Have a question about the Advocating Congregations program? Let us know and we’ll get it answered as soon as we can!
Does partnering with the LPPO as an Advocating Congregation mean that we support every position LPPO takes on individual issues?
No. Becoming an “Advocating Congregation” simply means that a congregation affirms our shared baptismal calling “to strive for justice and peace in all the earth” and affirms the ministry of advocacy as a part of that calling. How you and your congregation carry out the ministry of advocacy in your local context is up to you.
When the LPPO takes a position on a particular issue, it is not something we insist you agree with but rather it is a recommendation that we hope individuals within your congregation will consider when deciding how best to become involved. For more on how the LPPO decides to take a position on an individual issue, please contact the LPPO office.
Does partnering with the LPPO as an Advocating Congregation involve a financial commitment?
No. We do encourage you contribute to the mission of the LPPO as generously as your congregation is able. If you do choose to give to the LPPO, there are a variety of ways to do so: sending a congregational group to the annual fundraiser, giving through a line item in the congregational budget, holding a special offering for the LPPO during Sunday worship, identifying individual contributors, etc. Your contribution makes a difference!
Is LPPO a lobbying organization?
The LPPO does speak directly to government officials as a part of its mission. However, this is only one of many ways that we carry out our ministry of advocacy. The Advocating Congregations program, for example, is intended to empower and support congregations and individuals as we seek to carry out our shared baptismal calling through advocacy.
Will partnering with LPPO affect our tax status?
No. Partnering with the LPPO as an Advocating Congregation will not affect your tax status.
501(c)(3) organizations are prohibited from certain political activity like, for example, endorsing candidates for political office. (The LPPO does not take positions on candidates, only on issues.)
On the other hand, 501(c)(3) organizations are permitted to engage in public education, hosting of candidates’ forums when all candidates are invited, encouragement of voter participation, and endorsement of initiatives, among other activities. For more information, please contact the LPPO office or see the ELCA resource “Called to be a Public Church: 2008 ELCA Voting and Civic Participation Guide.”