Who We Are


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Lutheran Public Policy Office of Washington State is one of the twenty State Public Policy Offices of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. As a partnership ministry of Lutheran Community Services Northwest, the three Washington synods of the ELCA, and the ELCA Division for Church in Society, we work to advocate on behalf of all God's creation.

To advocate is to plead the cause of those suffering injustice. Advocacy ministry is rooted in our baptismal calling to strive for justice and peace in all the earth (Affirmation of Baptism, ELW). It is part of our vocation as a church body and as individuals, to advocate for and with our neighbor in need. To this end we use our voices in places where important political and economic decisions are being made.

This church shall advocate dignity and justice for all people, working for peace and reconciliation among nations, and standing with the poor and powerless and committing itself to their need.
-ELCA Constitution, Chapter 4.02c

Our Mission


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The mission of this office is to advocate justice for all of creation, particularly those who are impoverished and marginalized, by engaging three key arenas: the church, legislative, and the wider community.

  • Within the Church, we "advocate for advocacy," communicating and interpreting ELCA Social Statements as well as educating and alerting members about relevant public policy issues. This ministry also includes organizing politically interested members around issues of common concern.
  • In the legislative arena, we work primarily at the state level, representing the church's interest in a just and compassionate society. The ministry of this office also includes advocacy at the local, federal and international levels of government.
  • In the community, our ministry involves participating in a variety of coalitions, non-profit agencies, and advocacy organizations.