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Basic
Principles of Advocacy
Ministry
a quick reference to advocacy in the ELCA
 This
congregational resource is a short brochure, outlining the basic
principles of the advocacy ministries of the ELCA. The text of
the brochure can be found below. It can also be printed in its
double-sided, tri-fold format by clicking on the "print" button at
the top of this page.
The
advocacy ministries of the Evangelical Lutheran Church
in America
...
- Advocate for just, sound and compassionate public social
policies based upon the officially adopted social justice policy
positions of the ELCA.
- Recognize and draw upon the ELCA’s historical experience in
providing human and social services by individuals,
congregations and social ministry organizations.
- Implement ELCA public policy advocacy to national and
international governmental bodies in consultation with other
churchwide units, and coordinate its public policy advocacy to
state governmental bodies. (ELCA Constitution Continuing
Resolution 16.11.E971i)
- Give expression to the ELCA's concern for corporate social
responsibility, both in its internal affairs and its interaction
in the broad society. (ELCA Constitution Continuing Resolution
16.11.E971j)
These principles guide this ministry in its many settings ...
- Advocacy is a public witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ
where the church speaks with and on behalf of others in need,
articulating positions consistent with our faith.
- Committed to supporting individual Lutherans, the ministry of
advocacy provides information and communication about current
justice-related policy issues, using many communication
technologies and strategies.
- Working in coalitions with other faith-based, secular, and
service organizations with common commitments is a priority for
the advocacy ministries of the ELCA in its many settings. We
believe that such partnerships strengthen the church’s voice
for increased effectiveness.
- Our policy base consists of the ELCA social statements,
messages, social policy resolutions and statements or actions of
predecessor church bodies. We use these documents to review,
analyze and evaluate all issues. We also take into consideration
the view of ecumenical and international bodies in which the
ELCA holds membership.
Criteria for making decisions...
When making a decision about a particular issue the following
questions may be asked:
- Is there a policy base for addressing the issue in the
official statements or actions of the ELCA or its predecessor
church bodies?
- How urgent is the need to be addressed?
- How many people are affected by the problems?
- Is this a timely issue?
- Will it be possible to address the issue in upcoming public
policy deliberations?
- What is the possibility of achieving the desired outcome?
- How basic is this issue — e.g. does it cause or contribute
to other problems about which the church is concerned?
- Is there a special reason for the ELCA to take a leading
role in addressing this issue?
- Is there sufficient staff time for effective advocacy?
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