Justice and advocacy are a rich part of ULCH’s history and there are a variety of ways to get involved with diverse local and global justice and advocacy programs.
Racial Justice and Racial Equity
Hope’s Racial Justice Team focuses us in a variety of ways: monthly racial equity movie discussions, solidarity with local BIPOC-led organizations through the Rolling Waters Fund, exploration of reparations, and advocacy around issues adversely affect communities of color such as housing and education. We are participating in a three-year learning process with Rev. Jia Starr Brown and a cohort of other interfaith individuals and congregations in Minnesota called ACTION Project.
Community Organizing and Advocacy
We do much of our community organizing and advocacy alongside other faith communities in partnerships such as ISAIAH, Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative, and Bread for the World. Together we’re drawing on our faith, understanding our values and power, and acting publicly to be part of creating God’s reign.
Sanctuary and Immigration
“Because the Gospel calls us to love our neighbors as ourselves, ULCH declares our partnership with immigrants and others to resist unjust immigration policies and to offer our building as a holy sanctuary. ULCH joins dozens of other local churches, in partnership with ISAIAH, who vow to create or support sacred spaces of refuge for immigrant individuals and/or families that are in immediate danger of deportation, and to be a community of love, hospitality, and fellowship for those in our care.” -ULCH Sanctuary Statement, January 2017
As part of this effort we have also partnered with other communities of faith near the University of Minnesota to form the University Area Sanctuary Coalition. Together these congregations vow to welcome the stranger, honor all people as children of God, and to offer our buildings as safe spaces. Follow the University Area Sanctuary Coalition on Facebook for updates about advocacy opportunities and events.
Nigeria Partnership
Through our Nigeria Partnership, we continue our relationship with St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Jos, Nigeria.
Every Meal
We partner with Every Meal and some of our neighboring congregations to support and deliver food for school children in our local elementary school.
ULCH Resolution on Conflict-Free Initiative
The Vision and Governance Board passed a Resolution to Support “The Conflict-Free Initiative” and to stop financing genocide. Click on this link ULCH Resolution on Conflict-Free Initiative.
Statement Against Violence Toward Asian American/Pacific Islanders
On May 18, 2021, the Vision and Governance Board approved the following Statement Against Violence Toward Asian American/Pacific Islanders. The statement will also be sent to the ELCA Minneapolis Area Synod:
Since the beginning of the Coronavirus pandemic more than one year ago, acts of vandalism, harassment, shunning, refusal of service, verbal abuse and physical attack against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in our state and country have increased substantially. This collective trauma erodes Asian American and Pacific Islanders’ rightful sense of belonging in the U.S.
People of Asian and Pacific Island descent are our family members, congregation members, neighbors, and co-workers – who like every ethnic and cultural group in our country, contribute greatly to our common welfare. We recognize, celebrate and honor Asian, Asian American and Pacific Islanders, their cultures, and their many contributions to our world.
The Racial Equity Statement adopted by our Congregation begins: “As people of faith, we acknowledge that ALL people are beloved of God. . . .” In our baptism we are called to work towards a world that reflects God’s love and justice. Our faith in a God of love calls us to unequivocally condemn hate and discrimination. We stand in solidarity with and express our unwavering commitment to combat this hate and violence and to support our Asian American and Pacific Island family members, neighbors, co-workers and congregation members.
If you are interested in participating in any of these justice and advocacy programs, please contact us here at ulch@ulch.org or 612-331-5988.