"There is no longer Jew or Greek, no longer slave or free, there is no longer male or female, for all of you are one in Christ Jesus"
Galatians 3:28

The Human Rights Team of the South-Central Synod of Wisconsin works toward advocacy, education, and programming in the Synod regarding issues of human rights and justice in God's creation.  As a member of the Global Connections Ministry Team, the team not only addresses the concerns and struggles of people abroad, but also here in the United States, in Wisconsin, and our local communities.  We work in cooperation with the ELCA Churchwide Advocacy Unit and through the Lutheran Office for Public Policy in Wisconsin.  Through the Lutheran World Federation and other ecumenical groups, the church offers support to many different struggles against tyranny and oppression around the world.

Within our Synod, we have worked on campaigns, such as "Stand with Africa" and the ONE Campaign.  We have also worked on resolutions that have been passed by the Synod's Assembly such as its recent opposition to the Wisconsin constitutional amendment banning civil unions and same-sex marriage.

Our work includes leading educational sessions and dialogue in the synodical setting, coordinating work with local congregations, and advocating for legislative action in government and the church.  We also are available to help individual churches with their Human Rights & Justice issues, whether we provide a speaker or help them learn how to become Christian advocates in our society.

One of the fundamental truths for the church is that we are all one in Christ Jesus.  If one member of humanity is hurt in this world, the entire body of Christ is hurt.  We are entrusted to continually call for and be agents of God's grace to the oppressed, the poor, the sick, the hungry, the naked, the least of all.

TEAM MEMBERS:
Tim Mumm, Chair, Luther Memorial, Delavan
Klover Schafer, Vermont Lutheran, Black Earth
Rev. Clint Schnekloth, East Koshkonong Lutheran Church, Cambridge
Wayne Nelson, Advent Lutheran Church, Madison
Marj Nelson, Advent Lutheran Church, Madison
Rev. Sue Moline Larson
Rev. Martha Nack, Lutheran Social Services
Evon Mitchell
Tamra Harder
Eric Peterson, Bethel Lutheran Church, Madison

RESOURCES AND LINKS:
ONE Campaign
ELCA Advocacy Unit
Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service
Free in Christ to Serve the Neighbor… (New churchwide study on human sexuality)
Lutheran Office for Public Policy in Wisconsin
ELCA Washington D.C. Office (Lobbying and Advocacy)
www.lcna.org     Lutherans Concerned of North America
www.goodsoil.org
www.soulforce.org  Soulforce
www.lsswis.org       Lutheran Social Services
www.lirs.org            Lutheran Immigration Refugee Service