Justice Ministries
Through these initiatives, we work to dismantle systemic inequity and advocate for the full inclusion and dignity of all people, rooted in the call to love God and neighbor.
Hunger Justice
The Upstate NY Synod World Hunger Team works to
Raise awareness of the problem of hunger and poverty in our communities and around the world.
Serve as a resource for congregations interested in ending hunger.
Encourage congregations to respond by generously giving to ELCA World Hunger/Disaster Relief.
Publicize information about ELCA World Hunger-funded Domestic Hunger Grants for eligible congregations/agencies needing financial assistance for programs helping low-income people in high-poverty communities.
Since 1999, the Synod Hunger Team has organized an annual synod-wide appeal culminating in an ingathering of donations at the Synod Assembly. All congregations are invited and encouraged to participate. Our donations make it possible to accomplish our shared mission to offer emergency relief in times of disaster and to bring life and hope to our sisters and brothers living in poverty in the U.S. and overseas.
To receive news and updates, follow World Hunger & Global Mission - ELCA Upstate NY Synod on Facebook.
ELCA Resources
The churchwide office of the ELCA sends to every congregation resources and materials to help raise awareness of the effects of hunger around the world along with tools and suggestions for how we can make a difference. The ELCA also provides “Hunger grants” every other year for ministries on the territory of Upstate New York. Learn more on the ELCA website.
Gender Justice
The Gender Justice Task Force is comprised of lay and rostered leaders of the UNYS. The task force seeks to promote equity for people of all genders and sexual identities.
The task force will engage in education, advocacy, and neighbor justice in the church and in the world.
Resources
Websites
Books & Articles
"Meeting God Beyond the Gender Binary: How the Bible Affirms Transgender and Nonbinary People," by Joy Ladin. Article link.
Outside the Lines: How Embracing Queerness Will Transform Your Faith, by Mihee Kim-Kort
Changing Our Mind, by David P. Gushee
The Making of Biblical Womanhood: How the Subjugation of Women Became Gospel Truth, by Beth Allison Barr
Bible, Gender, Sexuality: Reframing the Church's Debate on Same-Sex Relationships, by James V. Brownson.
Racial Justice
We believe that Christ’s church is for all people. God calls and claims each of us by name, and it is not our job to sort, divide, categorize or exclude. When questioned by lawyers about a faithful life Jesus reminded them that we are to love God with our whole selves and to love our neighbors as ourselves.
The ELCA social statement “Freed in Christ: Race, Ethnicity and Culture” states that “We are one in Christ. As the body of Christ, we are free to live out our connectedness with each other. Promises are kept when vision is communicated in word and deed, and members are captured by it. For this to happen, we need the leadership of all who have been given responsibility and authority: members of congregations and their pastors; boards and staff of institutions and agencies of the church; synodical bishops; and the bishop of this church.”
Therefore, grounded in the words of Jesus and the witnesses of Scripture and the guidance of our whole church, the Upstate New York Synod is committed to the work of racial justice, dismantling systemic racism and white privilege.
Resources
Racial Justice Movies
Black History Books
With titles for youth through adults:
If You Were a Kid During the Civil Rights Movement, Gwendolyn Hooks
The Little Rock Nine, Jake Miller
The ABC’s of Black History, Delores L. Holt
28 Days-Moments in Black History that Changed the World, Charles R. Smith, Jr.
African American Inventors, Stephen Currie
African American History From Emancipation to Today: Rising Above the Ashes of Slavery, Ann Byers-Enslow
Heroes in Black History-True Stories From the Lives of Christian Heroes, Dave and Neta Jackson
June Teeth-Freedom Day, Muriel Miller Branch
A Celebration of Black History Through Music, From the Spirituals to Hip-Hop, Blair Bielawski
Black Trivia-The African American Experience A to Z, Carole Marsh
Famous African American Women, Illustrations by Cal Massey/Text by Janet B. Kopito
Afro-Bets, Book of Black Heroes From A to Z, Volume I: An introduction to Important Black Achievers, Wade Hudson
What Was the Underground Railroad?, Yona Zeldis McDonough
Time for Kids-Heroes of Black History: Bio of 4 Great African Americans, Charlayne Hunter
African American First-4th Edition, Joan Potter
Sumud: Justice in the Holy Land
Inspired by the Sumud/steadfastness of our Palestinian Lutheran siblings, we of the Upstate New York Synod—Sumud work for justice and peace in Palestine and Israel. What happens to our friends in Palestine and Israel is connected to what happens to us in the Upstate New York Synod. Together we are church—together we practice Sumud.
How?
Ask us for:
Educational tools about the history and current reality in the Holy Land
Advocacy resources
Ways to have conversations in your local community
And so much more!
Contact us, we look forward to connecting with you!
Rev. Dr. Rahel Hahn, Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit, Albany, NY
Lindsay Stannard, Vice-President, Upstate New York Synod