Social messages of the ELCA are topical documents adopted by the ELCA Church Council to focus attention and action on timely, pressing matters of social concern to the church and society. They are used to address pressing contemporary concerns in light of the prophetic and compassionate traditions of Scripture and do not establish new teaching or policy. Rather, they build upon previously adopted teaching and policy positions, especially from social statements.
These messages draw attention to specific topics or social concerns that arise from our participation in God’s work in the world, and they encourage moral discernment, thoughtful discussion and action. Each message is reviewed by the Conference of Bishops and adopted by the ELCA Church Council, and expresses the convictions of the leadership of this church.
At this time, there are 15 social messages:
- Climate (2023) / Clima (2023)
- Government / Gobierno (2020)
- Human Rights / Los derechos humans (2017)
- Gender-based Violence / La violencia de genera (2015)
- Mental Illness / Las enfermedades mentales (2012)
- People Living with Disabilities / Personas discapacidades (2010)
- Terrorism / Terrorismo (2004)
- Commercial Sexual Exploitation / Explotaćion sexual (2001)
- Suicide Prevention / Suicido (1999)
- Immigration / Inmigración (1998)
- Sexuality: Common Convictions / La sexualidad (1996)
- Community Violence / Violencia comunidad (1994)
- End of Life Decisions / Final de la vida (1992)
- Homelessness / Gente sin vivienda (1990)
- Israeli/Palestinian Conflict (1989)
- AIDS / El SIDA (1988)
