Social Justice
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)’s website has a section called “Faith and Society” where you can find the Social Messages and Social Statements adopted by the church, as well as information on current projects and resources for engaging around issues of social justice and concern. It can be found here: https://www.elca.org/Faith/Faith-and-Society
As a congregation of the ELCA, these messages and statements help to guide us in our consideration of issues around social justice.
The purpose of the Reconciling in Christ (RIC) Program is to ensure the welcome, inclusion, celebration, and advocacy for people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions; work for racial equity and commit to anti-racist work and support the national program. Shepherd of the Hills has been a Reconciling in Christ congregation since 2018.
Land Acknowledgment for Church Property
As a means of putting the ELCA’s Repudiation of the Doctrine of Discovery (2016) in action, Shepherd of the Hills has developed a Land Acknowledgment specific to this place. This article by Vance Blackfox, ELCA Director for Indigenous Ministries and Tribal Relations, explores the content and use of land acknowledgments: https://www.livinglutheran.org/2021/11/48330/
Covenant of Renewal
Renewal is first and foremost a spiritual process. A process of re-rooting in the good news of Jesus Christ and seeking God’s dream for ministry and focus. It is not a one-person project. The Covenant of Renewal has been agreed to by all parties and outlines the roles of the Congregation, Pastor, Church Council/leadership, and the Synod. It is about changing the world and seeking God’s dream for us.
