Lutheran Public Policy Office of Washington State

A Statewide Network for Justice

Through God’s gift of holy baptism we are called to follow the example of Jesus and serve all people, striving for justice and peace in all the earth.  In this holy covenant we are called not only to care for the immediate needs of those who are suffering; we are also called to attend to the root causes of that suffering.  To this end we use our voices in places where important political and economic decisions are being made, to advocate on behalf of those who are marginalized, impoverished, or oppressed.

God gives us different gifts within the body of Christ, gifts that equip us for different callings. The ministry of advocacy is not limited to one set of policy positions and certainly not to one political party.  We may be called to advocate for different issues, with some called to advocate on behalf of the hungry and others called to advocate for civil and human rights.  Nevertheless we all remain “joined and knit together” as we carry out our different callings within the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:4-16).

The Advocating Congregations Network

As individual Christians we are empowered by God to do much.  Over 1500 individuals have signed up to receive and respond to e-advocacy alerts from the Lutheran Public Policy Office of Washington State.  During the state legislative session, these individuals are on hand to contact their elected officials at a moment’s notice when important decisions are being made.  This network of individuals is an effective voice for our neighbors in need.

An even stronger voice, however, comes from communities of faith in ministry together.  The need for these distinctively congregational voices led to the formation of the Advocating Congregations Network.  Congregations within this network carry out a variety of advocacy ministries in partnership with each other and with the Lutheran Public Policy Office.  These congregations do not necessarily take stands on particular issues, but they affirm their identity as a people called to advocate on behalf of those who are marginalized, impoverished, and oppressed.  It is our hope that by becoming further “joined and knit together” with each other and with the Lutheran Public Policy Office, advocating congregations might be better equipped to carry out the particular advocacy ministries to which they are called.

What the Ministry of An Advocating Congregation Looks Like

Advocating congregations are called to carry out advocacy ministries in a variety of ways.  No congregation does every kind of ministry, but each congregation carries out the advocacy ministries that best fit its particular gifts and its local situation.

For example, advocating congregations can spread awareness of advocacy issues through education, preaching, and community forums.  They can engage in witness before public officials to plead the cause of those suffering injustice.  Congregations also offer their financial support to the ministry of the Lutheran Public Policy Office through personal and/or congregational contributions.  Specific possibilities for advocacy ministry in your congregation are included on the following page.

Your congregation may already be active in social ministry, and there may be several members of your congregation already active in the ministry of advocacy.  Or your congregation may be starting to discern its next steps on the road to advocacy ministry.  Either way, the Advocating Congregations Network offers your congregation mutual support and an opportunity for greater effectiveness in your advocacy.

A Covenant with the LPPO

In covenant with your congregation, the Lutheran Public Policy Office of Washington State pledges to be a resource for you and a partner with you as you do the ministry of advocacy in your community and throughout the state of Washington.

We will:

• Provide your congregation with advocacy resources.
• Make staff members available for preaching and teaching.
• Offer consultation on congregational advocacy plans.
• Distribute legislative updates through our website and through our e-advocacy network.
• Represent the voice of the church in the halls of the state legislature.
• Communicate to legislators the concerns of the church regarding public policy issues.
• Help coordinate an annual Faith Advocacy Day in Olympia for individuals and congregations.
• Set up appointments between you and your legislators, when requested, and offer our assistance in coordinating public forums hosted by your congregation.
• Communicate clearly our policy positions and legislative progress.
• Listen to your perspective on policy issues that affect you locally and at the county and state levels.

Registration and Commitment

To register your congregation with the Advocating Congregations Network, please complete the steps outlined on the registration form.