In recent weeks and months, immigration enforcement activity has generated significant fear and disruption in many communities connected to the church. For some, this fear is deeply personal. For others, it is experienced through ministry — walking alongside families, congregations, and neighbors; following the example of Jesus found in scripture and bearing faithful witness to God’s merciful and compassionate love.
As a ministry of the ELCA, Portico is shaped by the church’s long-held convictions about the dignity of every person and the call to seek justice and uphold basic human rights. We lament the loss of life, we mourn with those who are grieving, and we pray for peace, justice, accountability, and actions that reduce harm and fear in our communities.
In moments like this, our role is to help reduce the burden by strengthening access to whole-person well-being resources — especially mental health and trauma support — for rostered ministers, church staff, and their families, including those accompanying communities under stress.
“Untreated fear and trauma harm not just individuals, but families, workplaces, and communities.”
What we encourage right now: ELCA Health Plan members should make use of available well-being and mental health resources and reach out for help when circumstances feel overwhelming.
What we are actively assessing: With church leadership and strategic partners, we are clarifying where existing benefit provisions and support pathways may be used to respond to urgent needs in this moment — and whether additional support may be possible. As this work continues, we’ll share updates and connect leaders with resources.
What we are doing as the ELCA’s largest institutional investor: Portico utilizes ELCA Corporate Social Responsibility policies to choose areas where we can help move companies toward more sustainable and ethical business practices through shareholder advocacy. This advocacy work includes engaging companies in areas around human rights.
We, along with other faith-based shareholders, are using our collective voice to urge Target’s CEO and Board of Directors for oversight and transparency about how the company is addressing the impact of recent reputational challenges on performance, stakeholder trust, and long-term growth. We also are engaging with Home Depot around data privacy rights including sharing sensitive customer data and their deployment of Automated License Plate Reader cameras in its parking lots.
We pray for all who are afraid, all who are grieving, and all who are serving in the midst of turmoil. We echo the church’s call for accountability and for actions that reduce harm and fear in our communities. We remain committed to walking alongside the church with compassion, clarity, and faithful stewardship.