in 2015.
Gender-Based Violence (Spanish)
La traducción al español del mensaje social de la ELCA sobre la violencia de género.
Gender-Based Violence Foundational Documentation
Futher materials supporting the Gender-Based Violence Social Message.
Gender-Based Violence Foundational Documentation
DownloadGender-Based Violence Foundational Documentation (Spanish)
La traducción al español de los materiales adicionales de apoyo al mensaje social sobre la violencia de género.
Gender-Based Violence Foundational Documentation (Spanish)
DownloadGovernment and Civic Engagement
The social message on government and civic engagement was adopted by the ELCA Church Council in June 2020.
Government and Civic Engagement (Spanish)
El Consejo de la Iglesia de la ELCA adoptó el mensaje social sobre el gobierno y la participación cívica en junio de 2020.
Government and Civic Engagement (Spanish)
DownloadHomelessness
The ELCA social message on homelessness was adopted by the Church Council in 1990.
Homelessness (Spanish)
La traducción al español del mensaje social de la ELCA sobre las personas sin hogar.
Human Rights
The ELCA social message on human rights.
Human Rights (Spanish)
La traducción al español del mensaje social de la ELCA sobre los derechos humanos.
Immigration
The ELCA social message on immigration was adopted by the Church Council in 1998.
Immigration (Spanish)
La traducción al español del mensaje social de la ELCA sobre la inmigración.
Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
The ELCA social message on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was adopted by the Church Council in 1989.
Mental Illness
The ELCA social message on mental illness was adopted by the Church Council in 2011.
Mental Illness (Spanish)
La traducción al español del mensaje social de la ELCA sobre las enfermedades mentales.
People with Disabilities
The ELCA social message on people living with disabilities was adopted by the Church Council in 2010.
People with Disabilities (Spanish)
La traducción al español del mensaje social de la ELCA sobre las personas con discapacidad.
People with Disabilities (Spanish)
DownloadSexuality
The ELCA social message "Sexuality: Some Common Convictions" was adopted by the Church Council in 1996.
Sexuality (Spanish)
La traducción al español del mensaje social de la ELCA sobre la sexualidad (1996).
Suicide Prevention
The ELCA social message on suicide prevention was adopted by the Church Council in 1999.
Suicide Prevention (Spanish)
La traducción al español del mensaje social de la ELCA sobre la prevención del suicidio.
Terrorism
The ELCA social message on terrorism was adopted by the Church Council in 2004.
Terrorism (Spanish)
La traducción al español del mensaje social de la ELCA sobre el terrorismo.
Arranged alphabetically are all ELCA social policy resolutions. For more information hover over the icon or click on “download” link.
1992: Year of Remembrance, Repentance, and Renewal
1992: Year of Remembrance, Repentance, and Renewal
DownloadAccessibility Sunday SPR01
Advocate For and Protect Black Migrants SPR22
Advocate For and Protect Black Migrants SPR22
DownloadAdvocating D.C. Statehood and Listening to Calls For Self-Determination SPR22
Advocating D.C. Statehood and Listening to Calls For Self-Determination SPR22
DownloadAdvocating for Child Nutrition SPR16
Advocating for Child Nutrition SPR16
DownloadAffirming Global HR Re Sexua Orientation SPR2016
Affirming Global HR Re Sexua Orientation SPR2016
DownloadAlleviating Suffering in Ethiopia SPR19
Alleviating Suffering in Ethiopia SPR19
DownloadAmerican Indian Alaskan SPR97
Asylum Seekers Refugees SPR01
Attention to Creation Care SPR16
Attention to Creation Care SPR16
DownloadBecoming Sanctuary Denomination SPR16
Becoming Sanctuary Denomination SPR16
DownloadBoycott South Carolina SPR99
Braille Tape Ministry SPR01
Bullying, Harassment, and Related Violence SPR11
Bullying, Harassment, and Related Violence SPR11
DownloadCaring for Creation SPR04
