The ELCA Social Statement on Faith and Civic Life sets forth the ELCA’s teaching about how disciples and this church may faithfully speak and act in civic life. While existing ELCA social statements and messages address specialized elements of social life, this statement addresses the broad responsibility for seeking the good of all through civic participation. It sketches a vision of a just and robust civic life dedicated to the well-being of all while giving extended attention to the relationship of faith and political authority.
Social Statement
Study Series
Dr. Joyce Caldwell
The following study guide and materials were authored by Joyce Caldwell, PhD, on behalf of the Greater Milwaukee Synod, ELCA. Dr. Joyce Caldwell has a doctorate in Human and Organizational Systems, with a Concentration in Transformative Learning for Social Justice. She is a retired university professor and Associate University Provost and the past ELCA GMS Vice President. She is a skilled adult educator who has written several resources on race, culture, and white privilege for the ELCA and recently authored this study guide for the ELCA Social Statement on Faith and Civic Life: Seeking the Well-Being of All.
Leader’s Guide
Provides guidance for each of six sessions, including purpose of the session, opening scripture, summary of articles for discussion, suggested video, and small group discussion questions
Participant Materials
Provides purpose of session, summary of articles, and small group discussion questions
Videos
A video interview is provided on the topic for each session. Note that the comments are those of the interviewee and do not speak for the ELCA. You are encouraged to create your own video or real time discussion if you have a local person to speak to the session topic. Suggestions for an interview are included in each session.
- Session 1: Interview with Connie Kincaide, Cedarburg School Board Member and a member of Faith Lutheran Church
- Connie Kincaide is an active member of Faith in Cedarburg and holds two public offices. Hear how her faith and civic engagement connect.
- Session 2: Interview with Rev. Edwin Aparicio of Ascension in Waukesha
- Listen to Pastor Edwin Aparicio share his background, discuss power as it is seen in the US, and the current challenges he sees as pastor of a Spanish language congregation.
- Session 3: Interview with Kacy Kostiuk, Director of Lutheran Office for Public Policy in Wisconsin
- Kacy Kostiuk explains the work of the Lutheran Office of Public Policy in Wisconsin and shares the importance of faith-based advocacy.
- Session 4: Interview with Bishop Paul Erickson
- Bishop Erickson shares his perspective on the separation and the intersection of church and state and discusses what he considers when he writes a pastoral message.
- Session 5: Interview with Rev. Dennis Jacobsen, a founder of MICAH
- Hear how Pastor Dennis Jacobsen’s background shaped his perspective in working for justice and what he sees as the dangers of Christian Nationalism.
- Session 6: Interview with Cameron Swallow of Braver Angels
- Braver Angels is a national cross-partisan, volunteer-led movement to bridge the partisan divide and strengthen our democratic republic. Hear how Cameron Swallow became involved with Braver Angels and the work that they are doing.
PowerPoint Slides
Slides are provided for each session to use or adapt as appropriate for your study.
Related Resources
Elections & Civic Engagement Event with Bishop Paul Erickson and Dr. Joyce Caldwell – Tuesday, July 28, 2026
Resources from Zoom Presentation
