Loving one another means speaking up, showing up, and standing up when it counts most.
Here are a few ways you can do that today.
Today’s Advocacy Action
The U.S. Congress is currently addressing a host of critical concerns for the well-being of our country. Be part of this emerging reorientation of national vision. Go to Advent's advocacy webpages, open ELCA Advocacy Connections, scroll down to Action Alerts, and you'll immediately find ways to speak to your elected congressional members about violence against women, safety for women and girls, immigration reform, and the Equality Act pertaining to sexual orientation and gender identity. Public officials need to hear from you and learn that you are a member of Advent Lutheran Church in Manhattan, a congregation deeply committed to social justice.
Visit the ELCA Advocacy Center to see the latest ways you can take action for justice. Take action >
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LGBTQIA+ Advocacy
Here are variety of ways to stand with our LGTBQIA+ siblings in Christ, from supporting long-standing organizations to advocating for two key issues right now: transgender rights and family equality.
Transgender rights
Learn about and support the efforts of two organizations fighting for transgender rights: The New York Transgender Advocacy Group and the Human Rights Campaign.
Family Equality
Learn about the support the efforts of Family Equality to advance equality for LGTBQIA+ families.
Donate
In addition to the organization above, consider giving your resources to organizations leading the ways in LGBTQIA+ equality in society and the church, like GLAAD, Reconciling Works, and Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries.
Racial Justice
Facing such an immense evil as structural racism can feel overwhelming. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. One thing is for sure: we cannot let up now.
Learn
Explore these White Homework Lessons from Tori Glass, this list of 75 things white people can do for racial justice, this book list, or read Dear Church—a book addressing systemic racism written directly to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Teach
Kids aren’t too young to talk about race. How do we start these conversations? Here is one resource roundup by Katrina Michie and another from EmbraceRace.
Donate
Give your resources to organizations leading the way, like Color of Change, NAACP, and the African Descent Lutheran Association.
Care of Creation
It can feel overwhelming. The planet is in need and there are so many different influences. We do what we are called to do, one faithful step at a time.
Advocate
Time Sensitive: Advocate for Conservation and Climate-Friendly Farm Bill Measures through ELCA Advocacy, supported by Bread for the World Advocacy initiatives.
Learn
Explore the work of Lutheran’s Restoring Creation, connect and advocate. Here are 60 suggested actions you can take for the planet from the World Wildlife Federation . Or check out this book list with recommended reads on Environmental Justice.
Teach
Kids are inheriting the world we are creating. How do we start these conversations? Here is a guide from the Natural Resource Defense Council and a list of children’s books about climate change.
Donate
Give your resources to organizations leading the way, like Conservation International, The Environmental Defense Fund, The Rainforest Alliance, or the Coral Reef Alliance. Looking for something close to home, check out the Billion Oyster Project - NYC.
Peacemaking
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” - Jesus (Matthew 5)
Advocate
The devastating loss of life in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories has shaken our church and its members. ELCA Advocacy Action Alerts make it easy to contact your elected officials. Increase policy pressure for an immediate, permanent cease-fire, end military arms transfers to Israel while Israel violates the terms of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, and support continued humanitarian aid to Gazans.
Learn
Here is a list of books to read to learn more about peacemaking and conflict management. For thoughts on the theology of nonviolence, read Walter Winks, Theology of the Powers or explore the Lutheran Peace Fellowship.
Teach
Teach Peace offers thoughts, ideas, and support for parents, teachers, and peace educators or look at Child Minds ideas for Teaching Kids How To Deal with Conflict. Here is a resource to support children who witness domestic violence.
Donate
Consider donating to Safe Horizon, and organization working with survivors of violence and abuse, Everytown, working to end gun violence in the United States. Or internationally, The Peace Alliance or Alliance for Peacebuilding.
Get Help
If you are in an unsafe situation visit The Hotline or call 800.799.SAFE (7233) to connect with resources, find help, or create a safety plan. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
This world is a big, broken, beautiful place. There are so many more urgent ways to share God’s love, and yet we each must take it one step at time. We’ll update this page regularly with new actions. Check back soon.
Looking for our original post on Resources to Empower Racial Justice? Find it here.