Caring for Creation SPR05
Church Jordan Palestine SPR01
Clean Renewable Energy SPR16
Combating the Addiction Crisis SPR22
Combating the Addiction Crisis SPR22
DownloadCommending 2018 ELCA Civic & Political Rights Screen SPR19
Commending 2018 ELCA Civic & Political Rights Screen SPR19
DownloadCommercial Sexual Exploitation SPR01
Commercial Sexual Exploitation SPR01
DownloadComprehensive Immigration Reform SPR09
Comprehensive Immigration Reform SPR09
DownloadCondemnation of White Supremacy and Racist Rhetoric SPR19
Condemnation of White Supremacy and Racist Rhetoric SPR19
DownloadConfronting Culture of Violence in U.S. SPR13
Confronting Culture of Violence in U.S. SPR13
DownloadDC Congressional Voting SPR01
Decade of Nonviolence SPR99
Declaring ELCA a Sanctuary Church Body and Call for Guidance SPR19
Declaring ELCA a Sanctuary Church Body and Call for Guidance SPR19
DownloadDiscernment on U.S. Foreign and Military Policy SPR16
Discernment on U.S. Foreign and Military Policy SPR16
DownloadDivestment of Russian Investments SPR22
Divestment of Russian Investments SPR22
DownloadDonating Organs and Blood SPR04
Economic Sanctions Iraq SPR01
ELCA Malaria Campaign SPR11
Eliminating Nuclear Weapons SPR22
Eliminating Nuclear Weapons SPR22
DownloadEstablishing June 17th as Emanuel 9 Commemoration and Day of Repentance SPR19
Establishing June 17th as Emanuel 9 Commemoration and Day of Repentance SPR19
DownloadEnding World Hunger SPR05
Endorsement of the Earth Charter SPR19
Endorsement of the Earth Charter SPR19
DownloadEngagement Israel Palestine SPR09
Engagement Israel Palestine SPR09
DownloadEnvironmental Concerns SPR89
Faith Science Ministry SPR03
For Peace in Holy Land SPR16
Fossil Fuel Reduction (Spring 2013)
Fossil Fuel Reduction (Spring 2013)
DownloadGender Identity Discrimination (Spring 2013)
Gender Identity Discrimination (Spring 2013)
DownloadGun Violence Prevention SPR16
Haiti Solidarity Week SPR03
Harassment Sexual Orientation SPR93
Harassment Sexual Orientation SPR93
DownloadHIV and AIDS Education SPR05
Housing Homelessness SPR89
Human Trafficking Prayer SPR16
Hydraulic Fracturing SPR'13
Immigrants Refugees Asylum SPR03
Immigrants Refugees Asylum SPR03
DownloadImmigration Detention SPR13
Immigration Reform SPR09 SPN
Immigration Reform Social Policy Resolution 2009 in Spanish.
Independent Sports Leagues SPR99
Independent Sports Leagues SPR99
DownloadInternational Year for People of African Descent SPR11
International Year for People of African Descent SPR11
DownloadIsrael and Palestine SPR05
Israel Occupied Territories SPR89
Israel Occupied Territories SPR89
DownloadIsraeli Palestinian Relations SPR01
Israeli Palestinian Relations SPR01
DownloadJubilee 2000 Campaign SPR99
Justice for Holy Land Through Responsible Investment SPR16
Justice for Holy Land Through Responsible Investment SPR16
DownloadLate Term Abortions SPR01
Legal Gambling Sponsorship SPR07
Legal Gambling Sponsorship SPR07
DownloadLiberia, Madagascar and Zimbabwe SPR02
Liberia, Madagascar and Zimbabwe SPR02
DownloadListening to All Voices in the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict SPR19
Listening to All Voices in the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict SPR19
DownloadLutheran Disaster Response SPR09
Lutheran Disaster Response SPR09
DownloadLutheran Malaria Initiative SPR09
Lutheran Malaria Initiative SPR09
DownloadMedicare Health Care SPR04
Middle East Resolutions SPR00
Military Action Vieques SPR03
Military Expenditures SPR99
Moratorium Death Penalty SPR02
My Muslim Neighbor: Countering Islamophobia and Encouraging Dialogue SPR16
My Muslim Neighbor: Countering Islamophobia and Encouraging Dialogue SPR16
DownloadNational School Violence SPR06
Native Heritage Month SPR12
Older Adult Ministry SPR01
Older Adult Ministry SPR99
Opposing Inhumane Treatment of Refugees and Migrants SPR19
Opposing Inhumane Treatment of Refugees and Migrants SPR19
DownloadOpposing Legislation Penalizing BDS SPR22
