Understanding How ELCA Social Statements Are Formed

A Resource for Congregations, Leaders, and Public Witness Ministries

What Is an ELCA Social Statement?

A social statement is the teaching document of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America on a major social issue. These statements help guide the church’s understanding, discernment, advocacy, and public witness.

They are not political platforms or partisan documents. Instead, they are theological and ethical teaching resources rooted in:

• Scripture
• Lutheran theology
• Worship and prayer
• Human experience
• Scientific and social analysis
• Broad churchwide conversation

Social statements are intended to help Lutherans think faithfully and act responsibly in public life.

Examples include:

• Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust
• Faith, Sexism, and Justice
• Caring for Creation
• Faith and Civic Life
• Sufficient, Sustainable Livelihood for All
• Freed in Christ: Race, Ethnicity, and Culture

Why Do Social Statements Matter?

Social statements:

• Shape the church’s public witness
• Guide advocacy ministries like Lutheran state public policy offices
• Offer ethical guidance for congregations and members
• Help the church speak collectively on complex issues
• Encourage faithful conversation across difference

Importantly, social statements are not meant to end discussion. They are meant to deepen discernment.

The ELCA often describes itself as a “community of moral deliberation,” meaning the church studies, listens, debates, prays, and discerns together before speaking publicly.

How Is an ELCA Social Statement Formed?

The process usually takes several years and involves the whole church.

Step 1: A Need Is Identified

A social issue emerges that the church believes requires deeper theological reflection.

This can happen through:

• Churchwide Assembly actions
• Requests from synods or congregations
• Social changes or crises
• Advocacy concerns
• Emerging ethical questions

The Churchwide Assembly authorizes work to begin.

Step 2: A Task Force Is Formed

The ELCA appoints a diverse task force that may include:

• Pastors and deacons
• Lay leaders
• Scholars
• Advocates
• People with lived experience
• Representatives from across regions and demographics

The goal is broad representation of the church.

Step 3: Research, Listening, and Study

The task force begins extensive work that includes:

• Biblical study
• Lutheran theological reflection
• Historical analysis
• Social science research
• Listening sessions
• Stories from impacted communities

This stage often includes:

• Surveys
• Synod listening events
• Congregational engagement
• Public feedback opportunities

The church intentionally invites disagreement and dialogue during this phase.

Step 4: A Draft Is Released

A draft statement is published for churchwide feedback.

Congregations, synods, advocacy groups, seminaries, and individuals are invited to:

• Read the draft
• Discuss it
• Submit comments
• Recommend changes

This is one of the most important parts of the process because it reflects the ELCA’s commitment to communal discernment rather than top-down declarations.

Questions often asked during this phase:

• Is this faithful to Scripture?
• Is this pastorally sensitive?
• Does this reflect Lutheran theology?
• Who is missing from the conversation?
• What unintended consequences could emerge?

Step 5: Revisions Are Made

The task force reviews thousands of comments and revises the draft.

This can lead to:

• Major theological clarification
• Language changes
• Additional nuance
• Expanded pastoral guidance
• Stronger grounding in lived experience

Some drafts go through multiple revisions before final consideration.

Step 6: Churchwide Assembly Votes

The final draft goes before the biennial Churchwide Assembly.

Voting members:

• Debate the document
• Offer amendments
• Discuss theological concerns
• Vote on adoption

A two-thirds majority is required for adoption.

If adopted, the statement becomes official social teaching of the ELCA.

What Happens After Adoption?

Once adopted, social statements are used in many ways:

Congregations

• Adult forums
• Bible studies
• Confirmation
• Social ministry reflection
• Public engagement discussions

Advocacy Ministries

Organizations like Lutheran state public policy offices use them as grounding documents for advocacy and public witness.

Church Leaders

Pastors and bishops may use them when addressing ethical or social issues.

Individual Lutherans

Members may use them to deepen their own discernment and civic engagement.