Advocacy

Advocacy is a vital part of the ministry of Reformation Lutheran Church and is part of our Social Ministry program. Advocacy means to speak on behalf of others and support, defend, and argue for causes that promote justice for those who cannot speak for themselves.

In Chapter 4,*C4.02, in the Model Constitution for all ELCA congregations, a Statement of Purpose reads as follows:

d. Serve in response to God's love to meet human needs, caring for the sick and the

aged, advocating dignity and justice for all people, working for peace and reconciliation among the nations, and standing with the poor and powerless, and committing itself to their needs.

Our advocacy efforts are also based on the ELCA Social Statements which have been adopted by the ELCA Churchwide Assembly:

The church shall: work with and on behalf of the poor, the powerless, and those who suffer, using its influence with political and economic decision making bodies to develop and advocate policies that seek to advance justice, peace, and the care of creation.

The Church in Society, A Lutheran Perspective

An ELCA Social Statement, 1991

These models, in turn, are based on the Old and New Testaments, which are filled with examples of the prophets and the ministry of Jesus seeking justice for all of God's people. Throughout Biblical history, God repeatedly commands civil and religious leaders to render justice to the poor.

Prov 31:8-9: Speak up for people who cannot speak for themselves. Protect the

rights of all who are helpless. Speak for them and be a righteous judge. Protect

the rights of the poor and needy.

Thoughts by the Rev. Faye Codding "Justice did not require equality in all things. It was the extremes of the very rich and the very poor, the very powerful and very powerless, that concerned those who followed the word of God."

Jesus himself confronted public policy decisions makers and challenged the social and political structures of his day, advocating for poor and oppressed people. As Christians, we believe it is necessary to be part of the public policy process, to express the same concern for justice that Jesus acted out in his ministry.

Luke 3:11: In reply, he said to them, "whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.."

Our Advocacy Committee sees their role as identifying issues, studying them, bringing them to the attention of the congregation, and acting on them. We have attempted to include neighboring groups and congregations to join us in our efforts. These issues have included the lack of affordable housing and medical care for NJ residents, hunger, an insufficient safety net for those struggling toward a sustainable livelihood, and a more just tax system.

The Lutheran Office of Governmental Ministry in NJ has been key in helping us to identify pertinent issues. Our efforts to educate the congregation have included temple talks and news articles, and hosting speakers and state and federal legislators to help us become better informed, and to let our concerns be known.

This past year, we hosted Jon Shure, President, NJ Policy Perspective, and the Regional Coalition on Affordable Housing. We conducted letter writing campaigns urging the Governor and our legislators to support a more just tax system and to support additional funding for children with special needs, NJ food banks, and the earned income tax credit.

Social Ministry/Advocacy Committee

Elaine Tupy, Advocacy Chair

Pat VanBenthuysen, Social Ministry Chair

Inger LaManna

Fran Algore

Barbara Drescher

Evie Johnson

Helen McDonough

Joni Hamrick

Joyce Taylor