September 16-17, 2025
Washington D.C.
"Hate evil, and love good, and establish justice in the gate." – Amos 5:15
An Invitation to Make A Strong Impact
2025 has seen relentless attacks on civil rights, equal rights, refugee resettlement, and support for the most vulnerable globally and nationally. People of faith are sensing a call to embody the call of Amos - Hate Evil, and love good, and establish justice in the gate (5:15).As Lutheran leaders—bishops, pastors, deacons, and faith leaders—please join us to gather as a public witness to God's justice and mercy. Together, we pray to gather 500+ leaders to stand at the “gate” of Washington, D.C., where harmful decisions are made that shape the lives of immigrants and refugees, LGBTQIA+ people, and all those who are pushed to the margins, and are being erased in front of our eyes. This gathering will root and connect us together as we journey forward in our work together.
Why We Gather
We are Lutheran Christians—rostered and lay—gathering in a time of growing injustice against refugees, immigrants, 2SLGBTQIA+ people, those experiencing poverty, and many pushed to the margins and harmed by unjust systems. We are compelled by our faith to proclaim good news and act with courage. Rooted in Amos' call to justice, we gather not only to pray, but to build relational power and pursue sustained change.
This is more than a two-day event in our hearts and minds. It’s a faithful step into a sustained movement over multiple years—deepening relationships, naming what is broken, and discerning a shared call to action.
What Guides Us
We are:
WITH those who suffer violence, exclusion, or erasure and organizations that advocate and work on their behalf.
AGAINST systems and rhetoric that deny dignity.
COMMITTED to sustained empowerment, advocacy, and organizing beyond this moment.
CALLED to act from our Christian Lutheran commitments to justice, accountability, and mercy.
What Gathering at the Gate Is
This is a grassroots movement, and we pray only a starting point. We are working to create the capacity for leaders to show up, listen deeply, and speak clearly. We gather to root ourselves in faith, amplify marginalized voices, and build trust that can carry lasting work forward. We gather as Lutherans, friends, and neighbors with and for the whole church and world.
“Be merciful, just as your God is merciful.” – Luke 6:36
Event Details
Registration
Includes 1-2 meals and programming
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Please note that no weapons of an sort will be permissible - security is very high.
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Some notes to consider for accessibility:
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Please consider bringing a mobility device if standing or walking for 30 minutes at a time is a challenge for you. The Metro is accessible.
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DC is a lot of walking, wear comfortable shoes, dress for the weather, and rostered leaders are encouraged to wear a collar and/or stoles at action on Tuesday. More schedule details to come.
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Schedule
*Tentative
Tuesday, September 16
St. Paul Lutheran 4900 Connecticut Ave NW Washington
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1 - 2 pm Grounding exercises/community building/covenant making
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2 - 4 pm Advocacy/Training/small group caucusing
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4 - 5:30 pm Free Time to do 1:1’s, fellowship, walk around, check-in to housing, time with chaplains, Farmer’s Market onsite
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5:30 pm Meal at St. Paul’s
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7:00 pm Worship
Wednesday, September 17
Lutheran Church of the Reformation 212 East Capitol St. NE
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7:30 am Optional Light Breakfast (available until 11am)
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8:30 - 9:30 am Public Witness at Upper Senate Park
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10 am - 3 pm 40 min Reformation Convos with Partners begin on the hour (at Lutheran Church of the Reformation)
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Legislative Meetings
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12 pm Lunch on Own
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3 pm Sending Worship
Join us in answering the call to justice. Register today and stand with us at the gate!!!
Equity Fund: Ensuring Access for All Leaders
We believe that every faith leader called to this moment should have the opportunity to participate in Gathering at the Gate, regardless of financial barriers. The Equity Fund exists to provide support for those in need of assistance with travel, housing, and registration costs, ensuring that all who feel called to this gathering can fully engage.
📌 Request Support Through the Equity Fund
If financial constraints would prevent you from attending, we invite you to apply for assistance. Funds are limited and will be distributed based on need and availability. To request support, please complete the Equity Fund Request Form here:
🔗 Apply for Equity Fund Assistance
💙 Support a Leader’s Participation
You can make a direct impact by contributing to the Equity Fund. Your donation will help cover travel, lodging, and registration costs for clergy and leaders who need financial assistance to attend. Every gift ensures that diverse voices and experiences are present as we stand together in faith and justice.
Together, we can make Gathering at the Gate an inclusive and transformative experience for all. Thank you for your generosity and commitment to justice!
This is not just a gathering—it is a call to action and the continuation of a movement. As faith leaders, we will gather not only to pray, but to share, accompany, and to act in the name of justice and love. This is a first step of many, uniting our spirits, and seeking God’s guidance as we move forward in faith.
"Be merciful, just as your God is merciful." – Luke 6:36
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