Community/Justice

In 2021, the women’s organization recommitted itself to viewing all its work through a racial justice lens.

For 35 years, Women of the ELCA has been a leading force in anti-racism work within the Lutheran community, with trainings, networks, resources, articles, and advocacy. And yet, we’ve only scratched the surface. We need only look at recent happenings within our church and society to know so much more needs to be done.

Our organization, through the churchwide executive board, has committed itself to undergird our mission and ministry with three anti-racism foci: awareness-raising, accompaniment, and advocacy. The work is all ours to share, in congregational units, in synodical organizations, and in the churchwide women’s organization.

With awareness-raising, we are called to educate ourselves and others about racism in the church, the society, and the world. We are to enable ourselves and others to see everything through an antiracist lens. Women of the ELCA has curated a list of books, podcasts, and other resources to use in educating ourselves.

With accompaniment, European descent women (the majority within our organization) are asked to walk in solidarity with BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, people of color) women in the struggle for racial equity. The bottom line is developing authentic relationships with BIPOC women.

With advocacy, we are called to live out our Lutheran belief that governments can help advance the common good, focusing specifically on anti-racism issues. You’ll want to sign up to join the ELCA e-advocacy network today so you can remain informed and be a ready advocate.

To help you work towards all three objectives, join Women of the ELCA’s Racial Justice Advocacy Network, a network of bold women working towards systemic change through racial justice education and advocacy. Take time now to learn more about the network.