Lutheran Organizations Face Baseless Accusations of Financial Misconduct Fueled by Social Media Misinformation
CHICAGO – A wave of false accusations targeting Lutheran organizations swept across social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on February 1, 2025, falsely alleging financial impropriety and misuse of federal funds. The misinformation campaign, initiated by an account purporting to be General Michael Flynn, specifically implicated prominent Lutheran social service organizations, including Global Refuge (formerly Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service – LIRS) and Lutheran Services in America (LSA), claiming they received excessive government funding without proper accountability. This narrative gained dangerous traction when it was amplified by X owner Elon Musk, who linked the false claims to a purported investigation by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an organization presented as a newly established entity under the Trump administration, tasked with halting “illegal payments.” This claim, along with the existence of the DOGE itself, lacked any verifiable basis.
The allegations ignited immediate concern and outrage within the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and the broader faith community. For 85 years, Lutheran social service organizations have served as beacons of hope and compassion, providing vital support to refugees, immigrants, and vulnerable populations across the United States. Their work, funded in part through government grants, embodies a deep-rooted commitment to serving those in need and upholding Christian values of charity and justice. These grants are used to provide essential services to legally admitted refugees and other vulnerable individuals, continuing a long and respected legacy of service. The accusations, therefore, not only threatened the reputation of these organizations but also undermined the critical support they offer to marginalized communities.
ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton swiftly responded to the spreading misinformation, releasing a video message unequivocally denouncing the false claims and reaffirming the ELCA’s unwavering commitment to truth and service. “Despite misinformation and baseless doubt cast today on funding that supports Lutheran organizations across our country, the ELCA remains steadfast in our commitment and work with our many Lutheran partners and expressions of our church,” Bishop Eaton asserted. Her message underscored the church’s resolute stance against the rising tide of disinformation and its dedication to serving vulnerable populations, regardless of external attacks or unfounded accusations.
Bishop Eaton’s message echoed a broader call for truth and accountability issued by the ELCA Conference of Bishops in October 2024. The bishops, witnessing the increasing normalization of lies and deceit in public discourse, released a statement condemning such practices and urging political leaders to wield their influence responsibly. The February 1st incident served as a stark reminder of the real-world consequences of unchecked misinformation and reinforced the urgency of the bishops’ plea for ethical communication and responsible leadership. The ELCA’s firm commitment to truth resonates deeply with its core values and its dedication to upholding the Eighth Commandment: "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor." This commandment underscores the crucial importance of honesty and integrity in all aspects of life, including public discourse and the dissemination of information.
The incident involving the Lutheran organizations highlights a broader societal challenge: the rapid spread and amplification of misinformation on social media platforms. The power of influential figures to shape public opinion and the ease with which false narratives can gain traction online underscore the critical need for media literacy and critical thinking. The incident also reveals the vulnerability of well-established institutions and their reputations to coordinated disinformation campaigns. The ELCA’s experience serves as a cautionary tale for other organizations and underscores the importance of proactive communication and robust strategies to counter misinformation and protect their work.
The ELCA’s response to these baseless accusations serves as a testament to its unwavering commitment to its core values of service, truth, and justice. Rooted in a 2,000-year tradition of caring for the vulnerable and advocating for the marginalized, the church remains steadfast in its mission. In the face of misinformation, the ELCA reaffirmed its commitment to feed the hungry, care for the sick, and advocate for justice and dignity for all. The incident served to strengthen the resolve of the ELCA and its partner organizations to continue their essential work, undeterred by false accusations and committed to serving their neighbors in need. The ELCA remains committed to working alongside its Lutheran partners to ensure the continuation of vital services for the most vulnerable members of society, upholding its legacy of compassion and justice. The church’s enduring commitment to truth and service offers a powerful counter-narrative in a world grappling with the pervasive challenges of misinformation.
