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ADVOCACY & SOCIAL CONCERN
At St. Luke Lutheran, we firmly believe in the power of advocacy and the responsibility of the church to stand up for those who are marginalized and overlooked; it is what Jesus did. We are committed to being a force of positive change in the world, lending our voice and support to those who need it most.
Our advocacy work is rooted in the belief that every individual deserves to be seen, heard, and valued. We strive to create a community that champions justice, equality, and compassion for all. Through our advocacy efforts, we seek to address systemic issues, challenge injustice, and work towards a more inclusive and equitable society.
We are dedicated to raising awareness about the struggles faced by marginalized communities, amplifying their voices, and advocating for their rights. This includes but is not limited to advocating for racial justice, gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, immigrant and refugee support, poverty alleviation, and access to healthcare and education.
As a church, we are committed to taking tangible actions that align with our advocacy beliefs. This includes engaging in grassroots initiatives, collaborating with local organizations, participating in peaceful protests and demonstrations, supporting legislative efforts, and providing resources and support to those in need.
We invite you to join us in our advocacy work. Together, we can make a difference and create a world where everyone is treated with dignity, respect, and love. Let us stand up for justice, advocate for change, and be a voice for those who have been silenced. At St. Luke Lutheran, we believe in the transformative power of advocacy, and we are committed to being a force for good in the world.
The Atlanta Pride Committee
The Atlanta Pride Committee is Georgia's oldest non-profit agency serving the LGBTQ community and serves as an advocate of, and resource to, gender and sexually diverse communities in Atlanta and the Southeastern United States. Their operations include the annual Atlanta Pride Festival and Parade in October as well as 60 other educational, social, and historical programs each year, as well as community reinvestment initiatives, including St. Luke Lutheran's Pride Worship Service in June.
Campus Ministry
Grace House is a joint ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta and the Southeastern Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Grace House proudly serves the Georgia Tech community in Atlanta, Georgia. Grace House provides students with an opportunity for friendship, direction, an authentic community, service, and a home away from home. Grace House is the only LGBTQIA+ affirming ministry on the Georgia Tech campus.
Inspiritus
Lutheran Services of Georgia and Lutheran Services of Tennessee have joined forces and changed their names to Inspiritus. Inspiritus empowers those who face challenges and disruptions: children who have been abused or neglected, people with developmental disabilities, refugees and immigrants, individuals affected by natural disaster, and people in low-income communities.
Lutheran Coalition for Habitat for Humanity
The Lutheran Coalition for Habitat for Humanity is a group of concerned Lutherans in the Atlanta, Georgia metropolitan area who have agreed to partner with local Habitat for Humanity affiliates to eliminate substandard housing. Each year The Coalition will endeavor to provide the funding and volunteer labor for the construction of an affordable home for a Partner Family.
Buckhead Christian Ministry
Buckhead Christian Ministry (BCM) is a faith-based, non-profit organization that fights hunger and homelessness in North Atlanta by providing food to the hungry, paying rent and utility bills of those facing eviction. BCM's housing program assists families moving from homelessness to more permanent housing. BCM was founded in 1987 as an Emergency Assistance Program in a small office on Peachtree Road. Since then, BCM has grown to be a city wide agency supported by 28 churches, corporations and businesses, private and public foundations, civic groups, and thousands of individuals.
DIVERSITY & JUSTICE: OUR COMMITMENT TO LOVE & EQUALITY
At St. Luke Lutheran, we are deeply committed to embracing diversity and pursuing justice for all. Loving our neighbors as ourselves requires an active dedication to understanding, addressing, and dismantling the divisions that exist in our world. In our pursuit of a more inclusive and equitable society, we have outlined our key areas of focus:
Education and Resources:
We recognize the importance of education in fostering understanding and empathy. We are dedicated to equipping ourselves and our community with the knowledge and resources needed to address the issues that perpetuate divisions. Through workshops and accessible materials, we strive to create an environment where open dialogue and learning can flourish.
Building Community Relationships:
We understand that true connection comes from reaching out and building relationships with diverse groups of people. We actively seek to create spaces that welcome and embrace individuals from all walks of life. By engaging with different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives, we aim to foster a community that celebrates the richness of diversity.
Pursuing Justice and Equality:
We believe that justice and equality are fundamental rights that every person deserves. We are dedicated to actively engaging in initiatives that address and combat discrimination in all its forms. This includes advocating for racial justice, gender equality, inclusion of people with disabilities, religious tolerance, and LGBTQIA+ rights. Furthermore, we acknowledge the impact of economic disparity and work towards alleviating its effects. We are also committed to addressing the disproportionate impact of ecological crises on marginalized groups, advocating for their rights and well-being.
Together, we strive to create a society where everyone is treated with dignity, respect, and fairness. We recognize that this work requires ongoing commitment, introspection, and action. We invite you to join us on this journey of love, justice, and equality as we work towards a more inclusive and compassionate world.
At St. Luke Lutheran, we firmly believe that diversity is a strength, and justice is our shared responsibility. Together, let us strive to make a positive difference and create a community where all are welcomed, valued, and embraced.