Advocacy in the ELCA and the Episcopal Church
There are three expressions of the advocacy ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and in the Episcopal Church. Each ministry advocates for just, sound and compassionate public social policies based upon the officially adopted social justice policy positions of our church bodies.
State Public Policy Offices
This ministry represents the church advocating at the state and local level with, and on behalf of those with limited economic or political power. We work in partnership with local congregations, synods, dioceses, and coalition partners. This office is known as LEAMNJ (Lutheran Episcopal Advocacy Ministry New Jersey).
The Washington Offices
The Washington Offices of both the ELCA and Episcopal Church fulfills the church's witness for social justice on domestic and foreign policy issues facing the nation and throughout the world. With a commitment to a prophetic vision which stands with the poor and the powerless, these offices represent the church’s positions within the complex arena of our nation's capitol. To achieve effective interaction between the whole church and the federal government, these offices educate, inform, and enable full involvement of the church. For more information about the ELCA ministry of advocacy, click here. The Episcopal Public Policy Network is a part of The Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations located in Washington, DC. The actions, programs, and ministry of the Office of Government Relations are based entirely on policies approved by the Church meeting in General Convention or by the Executive Council. For more information click here.
The Episcopal Church addresses domestic poverty in many ways: through its network of over 600 Jubilee Ministries; one- and two-year Justice and Advocacy Fellowships based on the Anglican Marks of Mission; Asset-Based Community Development; collaboration with diocesan and congregational ministries across the country; and annual block-grant programs for the development (or enrichment) of local ministry. Through these processes and ministries, The Episcopal Church seeks “to preach good news to the poor, to proclaim release to the prisoners and recovery of sight to the blind, to liberate the oppressed, and to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor” (Luke 4:18-19).
Lutheran Office for World Community
The Lutheran Office for World Community represents the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) at the United Nations (UN) headquarters in New York. The Lutheran World Federation is a non-governmental organization officially recognized by the UN’s Economic and Social Council.
For more information on Episcopal Ministries for Global Justice click here.