PA 2024-25 Budget Passed; Hunger Remains Underfunded
Late Thursday, July 11, the Pennsylvania General Assembly voted on a $47.6 billion budget for fiscal year 2024-25. The final compromise was about $860 million below what Governor Josh Shapiro had initially proposed in February but maintained commitments to key programs Lutherans in Pennsylvania have diligently advocated for this cycle
Bishop Eaton Addresses Political Violence
For he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us (Ephesians 2:14). Just a few weeks ago in my June column for Living Lutheran I wrote, “I can’t think of an election cycle
LAMPa Condemns Political Violence at Butler Rally
On Saturday, June 13 at a campaign rally for former President Donald Trump in Butler, gunshots were fired. As of this writing, there are not many details, but at least two people have lost their lives - the shooter and one rally participant, according to the Associated Press. LAMPa
Find LAMPa at the NYG; Win a Week at Camp
LAMPa will be at the National Youth Gathering! Quentin Bernhard, Hunger Advocacy Fellow, will be with ELCA Advocacy national staff at the Witness in Society booth (F9D) in the Interactive Center. Pennsylvania congregations and youth are encouraged to stop by to learn about how they can use their voices to
Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod Launches Renewed Commitment to Ending Hunger
In celebration of 50 years of Lutheran hunger ministries, the Hunger Team of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod has launched a renewed commitment to ending hunger in their communities and around the globe. A dedicated group braved scorching heat to participate in the synod's Walk for Hunger, held June 22
Bishop Eaton Expresses Disappointment in Grants Pass Supreme Court Decision
June 28, 2024 I am disappointed by the Supreme Court's decision in Grants Pass v. Johnson, which clears the way for onerous civil and criminal penalties for unsheltered neighbors forced to sleep in parks or on other public property. This could jeopardize the work of Lutheran ministries and organizations dedicated
Isaiah 58:12 Fellowship Deadline Extended
LAMPa has extended the deadline for applications to the Isaiah 58:12 Fellowship to July 28th, 2024. Communications and Advocacy Engagement Coordinator, Rev. Erin Jones, expressed her hope this extension would enable interested youth and young adults more time for creating their proposals. "We recognized that with the National Youth Gathering pending,
PA Budget Still Pending After Deadline
The June 30th constitutional deadline for the 2024-25 budget has come and gone, but both Senate Republican leadership and Governor Shapiro have expressed optimism that final negotiations will be reached soon. Governor Shapiro's proposed $48.3 billion budget includes several ambitious proposals around affordable housing, health care, and education equity. It
Affordable Housing is “Out of Reach” for Many PA Workers
To afford a modest, two-bedroom apartment at fair market rent in Pennsylvania, full-time workers need to earn $26.26 per hour. This is Pennsylvania’s “2024 Housing Wage” according to Out of Reach, a report published jointly today by the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) and the Housing Alliance of Pennsylvania
Bishop Eaton Issues Message on War on Gaza
June 5, 2024 Dear church, For eight horrific months war has raged in Gaza. Thousands of people have died, and thousands more are suffering. In recent days we have seen unspeakable images of violence in Rafah and escalating violence in the West Bank. Like the prophet Isaiah, we lament, “How