Opposing Legislation Penalizing BDS SPR22
DownloadOppositon to War in Iraq SPR05
Ordination of Gay and Lesbian People SPR01
Ordination of Gay and Lesbian People SPR01
DownloadPalestine Support Church SPR02
Palestinian Wall Response SPR04
Peace in the Holy Land SPR03
Peacemaking with Justice in Israel and Palestine SPR13
Peacemaking with Justice in Israel and Palestine SPR13
DownloadPersecution of Christians SPR99
Photovoltaics for Phebe SPR16
Political Speech Protection SPR02
Political Speech Protection SPR02
DownloadPromoting Positive Change for Palestine SPR11
Promoting Positive Change for Palestine SPR11
DownloadProtecting the Civil Rights of Palestinian Children SPR19
Protecting the Civil Rights of Palestinian Children SPR19
DownloadReaffirm ELCA Positions on Social Violence and Guns SPR22
Reaffirm ELCA Positions on Social Violence and Guns SPR22
DownloadReaffirm LGBTQIA+ Welcome and Pastoral Care SPR22
Reaffirm LGBTQIA+ Welcome and Pastoral Care SPR22
DownloadRecommitments toward Compassionate Immigration Policies SPR19
Recommitments toward Compassionate Immigration Policies SPR19
DownloadReducing Our Greenhouse Gas Emissions SPR22
Reducing Our Greenhouse Gas Emissions SPR22
DownloadRefugees Seekers Immigrants SPR05
Refugees Seekers Immigrants SPR05
DownloadRelease and Restore Palestinian Humanitarian Aid SPR19
Release and Restore Palestinian Humanitarian Aid SPR19
DownloadReligious Persecution SPR97
Remembrance of Armenian, Assyrian, and Greek Genocide SPR22
Remembrance of Armenian, Assyrian, and Greek Genocide SPR22
DownloadRenew Assault Weapons Ban and Fund Research SPR19
Renew Assault Weapons Ban and Fund Research SPR19
DownloadRenewed Action Regarding Racism Toward Lutherans of African Descent SPR16
Renewed Action Regarding Racism Toward Lutherans of African Descent SPR16
DownloadRepudiation of the Doctrine of Discovery SPR16
ELCA social policy resolution as adopted by Churchwide Assembly 2016
Repudiation of the Doctrine of Discovery SPR16
DownloadResolution on Jerusalem SPR96
Roe V. Wade's Overturn and Pastoral Care SPR22
Roe V. Wade's Overturn and Pastoral Care SPR22
DownloadRural Economic Crisis SPR99
Safe Haven Children SPR99
School Voucher Proposals SPR01
Separation Wall Palestine SPR05
Sexuality Church Recommendations SPR05
Sexuality Church Recommendations SPR05
DownloadSexuality Pastoral Recommendations SPR05
Sexuality Pastoral Recommendations SPR05
DownloadSuicide Prevention Research SPR16
Suicide Prevention Research SPR16
DownloadSupport Haitian People SPR01
Support Lutheran Palestine SPR03
Support Lutheran Palestine SPR03
DownloadSupport Persecuted Churches SPR03
Support Persecuted Churches SPR03
DownloadSupport Puerto Rico SPR01
Support Urgent Call SPR03
Supporting ELCA Land Back Efforts and Indigenous Ministries SPR22
Supporting ELCA Land Back Efforts and Indigenous Ministries SPR22
DownloadSupporting Military Personnel, Veterans, and Families SPR16
Supporting Military Personnel, Veterans, and Families SPR16
DownloadSupporting the Vocations of Agriculture SPR11
Supporting the Vocations of Agriculture SPR11
DownloadTemporary Assistance Families SPR01
Temporary Assistance Families SPR01
DownloadToward a Responsible Energy Future SPR16
Toward a Responsible Energy Future SPR16
DownloadUniting American Families Act (SPR13)
Uniting American Families Act (SPR13)
DownloadUS Navy Puerto Rico SPR99
Violence Against Women SPR95
Voting Rights to All Citizens SPR13
Voting Rights to All Citizens SPR13
DownloadWall Palestinian Territories SPR04
Wall Palestinian Territories SPR04
DownloadWelcoming Advocating Refugees SPR16
Welcoming Advocating Refugees SPR16
DownloadWorking Against Racism SPR03
World Hunger Report SPR01
The study and interpretive resources below were created during the development of a social statement or message. As such these do not represent official ELCA teaching but most can be interesting study tools and can be downloaded. If a print version is available, there also is an “order” link.
