ELCA News Blog
November 28, 2007
ELCA publishes 2008 election guide
by Annie Lynsen, ELCA News Service
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Washington Office released "Called To Be a Public Church: 2008 ELCA Voting and Civic Participation Guide" -- a resource to guide congregations through the 2008 election cycle. The resource includes IRS guidelines, suggested nonpartisan election activities for congregations and student groups, and briefs on current issues as they relate to ELCA social statements. The guide is available as a free download or for purchase through Augsburg Fortress, the publishing ministry of the ELCA.
Staff of the ELCA Washington Office is offering presentations on faithful civic participation to clergy and lay leaders in the key primary states of Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina.
"As Lutherans it is part of our vocation to be responsible citizens," said the Rev. Philip L. Hougen, bishop, ELCA Southeastern Iowa Synod, Iowa City, at the Nov. 8 presentation in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. "For us, responsible citizenship involves engaging in the world as a public church, which includes participation in the civic process during elections. Iowans have the special privilege to be involved in the nation's first caucus, and we have the opportunity to ask questions of candidates that are important to people of faith, including issues of justice, hunger, poverty and global disease."
For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or news@elca.org http://www.elca.org/news ELCA News Blog: http://www.elca.org/news/blog