Locally Tending to Abundant Life as People of Faith - ELCA Advocacy » ELCA Advocacy

Get inspired with this quick video featuring highlights from Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy’s advocacy day in January 2025!

“God calls us to do justice, to love kindness, to walk humbly with our God – and that includes abundant life for all people and abundant life is often tended to by our government our elected leaders, and the civic life that we live,” said the Rev. Kelly Bayer Derrick, Assistant to the Bishop, ELCA Virginia Synod, as she took part in the Day for All People hosted by Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy (VICPP) in January 2025. “Being engaged as an active citizen in government,” she says, “is one of the ways I live out my faith.”

Across the country, people of faith are also asking what it means to tend to abundant life for all people in their Christian discipleship. Many ELCA-affiliate state public policy offices will be holding advocacy days over the next few months. Although the content of each advocacy day varies, these events seek to help people of faith mobilize in order to articulate priorities with a moral foundation for policies passed in state legislatures. As the federal government has undergone significant changes in recent weeks, the importance of local voices remains pressing. Lutherans and advocacy partners advocate for policies which enact the principles of justice and peace while contributing to sufficient, sustainable livelihood for all.

ADVOCACY DAY IN YOUR STATE

“Seeing so many people of different faiths gather together in Virginia for the common goal of advocating for policies that center the inherent dignity of all people was incredibly refreshing and inspiring,” said Joey Chin, ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellow, following his experience at VICPP’s Day for All People. Over 400 participants came together that day, and the cold weather and strong winds didn’t stop faith-based advocates from waiting in line for almost an hour to enter the Virginia General Assembly office building to discuss issues related to housing, hunger, migration and the environment.

Use the list below to find a local event in your area or contact your ELCA-affiliated state public policy office or your synod office for ways to get involved.