ELCA Advocacy
Election Engagement Updates
CONTENT UPDATED: September 9, 2024
Civic engagement is happening this election year in many diverse communities and contexts—and being activated and led by congregations, rostered leaders, ELCA-affiliated state public policy offices and members.
Here’s a sampling of INITIATIVES & TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES and RESOURCES & REFLECTIONS.
Consider taking part or taking inspiration for your locality! Also check out:
- ELCA Election Activator network – monthly virtual discussions and emails
- ELCA Civic Engagement Guide
- Guidance for churches and clergy participating in the electoral process
- Plus resources at ELCA.org/votes and ELCA.org/civicengagement
INITIATIVES & TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
Oct. 25 & 26 IN-PERSON SYMPOSIUM | Discipleship in a Democracy: Responding to the Threat of Christian Nationalism – at Saint Luke Lutheran Church in Silver Spring, Md.
📌This foundational Forgotten Luther IV Symposium includes presentation by the Rev. Roger Willer, ELCA Theological Ethics, and the Rev. Amy Reumann, ELCA Witness in Society, along with international and national leaders. Context for this and other Forgotten Luther resources at http://173.66.73.2:86/index.php/fliii_history/ with registration and details at http://173.66.73.2:86/.
Thu. Sept. 19, 7 p.m. ET ONLINE WORKSHOP | Crucial Conversations: Techniques for When Opinions Vary with Duke Taylor – ELCA Metropolitan Washington, D.C. Synod
📌Crucial Conversations is a set of techniques to use during an interaction where opinions vary and emotions run strong to maintain a relationship rather than irreparably damage it. In this session we will introduce how to prepare your heart by mastering your story, make it safe to state your path while exploring others, and move to action while facing tough challenges.
Thur. Sept. 12 1 p.m. ET ONLINE WORKSHOP | Faith Listens: Leading Youth Through Challenging Conversations – ELCA Youth Ministry Network
📌Are you struggling to create meaningful dialogue and understanding across divides? Discover how to make space for listening and learning with young people, even in times of deep division. Join the Formation Co-Op Team to unlock the power of listening within diverse groups facing complex and contentious issues. Gain practical skills to lead these essential conversations in a faith context, fostering unity and growth. Free to Network Members (Plus level or higher); $25 for non-members and Basic members.
Wed. Aug. 28, 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. IN-PERSON EVENT | A Respectful Conversation About This Election – at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Cloquet, Minn. Register for this in-person event here; to learn more about the Respectful Conversations model, read these resources from the Minnesota Council of Churches.
📌The Respectful Conversations Project is a program of the Minnesota Council of Churches designed to strengthen civic life, empathy and democracy. Cities, campuses and faith communities throughout the state host conversations that explore issues through the lens of deeply held convictions while maintaining, even enhancing, relationships among those who disagree.
Thu. Aug. 22, 12 p.m. ET ONLINE WORKSHOP | Discipleship in a Democracy: How faith communities can work for justice and peace without jeopardizing their nonprofit status — even during an election year!
📌Though public charities, including churches, must remain nonpartisan, they have a critical role to play in civic life — even throughout the election cycle! Not only can public charities engage in issue education and advocacy during election season, but they can also conduct robust voter and candidate education campaigns and mobilize the public to get out the vote. After this session, you will have a better understanding of how to legally engage in nonpartisan advocacy during an election without jeopardizing your nonprofit status. The information will cover federal, state and municipal compliance.
Juneteenth through Aug. 17 CIVIC ENGAGEMENT CAMPAIGN | NCC Freedom Summer – National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA
📌In the spirit of the 1964 Freedom Summer, which sought to register voters and integrate Mississippi’s segregated political system, NCC Freedom Summer seeks to educate, engage and empower voters for social change. A virtual “Sunday school”, a five-city Freedom Ride, and resources available.
Jun.-Oct. 2024 6-session, monthly ONLINE SERIES | What does it mean to be Lutheran in a crucial election year? – ELCA and United Lutheran Seminary
📌In this election year, how might our Lutheran faith shape our thinking, acting and voting on major issues? Timely ELCA social teachings and tips for leading discussions in your own community are foundations of this online series. QR code on flyer leads to registration link at https://ulsforms.wufoo.com/forms/m1nq73up11ake72/.
Tue. Sep. 3 begins 6-week ONLINE SERIES | Witnessing to Christ and Love for Neighbor in an Election Year – North/West Lower Michigan Synod
📌All adults are invited to this Adult Theological Education program on civic engagement intersections and opportunities in our faith journey. Registration closed Aug. 24. Get info from the synod.
📌Recordings of the presentations are being regularly uploaded to YouTube. The playlist can be found here.
[date n/a] One Hundred Percent Voting Congregations – Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy
📌With a pledge to sign and support, VICPP is asking congregations to commit to have 100% participation in the electoral process.
RESOURCES & REFLECTIONS
“Creating Space for Conversations: Resources and Inspirations for Reaching Common Ground“ – ELCA Grand Canyon Synod (shared 5/21/24)
🔎In response to the turbulent times we face and the heartbreaking events that have transpired recently, we are creating this special section on our site devoted to promoting understanding, dialogue, and unit. Whether you are seeking guidance on how to approach sensitive topics, or looking for ways to connect with others across divides, this page will be your go-to source.
“Fair Wisconsin Maps“ – Lutheran Office for Public Policy in Wisconsin (recorded 4/6/24)
🔎 What the heck just happened with Wisconsin maps? was among questions posed in this “Wednesday Noon Live” interview in a state with maps WUWM reported were “recognized as among the most gerrymandered in the country.”
“Solveig’s Day as a Poll Monitor” – Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona – authored by Solveig Muus, director (originally posted 3/19/24)
🔎 “I was to observe whether the polls opened on time, whether there was adequate parking, adequate signage, easy access for voters with disabilities, ensure voters people are receiving provisional ballots if indicated, ensure any activists stayed outside the 75-foot perimeter, answer questions, etc. I received another quizzical look…”
“Autumn’s Day as a Greeter” – Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona – authored by Autumn Byars, ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellow (originally posted 3/19/24)
🔎“My job today was not to proselytize or advertise our services, but by volunteering at our welcome cart and offering refreshments to all our voters, I had the privilege of representing our congregation to the outside world— which is always a good opportunity.”
“In a pivotal state, ways to serve our neighbor in an election year“ – Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania (originally posted 2/29/24)
🔎Facing “overwhelmed or inexperienced county elections officials” in the state, through love of neighbors we can “step up… We encourage anyone of good will, but especially our eligible teens and young adults, to get trained and serve as official poll workers on Election Day.” Offering our facilities as polling sites if needed in its neighborhood also “can be a big service to our communities.”
BLOG PAGE LAUNCH DATE: Mar. 15, 2024
