Christian Public Witness Ministry
Representing the collective voice of member denominations, the Wisconsin Council of Churches takes seriously its role in bringing Christian witness to the public square. Recently, the Council:
- held a statewide Legislative Briefing at the State Capitol advocating for an increase in state support for the School Breakfast Program. Wisconsin ranks last among the 50 states in the percentage of low income children who participate in this critical anti-hunger program;
- successfully advocated for legislation to provide Treatment Instead of Prison (TIP) for non-violent drug offenders, in participation with WISDOM, the church-based community movement in southeast Wisconsin;
- opposed legislative efforts to reinstate the death penalty in Wisconsin;
- opposed legislative proposals to enshrine arbitrary spending caps in the state constitution that would harm our schools and communities, and our most vulnerable neighbors.
The Council is working to establish a statewide, ecumenical grassroots advocacy network focused on issues of social and economic justice. Justice in the biblical sense is achieved when all persons have what they need to survive, develop and thrive, and to give back to the community, along with the right of each person to share in the goods of creation. Christians at their best look to their common values and similarities in religious experience that provide foundations for mutual understanding, respect and collaboration, bringing diverse people together to solve social challenges and crises.
Legislative Alert Center
Use our Capwiz online advocacy tool to learn more about pending legislation and to make your opinions known to your state and federal legislators.
Connect me to the Capwiz Legislative Alert Center!
Christian Public Witness Guide
The Council recommends the Christian Public Witness Guide to persons wanting guidance on the Christian perspective on social and economic justice.
WCC Public Policy Statements
For a listing of WCC Board of Directors position statements and Council news releases check the Resources pages.
2010 Voter Education Guide
See how your congregation can help its members learn about the candidates and issues, encourage voter registration, raise the level of public dialogue, and exercise faithful citizenship in an election year. Download a copy of the 2010 Voter Education Guide in PDF format.
Advocacy Days at the Capitol
A biennial interfaith advocacy day at the capitol, “People of Faith United for Justice,” is sponsored by the Wisconsin Council of Churches together with other state religious organizations. Visit our Advocacy Day at the Capitol web page for information on past and upcoming Advocacy Day events.
Other Advocacy Resources
Check out this list of Advocacy Resources including resources from the 2009 Advocacy Day at the Capital.
What Else Can I Do?
Consider joining the Wisconsin Council of Churches advocacy network. To inquire or to indicate your interest contact the Council.
