ELCA Advocacy

Over the past year we have witnessed an increase in polarization, a rise in Christian nationalism, and a number of acts of political violence. In this spotlight from an ELCA-affiliated state public policy office (sppo), Tammy Walhof, Director of Lutheran Advocacy Ministry – Minnesota, and Jacob Summerville, ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellow placed with this sppo, discuss some ways Minnesotans are working to build bridges and encourage civil discourse.

Hope and Challenge Addressing Political Violence

By Tammy Walhof, Director, Lutheran Advocacy – Minnesota and Jacob Summerville, Hunger Advocacy Fellow

POLITICAL VIOLENCE | GRACEFUL CONVERSATIONS | RESOURCE COLLECTION | MEDIA LITERACY | CHRISTIAN NATIONALISM | FINDING HOPE

A RISE IN POLITICAL VIOLENCE

It is no secret that political violence, fueled by misinformation and extremism, is on the rise across the United States. On June 14, 2025, this rising tension was brought to bear in a shocking and tragic act of violence that resulted in the deaths of Minnesota Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, as well as the hospitalization of State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette. This brazen, senseless spree of violence has left the people of Minnesota with more questions than answers. Why did this happen? How did we get here? Where do we go from here?

Beyond the profound grief, the deeper issues that got us here are on many of our minds.

As advocates, passionate about our state and its people, we find ourselves in an interesting position. We hear the cries for unity and peace, for an end to the extreme polarization that has become so common. Yet these are not issues that can be legislated away. No amount of funding will end political violence. No number of letters and phone calls will put a stop to the rampant division in our communities. No bill will be passed that will reverse our course of vitriol and division.

Lutheran Advocacy-Minnesota (LA-MN) has faithfully worked to address the needs of the people of Minnesota for decades, yet this seems to fall outside the scope of our usual methods and tools. With that in mind, LA-MN has taken several steps to address the various facets of this complex issue.

GRACEFUL CONVERSATIONS

More than a decade ago LA-MN Director Tammy Walhof developed a curriculum called Graceful Conversations to provide tools for talking with those with whom we disagree. She has since spent many hours editing and refining the program, finally teaming up with the Rev. Emily Meyer from the Ministry Lab to produce the workshop in its current form. Including videos, discussion questions, a facilitator guide, and more, Graceful Conversations is a five-part series that focuses on effective communication about divisive issues. In a recent episode of Here I Pod from ELCA Advocacy, Walhof spoke about the origins of Graceful Conversations and shared about how the program supports the work of encouraging conversation across divides.

At its core, Graceful Conversations reminds participants that their primary identity is not “liberal” or “conservative,” but “beloved child of God.” With this common ground as a starting place, conversations are more fruitful and respectful.

The workshop also includes many simple tips and tricks for effective communication, information about triggers and how to handle them sensitively, and so much more. The workshop in its entirety is free to all, and can be found here.

RESOURCE COLLECTION

A key part of addressing such complex issues as political violence and extremism is identifying their root causes. Through diligent research, we have found that although there is no one-size-fits-all explanation for this trend toward violence, there are definite commonalities that we can address individually. We are developing a hub of resources on these various causes, touching on topics such as media literacy and Christian nationalism.

This page will include a broad range of information on these topics, reading recommendations, and resources for congregations to address these issues directly and sensitively. With these items made easily available, we hope to provide our faithful advocates with a foundation to combat this rising tide of division at its roots. When it is complete, it will be found on our website.

MEDIA LITERACY

Misinformation presents a real and present danger to the fabric of our nation. Across all forms of media, it is becoming more and more difficult to identify what is real when the field is flooded with grifters, extremists, and others with ill-intent. As people of faith, we have a mandate to stand up for the truth. Though this may seem like a monumental task in this day and age, a simple refresh of media literacy tools can be a powerful and effective method to stem the tide of lies and manipulation. LA-MN is developing in-house resources focused on questioning media, evaluating sources, and identifying logical fallacies.

CHRISTIAN NATIONALISM

As ever, LA-MN stands against Christian nationalism in all its forms. This ideology distorts the gospel, bending it into a tool for political power and exclusion of our neighbors. We believe that all people are God’s beloved children, regardless of their country of origin. While we recognize and appreciate the many blessings that come with United States citizenship, we also recognize that our country is not perfect, and never has been. Criticism of our government is a cornerstone of our Constitution, and the unassailable picture of America that comes with nationalistic ideology is dangerous, beyond being outright false. Instead, LA-MN works to foster a truly patriotic environment, where we can freely seek constant improvement of our country, refinement of our laws, and fair and equitable treatment for all.

While we believe that faith can be a key component in advocacy, and can help inform our opinions on certain issues, we wholeheartedly reject the falsehood of Christian nationalism, which is based neither in the gospel nor in patriotism. Christian nationalism is a threat to our churches, our country, and our siblings in Christ across the world. Through thoughtful and gracious conversation, advocacy for just policy, and a commitment to truth and transparency, LA-MN is working hard to stamp out this harmful ideology and foster faithful community in its place.

HOPE IN A WEARY WORLD

Rising tensions and increasingly common acts of violence in the United States are understandably scary. Voices from every corner seem convinced that our country is simply too far gone, too separated to ever reconcile. LA-MN resoundingly rejects this idea. We are one body in Christ, regardless of political party. As faithful advocates we are committed to hope in this time of division. Following the act of political violence on June 14, LA-MN released a statement addressing the attack and emphasized the importance of building community at a time where many would seek to pull us apart.

As much as it is safe for you to do so, we encourage you to recommit yourself to that same hope. Keep having graceful conversations. Keep educating yourself on the big issues, and be aware of where your information comes from. Take a stand against Christian nationalism in all its forms. Do not give up hope on your neighbor, no matter how distant they may seem. We will be praying for a turning tide, and for all those working to make that happen. As we’ve said, political violence and extremism cannot be legislated away. These issues that poison our communities must be excised through action, through patience and grace, and through the renewing and redeeming gospel that is our firm foundation.