As members of the ELCA, we believe that we are freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor. God uses our hands, through our direct service work and our voices, through our advocacy efforts, to restore and reconcile our world. Through faithful advocacy, the ELCA lives out our Lutheran belief that governments can help advance the common good.” ~ ELCA.org
Justice goes hand-in-hand with mercy as we follow God’s call to care for our neighbors. WPLC’s approach to justice involves using our voice to advocate for the most vulnerable. We want to help connect you with ELCA-based advocacy efforts. Below is a list of organizations we partner with and the link will direct you to their site to sign up for alerts to engage. While we support these ministries, this does not mean that we agree with their every action. You will need to discern how God calls you through the Scriptures and our Lutheran tradition paired with your experiences and faith to respond in each situation.
General advocacy
- ELCA Advocacy – “Advocacy alerts” on policies that create opportunities to overcome poverty, promote peace and dignity, and defend God’s creation on state, national, and global levels.
- The Lutheran World Federation – Advocacy updates focused on Lutherans’ global commitment to human rights and human dignity, including climate change, gender justice, refugees, oppressed minorities, economic justice, HIV/AIDS, and religious freedom.
- ELCA Votes – Engage in ways to pray and engage in efforts to guarantee the right to vote for all citizen.
Ecology
- Friends of the Chicago River – Learn how you can get more involved with Friends of the Chicago River to preserve this important ecosystem.
- Faith in Place – Engage in eco-actions to help change systems and policies to protect land, air, and water.
Refugees and Immigrants
- Global Refuge – Formerly known as “Lutheran Immigrant and Refugee Services (LIRS),” Global Refuge serves newcomers seeking safety, support and a share in the American dream. Connect with their advocacy resources here.
- Arise Chicago – Newsletter detailing work to partner immigrants with faith communities to end workplace abuse.
- Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) – Receive updates and opportunities to advocate for immigrants and refugees.
Congregation-based Community ORGANIZING
- ELCA Publicly Engaged Church – The ELCA is involved in organizing with congregation and other faith groups to form local affiliates of national or regional organizing networks. Learn more about these networks in relation to the work around migration, corporate social responsibility, faith/science/technology, justice for women, racial justice, care for creation, and other social issues.
Others
There are many worthy organizations to support across the globe. We give thanks for their hard work! WPLC, generally, supports Lutheran-affiliated ministries along with local organizations that are aligned with our mission, vision, values, and purpose. If you have an organization that you suggest we include, contact Pastor Jason (pastor@wickerparklutheran.org) with a link and a brief description about their work.