Peace & Justice
Following the example of Jesus, we are called to serve all people and strive for justice and peace in all the earth. This is our baptismal promise and serves as a core value of Faith Lutheran Church. We care deeply for the world God loves. In baptism, we promise to live out this calling by seeking compassion, fairness, and dignity for our neighbors near and far. We see this work not as something extra, but as a faithful response to God’s love—lived out through education, service, advocacy, and community engagement.
And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8b NRSV)
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. (Matthew 5:9 NRSV)
ELCA RESOURCES
ELCA reaffirms commitment to combatting white supremacy (May 29, 2020)
Declaration of the ELCA to People of African Descent (2019)
Race, Ethnicity, and Culture Social Statement (1993)
American Indian & Alaska Native Strategic Plan
Repudiation of the Doctrine of Discovery
Recommended Books and Resources for Racial Justice Advocacy
Join the Southeastern Iowa Synod Anti-Racism Network. Here you will find resources for listening and learning that we hope will lead to action and the opportunity to engage others in the work for justice.
Family Resources
Video: Something Happened in Our Town
Video: Systemic Racism Explained
Article: How to Talk to Kids About Race
Library: Raising Anti-Racist White Children
Resources on African and African Descent History and the Church:
Luther’s Small Catechism with African Descent Reflections | Augsburg Fortress
Fortress Introduction to Black Church History | Augsburg Fortress
African Theology on the Way: Current Conversations | Augsburg Fortress
Stony the Road We Trod: African American Biblical Interpretation | Augsburg Fortress
The Bible and African Americans: A Brief History | Augsburg Fortress
