July 9, 2008

CHICAGO – Stating that Lutherans have a long history and significant experience related to health and human services, relief and development, and refugee protection and immigration, four Lutheran leaders wrote to the major political party candidates for U.S. President. In their letter the leaders, including the Rev. Mark S. Hanson, presiding bishop, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), suggested specific policy priorities and urged presidential leadership on a series of topics.

The six-page letter, released July 8, was delivered recently to the presidential campaigns of U.S. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., and U.S. Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill. Joining Hanson in signing the letter were Ralston H. Deffenbaugh Jr., president, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service; the Rev. John A. Nunes, president, Lutheran World Relief; and Jill A. Schumann, president and chief executive officer, Lutheran Services in America. All but Hanson are based in Baltimore.

Lutheran ministries reach every state and more than 60 countries, serving "millions of the most vulnerable people" in the United States and the world each year, the Lutheran leaders wrote.

"The Scriptures are clear about God's concern for and solidarity with people living in poverty and on the margins of society," the Lutheran leaders wrote. "They are equally clear that God calls us to be stewards of creation." The leaders said Lutherans bring into the public square "a commitment to service for the well-being of all of God's children and a faith conviction that government is an important catalyst in God's work of restoring peace, achieving economic justice and protecting the environment."

"The record of effective and transformative work by Lutheran organizations demonstrates our belief that people of faith can help change the world in practical ways. Our broad and long- standing experience also teaches us that our faith-based response to human need is enhanced and more effective when supported by government with the wisdom and will to provide resources to fulfill its basic constitutional mandate to protect the well- being of all its citizens," the Lutheran leaders wrote.

The letter addresses economic insecurity and poverty; global warming and energy policy; fair and humane immigration and refugee policy; international poverty, development and disease; and conflict resolution and peace building. The Lutheran leaders called on whoever is elected to engage and act on a number of policy points related to these topics.

"Thank you for your consideration of these policy priorities," the letter concluded. "We look forward to the opportunity to discuss them with you and to working with your administration to improve lives around the world. We acknowledge and admire your endurance and vision during this long campaign for our highest office. Please know that we pray for you and your work on behalf of the American people."

The full text of the letter to the presidential candidates is at http://archive.ELCA.org/bishop/messages/candidatesletter.html, on the ELCA Web site.

ELCA News Service