ELCA: 'Commitment to the Poor is Biblical Imperative'

Rev. Mark S. Hanson, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), said that this church's commitment to those who live in poverty is "a biblical imperative for which Christ frees us to serve."

Bishop Hanson is one of several Christan leaders supporting the Circle of Protection  campaign. The clergy, church officials and organizational leaders involved in the campaign asked the 2012 U.S. presidential candidates to produce a short video addressing poverty. See letter to one of the candidates.

"These videos can encourage us to ask all seeking public office to make those living in poverty their priority," said Bishop Hanson.

"We are a church that rolls up it sleeves and gets to work, and the most effective advocacy I've seen arises out of stories from the global and community work we do together as Lutherans to combat hunger and poverty," said Rev. Andrew Genszler, who directs advocacy ministries at ELCA churchwide ministries.

Genszler said Lutherans engage public officials because "we believe government should work well for our neighbors, especially those who are poor and hungry. Speaking out for strong public policy that helps our struggling neighbors is another way ELCA members serve communities in the United States and across the world."   Read full press release from ELCA