ELCA & Creation Care
Lutherans Restoring Creation is an independent grassroots movement helping ELCA congregations, synods, and members put the church’s own teaching on creation care into action.
“We of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) are deeply concerned about the environment, locally and globally, as members of this church and as members of society.”
— Caring for Creation: Vision, Hope, and Justice, ELCA social statement (1993)
Our Roots in the ELCA
Lutherans Restoring Creation grew out of a long history of concern for creation inside the ELCA. In 1993, the church adopted its first social statement on the environment, Caring for Creation: Vision, Hope, and Justice. In 1997, Lutherans formed the Lutheran Earthkeeping Network of the Synods (LENS) — one of the roots of the movement that became Lutherans Restoring Creation.
We are an independent grassroots movement of laypeople, pastors, lay professionals, synod leaders, and others, many of whom hold positions across the ELCA and its institutions. Lutherans Restoring Creation is an independent nonprofit that walks alongside the ELCA.
What the ELCA Teaches About Creation Care
The ELCA Creation Care Network
In 2022, ELCA synods asked the churchwide assembly to cut greenhouse gas emissions 50% by 2030 and 100% by 2050. An ELCA Creation Care Network now coordinates that work across the church.
The 1993 Social Statement
In 1993, the ELCA adopted its first social statement on the environment, Caring for Creation: Vision, Hope, and Justice. It set the biblical case for creation care that still guides the church today.
The 2023 Climate Crisis Message
In 2023, the ELCA adopted a social message on Earth’s Climate Crisis. It calls Lutherans and other people of faith to act decisively on climate justice.
ELCA Churchwide Resolutions & Statements
Beyond its foundational teaching, the ELCA’s national assembly — its churchwide gathering of voting members — has acted on creation care several times over the years. Here’s a look at that history, with links to the resolutions themselves.
For LRC’s own page on the ELCA’s 1993 social statement and 2023 climate message — including study guides — see ELCA Social Statement & Message on Creation Care.
Current advocacy
ELCA leaders continue to speak on creation care today.
- Bishop Curry Agrees… — Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry’s message marking the tenth anniversary of the Paris Climate Accords.
2026: EPA endangerment finding
In February 2026, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency moved to rescind the endangerment finding on greenhouse gas emissions. The ELCA responded with a statement of concern, citing the church’s responsibility to care for creation.
2025: World Council of Churches Decade of Climate Justice
In 2025, the World Council of Churches launched an Ecumenical Decade of Climate Justice Action (2025–2035). Lutherans Restoring Creation encouraged congregations and synods to adopt a model resolution urging expanded ELCA participation — by 2026, fifteen synods had done so.
2019: Carbon pricing
The South-Central Synod of Wisconsin brought a memorial on carbon fee and dividend policy to the 2019 Churchwide Assembly, building on a 2017 synod resolution.
2016: Water
The 2016 Churchwide Assembly passed a resolution asking congregations to learn about their local watershed and to use water-related biblical themes in worship and prayer.
2016: Energy and fossil fuels
That same assembly passed a memorial called Toward a Responsible Energy Future. It did not call for full fossil-fuel divestment, but it committed the church to shareholder advocacy, investment screening, and support for renewable energy.
How LRC Supports This Work
ELCA congregations, synods, and other ministries are each at a different point in caring for creation, with different experience, resources, and challenges. Lutherans Restoring Creation offers ideas, resources, and ways to connect with others doing this work, so every part of the church can take its next faithful step.
We do this work as a response to God’s grace, shown throughout creation, in Jesus, and in the Holy Spirit. We welcome the prayers and support of everyone who wants to join us.
Ready to Get Involved?
Explore the network of Lutherans across the ELCA who are already caring for creation together.