Social Justice Issues

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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.

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.

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. 

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

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.

We are not meeting in December 2022.  Our next gathering of the “Rainbow Connection” ministry will be held on Sunday afternoon, January 8, 2023 at 4 pm. The get-together will take place in the Fellowship Hall at the church, located at 600 Prices Fork Road in Blacksburg.   Rainbow Connection gatherings are intended to be a safe space for LGBTQIA+  persons and allies to gather, socialize, network, and share their concerns.  This intergenerational group is open to anyone in the Blacksburg area.  Anyone over the age of 18 is welcome, and students and faculty from Virginia Tech are  encouraged to participate.     

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.

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.

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.