Embedded Files
This site is managed by an ECSW committee.
Upcoming Training & Events
The Racial Equity Team is seeking to connect with congregational liaisons involved in racial equity work. Visit the "Contact and Partnerships" section to reach out and find the right liaison for your worshipping community.
Churchwide Racial Equity Material
Over the past 30 plus years (even some material prior to the ELCA merger) the church has created many documents that identify the position of the church.
Resources, Reports and Social Statements
Apologies, Declarations and Statements
1994 — Declaration of the ELCA to the Jewish Community
2016 — Renewed Action Regarding Racism Toward Lutherans of African Descent
2019 — Explanation of the Declaration of the ELCA to People of African Descent
2019 — Condemnation of White Supremacy and Racist Rhetoric
2019 — Strategy Toward Authentic Diversity
2021 — Statement on anti-Asian Racism
2021 — A Declaration of the ELCA to American Indian and Alaska Native People
2022 — A Declaration of the ELCA to the Muslim Community
Fund this Work
The need for resources to keep this important work going is real. Read Bishop Anne’s letter inviting partnership through funding racial equity work in our synod. Give by sharing a check with the synod office or through this link to donate online, selecting “Racial Equity Donation.”
Fund this Work
The need for resources to keep this important work going is real. Read Bishop Anne’s letter inviting partnership through funding racial equity work in our synod. Give by sharing a check with the synod office or through this link to donate online, selecting “Racial Equity Donation.”
Resolution - "To Work for Racial Equity"
In 2021, 2022, and 2023 the ECSW Synod Assembly passed resolutions supporting the racial equity work with the synod – synod wide, churches, individuals and communities.
Look for the progress made in the synod/congregation change efforts.
Adopted in May 2022, the Synod Assembly committed To Work for Racial Equity.
Resource Lists
Prayer to Heal Racial Division — Prayer
An Invitation to Brave Space — Prayer/Invocation
Resources for an Anti-Racist Journey — Books, links, TED talks for communities at multiple entry points
Anti-Racism Resources — a book list curated by the racial equity team of the ECSW
Just Mercy Study Guide — small group companion to the book, “Just Mercy”
Explanation of the Declaration of the ELCA to People of African Descent
Racial Justice Resources — from the ELCA
Contact and Partnerships
Grounded in God's love for all people, the ECSW Anti Racism Team seeks to provide resources to help you learn about racial equity and make useful connections to empower you and/or your congregation to act to end racism. Whether you are new to this work or have been involved for many years, we encourage you to start where you are and let us know how we can help.
Shirley Paulson, Racial Equity Chair
Fund this Work
The need for resources to keep this important work going is real. Read Bishop Anne’s letter inviting partnership through funding racial equity work in our synod. Give by sharing a check with the synod office or through this link to donate online, selecting “Racial Equity Donation.”
Video Resources
We All Start Somewhere
Listen to the Men's group at St. John’s in Ashwaubenon, WI, as they share how they led their congregation to take its first steps toward racial equity.
Brave Space
Our synod is actively working on strategies for healing around the sin of racism.
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