A Path Appears Discussion Guide
Abortion Introduction
An introduction to the ELCA social statement on abortion.
Abortion Study Guide
A study guide to the ELCA social statement on Abortion.
Abortion Summary
A summary of key points in the ELCA social statement on abortion.
Church in Society Introduction
An introduction to the ELCA social statement Church in Society: A Lutheran Perspective.
Church in Society Summary
A summary of key points in Church in Society: A Lutheran Perspective.
Criminal Justice Summary
A summary of the ELCA social statement on criminal justice.
Dealth Penalty Introduction
An introduction to the ELCA social statement on the death penalty.
Death Penalty Study Guide
A study guide to the ELCA social statement on the death penalty.
Death Penalty Summary
A summary of key points in the ELCA social statement on the death penalty.
Economic Life Introduction
An introduction to the ELCA social statement on economic life.
Economic Life Study Guide
A study guide to the ELCA social statement on economic life.
Education Introduction
An introduction to the ELCA social statement Our Calling in Education.
Education Summary
A summary of key points in of the ELCA social statement Our Calling in Education.
Environment Introduction
An introduction to the ELCA social statement on caring for creation.
Environment Study Guide
A study guide to the ELCA social statement on caring for creation.
Environment Summary
A summary of the ELCA social statement on caring for creation.
Gambling - A Study for Congregations
Gambling - A Study for Congregations
DownloadGender Violence - FAQs about the Social Message (Spanish)
Preguntas Frecuentes Sobre El Mensaje Social De La Violencia De Genero
(Frequently Asked Questions About The Social Message of gender violence)
Gender Violence - FAQs about the Social Message (Spanish)
DownloadGenetics Christians
A study guide to the ELCA social statement on human genetics.
Genetics Faith Study
A study of the ELCA social statement on human genetics.
Genetics Summary
A summary of keys points in the ELCA social statement on human genetics.
Half the Sky Guide
Discuss the book and film Half the Sky with this exploratory guide.
Health Introduction
An introduction to the ELCA social statement on health and healthcare.
Health Study Guide
A study guide to the ELCA social statement on health and healthcare.
Health Summary
A summary of key points in the ELCA social statement on health and healthcare.
Criminal Justice Study Guide
Use this study guide to explore criminal justice and the church.
Criminal Justice Interactive Study Guide
Use this five session study guide to lead exploration of criminal justice and the church.
Criminal Justice Interactive Study Guide
DownloadHuman Cloning
An additional resource to the ELCA social statement on human genetics.
Journey Together Faithfully Part 1
Journey Together Faithfully Part 1
DownloadJourney Together Faithfully Part 2
Journey Together Faithfully Part 2
DownloadJourney Together Faithfully Part 2 Background Essay
Background essay on biblical texts for Journey Together Faithfully Part 2.
Journey Together Faithfully Part 2 Background Essay
DownloadJourney Together Faithfully Part 3
"Free in Christ to Serve the Neighbor: Lutherans Talk about Human Sexuality" was the 3rd study (2006) provided by the ELCA Task Force on Sexuality Studies.
Living the Faith
“Living the Faith” is a study that explores the character of Lutheran ethics and how Lutherans approach moral questions.
Lutheran Youth Sexuality
The youth version of "Free in Christ to Serve the Neighbor: Lutherans Talk about Human Sexuality" (2007) provided by the ELCA Task Force on Human Sexuality Studies.
Miss Rep Guide
The ELCA Women and Justice Task Force study guide on the portrayal of women in media and politics.
Peace Introduction
An introduction to the ELCA social statement For Peace in God’s World.
Peace Study Guide
A study guide to the ELCA social statement For Peace in God’s World.
Policies and Procedures
This policy document sets forth how the ELCA addresses social concerns and outlines the protocol for developing social teaching and policy documents.
Race Introduction
An introduction to the ELCA social statement on race, ethnicity, and culture.
Race Study Guide
A study guide to the ELCA social statement on race, ethnicity, and culture.
