Racial Justice
Talks at the Desk
African Descent Ministries of the ELCA is celebrating Black History Month with Talks at the Desk, a new video series that will explore diverse expressions of the church. A new video premiered each Wednesday
in February. Watch them on Facebook or stream them on YouTube. Join us to hear youth, young adults, rostered leaders, elders and friends of our communities share their own sacred stories. For more updates, follow @ELCAADM on Twitter and Instagram
or check out the Facebook page.
ELCA “Now Is the Time” Study Guide
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) introduces "Now Is the Time: A Study Guide for ELCA Declaration to People of African Descent" to help congregations wrestle with the meaning of the declaration, adopted at the 2019 Churchwide Assembly, and its accompanying explanation. In the declaration, the ELCA "apologizes to people of African descent for its historical complicity in slavery and its enduring legacy of racism in the United States and globally. We lament the white church's failure to work for the abolition of slavery and the perpetuation of racism in this church." Click here to access the study guide and other materials.
Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man
It's time to talk about race & religion.
Carl Lentz, lead pastor of Hillsong East Coast, sits down with Emmanuel Acho to have an uncomfortable conversation about the role religion plays in fueling and/or killing racism. Watch the video here.
Project Impicit Bias Test
In the book Blindspot, the authors reveal hidden biases based on their experience with the Implicit Association Test. Project Implicit is graciously hosting electronic versions of Blindspot’s IATs. These should work properly on any desktop computer and on several touch-screen devices including iPads, Android tablets, Nook tablets, and the Kindle Fire. TAKE THE TEST
LGBTQIA+ Inclusion
Reconciling in Christ
Local and New River Valley LGBTQ Resources
Roanoke Pride Festival 2022
Since 1974, ReconcilingWorks: Lutherans for Full Participation has advocated for the full welcome, inclusion, and equity of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual/aromantic (LGBTQIA+) Lutherans in all aspects of the life of their Church, congregations, and community. Luther Memorial Lutheran Church is proud to be a Reconciling in Christ congregation since 2003 - find out more here.
Roanoke Pride Festival 2022
Local and New River Valley LGBTQ Resources
Roanoke Pride Festival 2022
Luther Memorial participated in the 30th Roanoke Pride Festival
held on May 1, 2022 during the Roanoke Pride weekend.
Members of the church congregation manned the booth and provided information on the church and our Rainbow Connection ministry.
Visit the Roanoke Pride Facebook page to find out more about the festival.
Local and New River Valley LGBTQ Resources
Local and New River Valley LGBTQ Resources
Local and New River Valley LGBTQ Resources
Thanks to Dr. Bing, Director, LGBTQ+ Resource Center in the Office for Inclusion and Diversity (OID) at Virginia Tech, for this comprehensive list of resources for the LBGTQ community. Included are state resources, LGBTQ+ Welcoming Religious Centers, LGBTQ+ Owned Businesses, LGBTQ+ Friendly Doctors and Hospitals, LGBTQ+ Organizations, and LGBTQ+ Friendly Establishments.
Care of Creation Justice
Creation Care "The earth is the Lord's.." The Luther Memorial encourages greater awareness and joyful fulfillment of our mandate to become wise stewards of God’s creation. We seek to raise consciousness about the many actions we can take—as a church, as members of society, and as individual citizens—to reduce our impact on the Earth. Visit our CreationCare page to find out about our current programs, including a recycling program through the DAR, and our no-mow pollinator garden, and access important resources.
Justice for Women
Seriously?
Take a look at this video to see actual things said to women pastors by parishioners and male pastors in the North Carolina Lutheran Synod.https://youtu.be/bTcaAkG86QQ
National Women's History Alliance
Recognizing the achievements of women in all facets of life – science, community, government, literature, art, sports, medicine – has a huge impact on the development of self-respect and new opportunities for girls and young women. With an emphasis on positive role models and the importance of women from all backgrounds, the NWHA has developed a nationwide constituency of teachers, students, parents, public employees, businesses, organizations, and individuals who understand the critical link between knowing about historical women and making a positive difference in today’s world.
Women of the ELCA (WELCA) Resources
Lutheran women have a long history of Bible study, discipleship, and desire to deepen their spiritual life and learn about issues. Women of the ELCA offers free, downloadable program resources—all in English and many in Spanish—to help you grow in faith and engage in ministry and action. Click here to access these resources and stories.