Who We Are
Lutheran Public Policy Office of Washington State is one of the 18 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 Program Unit for Church in Society, we 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
The Lutheran Public Policy Office of Washington State engages with congregations, organizations, and government for a just and sustainable world.
Our Core Values
Rooted in Word and Sacrament
- We trust in God as the source of our power and hope
- We trust that God is active in the world
- We are called to be faithful and prophetic disciples
- We live into God’s reign of justice and peace
Guided by our Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Constitution and Social Policy
- We love our neighbor by striving for justice
- We care for creation by advocating for sustainability
- We are the public church for the life of the world
Committed to Respectful Collaboration
- We listen to diverse points of view
- We speak and act in partnership