Recently, there has been a lot of discussion about federal programs, Lutheran Services, and the impact they have on our community. We see this an important opportunity to share the work that our organization does to serve those who are oppressed, forgotten, and hurting, many of whom rely on federal and other government resources to provide them stability. We are calling on the community to join us in our advocacy with, and for, our neighbors who are most in need. Here are the ways you can help:
- Stand with us, in this moment, when people need to know about work that Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry provides and how it impacts the community.
- Communicate to your networks (social media, family, friends) how important it is to have a strong social services safety net.
- Talk to your elected officials and ask them to support organizations like LMM and the work that we do.
- Stay tuned to LMM announcements for the latest updates.
To learn more about the federal discussions about social services, visit The Impacts of the Recent Executive Orders on Nonprofits | National Council of Nonprofits.
For information specific to the Lutheran community, please visit Lutheran Services in America.
Why We Believe What We Believe
Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry has selected certain high-level topics to explain our philosophical approach and why we are taking the positions we are. We will provide links to additional information for each topic below.
We believe in a strong social services safety net that includes healthcare (Medicaid), access to Housing, healthy food (including SNAP), training and employment services, and community-based services to seniors and other vulnerable persons. Historically, LMM has been a strong supporter of Cuyahoga County and both of the Health and Human Services Levy. We have also worked with our state and local partners to pass legislation that reduces barriers to Housing and employment to help people live dignified lives.
Lately, however, there have been proposals at the Federal and State levels that would be disastrous for the populations that we serve. These include drastic reductions in health care coverage, proposed reductions in funding for food programs, and federal and state changes that would make it quicker and easier to evict people from their homes. There is serious concern that this would contribute to more housing instability.
Additionally, LMM is now a member of the Cuyahoga County Health and Human Services Chamber. This group is vital to coordinating nonprofit organizations from across the greater Cleveland area and providing points of advocacy. We will work with them and our network of nonprofit partners to continue to post advocacy points in the days and weeks to come.
As an organization, immigration is not typically an area that we spend much time examining. Scripture teaches us to welcome the stranger, and we serve anyone who comes to our doors in need of shelter. For persons who are in need of resettlement, we have various partners who offer assistance. In the absence of resettlement services, and with mass deportation efforts separating families, it is likely that more people may experience homelessness and further stress our safety net.
We are particularly concerned with the rhetoric coming out of the new administration attacking the Lutheran service organizations, particularly those who have provided refugee settlement services for decades and have been unfairly attacked with unfounded allegations that question Lutheran service offerings to the community. We stand in firm solidarity with Lutheran Services for America, our fellow Lutheran-associated service organizations, all faith-based organizations, as well as secular organizations desiring to service those in need.
Finally, Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry has long committed to social justice, which has been interwoven into our mission and culture since the founding of our organization over 55 years ago. Despite the attacks on DEI, we firmly believe that supporting persons who are marginalized and underserved through a culturally competent, person-centered, trauma-informed approach is critical to our ability to provide equitable and empowering services. Our Chief Executive Officer wrote about the intentional and honest approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion, which is fundamental to our religious, moral, and ethical obligations. That message can be found here.
Medicaid is a health insurance program that serves low-income families, children, older adults, and people living with disabilities. In February of 2025, LMM advocated against proposed $880 billion funding cuts to Medicaid at the federal level, causing deep concern for our organization, our community, and the people we serve.
Click here to read our full call to action from February 25, 2025.
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Date last updated: 3/7/25