Sexuality Introduction
An introduction to the ELCA social statement on human sexuality.
Sexuality Summary
A summary of key points in the ELCA social statement on human sexuality.
Talking Together Cultural
An ELCA “field guide” designed to help congregations cultivate open dialogue about culturally-sensitive issues across cultural and ethinic differences.
Talking Together Social
This ELCA resource offers a guide for congregations in addressing tough social issues.
What Do Lutherans Say About Gender Justice - Discussion Guide
What Do Lutherans Say About Gender Justice - Discussion Guide
DownloadArranged alphabetically here are historical documents of the ELCA that no longer serve as official teaching. For more information hover over the icon or click on the “download” link.
Abortion SPR95
A historical document of the ELCA that no longer serves as official teaching.
Abortion SPR97
A historical document of the ELCA that no longer serves as official teaching.
African Development Foundation SPR95
A historical document of the ELCA that no longer serves as official teaching.
African Development Foundation SPR95
DownloadAIDS Crisis SPR91
A historical document of the ELCA that no longer serves as official teaching.
Campaign Jubilee SPR97
A historical document of the ELCA that no longer serves as official teaching.
Care of Creation SPR95
A historical document of the ELCA that no longer serves as official teaching.
Central America SPR89
A historical document of the ELCA that no longer serves as official teaching.
Central American Refugees SPR89
A historical document of the ELCA that no longer serves as official teaching.
Changing Europe
A historical document of the ELCA that no longer serves as official teaching.
China SPR89
A historical document of the ELCA that no longer serves as official teaching.
Conflict Middle East SPR91
A historical document of the ELCA that no longer serves as official teaching.
Conscription Conscience SPR91
A historical document of the ELCA that no longer serves as official teaching.
Domestic Hunger and Poverty SPR91
A historical document of the ELCA that no longer serves as official teaching.
Domestic Hunger and Poverty SPR91
DownloadDomestic Violence SPR89
A historical document of the ELCA that no longer serves as official teaching.
US Mil Aid to El Salvador SPR91
A historical document of the ELCA that no longer serves as official teaching.
Fair Labor Employment SPR97
A historical document of the ELCA that no longer serves as official teaching.
Guatemala SPR95
A historical document of the ELCA that no longer serves as official teaching.
Health Care SPR89
A historical document of the ELCA that no longer serves as official teaching.
Health Human Resources SPR91
A historical document of the ELCA that no longer serves as official teaching.
Liberia SPR91
A historical document of the ELCA that no longer serves as official teaching.
Middle East SPR93
A historical document of the ELCA that no longer serves as official teaching.
Ministry Disabled Persons SPR91
A historical document of the ELCA that no longer serves as official teaching.
Organ Donation SPR89
A historical document of the ELCA that no longer serves as official teaching.
Racism SPR89
A historical document of the ELCA that no longer serves as official teaching.
Rural Congregations SPR89
A historical document of the ELCA that no longer serves as official teaching.
Sexual Abuse Harassment SPR91
A historical document of the ELCA that no longer serves as official teaching.
Sexual Harassment SPR89
A historical document of the ELCA that no longer serves as official teaching.
Human Sexuality & Sexuality
A historical document of the ELCA that no longer serves as official teaching.
POWs in Southeast Asia SPR89
A historical document of the ELCA that no longer serves as official teaching.
US Army School SPR95
A historical document of the ELCA that no longer serves as official teaching.
Welcoming G&L People SPR95
A historical document of the ELCA that no longer serves as official teaching.
Welfare SPR89
A historical document of the ELCA that no longer serves as official teaching.
Resources for building awareness of ELCA social teaching, available for free for distribution.
One page insert about children
A one page bulletin insert about what the statement Human Sexuality says about children.
One page insert about families
A one page bulletin insert about what the statement Human Sexuality says about families.
One page insert about justice
A one page bulletin insert about what the statement Human Sexuality says about justice.
One page insert about marriage
A one page bulletin insert about what the statement Human Sexuality says about marriage.
One page insert about women
A one page bulletin insert about what the statement Human Sexuality says about women.
One page insert about sexuality social statement
A one page bulletin insert about what the statement Human Sexuality means to the ELCA community.
One page insert about sexuality social statement
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