I am encouraged by the strong support our congregation has shown for our Care of Creation Team. With that backing, we have replaced disposable, single-use items with durable alternatives: stainless-steel cups and mugs, glass communion cups, china cups and plates, and real silverware. Our 1,200-square-foot pollinator garden will likely double in size this summer, and by summer’s end we expect to install 128 rooftop solar panels that will supply most of our electricity. It is deeply gratifying to see this work welcomed with such enthusiasm.

That support, however, often diminishes—and even turns to pushback—when we ask members to advocate for legislation and civic action that would extend creation care beyond our church into the wider community. Similar resistance surfaced when we supported legislation calling for the treatment of immigrants (also part of God’s creation) in ways consistent with Jesus’ teaching and our church’s commitments. A few even threatened to leave for another congregation.

The Rev. Jan Schnell Rippentrop observes: “Lutherans have not always been eager to engage in advocacy and politics. Historically, we have been reluctant to challenge unjust systems or lead reform movements. After World War II, however, we faced a sobering lesson: many German Lutherans had remained silent as the Nazis carried out the brutal extermination of Jews. We realized that doing nothing in the face of evil is itself a form of acquiescence— ‘going along’ with evil. We learned, belatedly, that we are either part of the solution or part of the problem. Where did this reluctance come from? Does it reflect Martin Luther’s theology? The answer, emphatically, is no. Luther believed Christians should play an active role in the social and political order, and he often spoke prophetically for justice.” Are we not called to do likewise?

To paraphrase Article 16 of the ELCA Social Statement on Faith and Civic Life: Scripture teaches that discipleship has a prophetic character, calling us to pursue a society in which people can flourish. Therefore, Christians are called to participate in public life for the sake of our neighbors—especially those who are marginalized or oppressed. Our choices, and the policies we support, should be measured by how well they serve these neighbors and advance the common good.

In our country, we too often have this relationship reversed: politicians tell religious communities what they should believe and do. Jesus—and Luther after him—insisted it must be the other way around: our faith should shape our public witness. If we are serious about the change and urgent care our earth requires, our commitment cannot stop at congregational practices. It must extend into sustained advocacy in our local, national, and global communities. This is part of our discipleship; it is what Jesus would do.