LAMPa Policy Council Sets 2020 Priorities and Elects Officers
LAMPa's Policy Council met on December 5, 2019 and adopted a broad agenda that encourages disciples to act where they are called, lifting their ministry context, lived experiences, vocations and gifts for public witness. Alleviating hunger, protecting all of creation, especially the most vulnerable, and addressing poverty and its root
Human Trafficking Bill Passes Through PA Senate
Pennsylvania Senate Bill 60, a bill designed to impose harsher penalties for traffickers and raise revenues to fund programs for child victims of sex trafficking, passed the Senate unanimously. LAMPa had advocated for both House and Senate versions of the bill as introduced, and is working to address concerns raised
New Lutheran Advocacy Video Resource Available
A new Lutheran Advocacy video is available for everyone to access and share how we are church together for the sake of the world God loves. In addition to explaining how our faith-rooted advocacy happens, the video also gives disciples tips in how to be advocates, with guidance for conducting
Pennsylvania Introduces Legislation to End Unfair Surprise Medical Bills
Surprise medical bills are alarmingly common in Pennsylvania. A 2018 study found that 1 in 3 Pennsylvania adults has received a surprise medical bill over the past year, and most of them don’t know where to turn to get help. Not sure what a surprise medical bill is? See the
Golden Rule 2020: Add Your Name to Call for Dignity and Respect in Politics
November 3, 2019, marks one year before the national elections. Many churches are demonstrating their concern about the polarization in our country by being part of Golden Rule 2020. The ELCA signed a joint statement of support available at https://www.revivecivility.org/golden-rule-2020-call-dignit. In part the statement says, “We believe that we can
Religious Security Summit Provides Resources for Congregations
One year after a man shot and killed 11 members of the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, PA, religious leaders gathered in the state capitol in Harrisburg to become more educated about methods to increase security and potentially thwart future incidents. Representatives from the Pennsylvania State Police, Federal Bureau
Upper Susquehanna Synod Launches Advocacy Team
Upper Susquehanna Synod launched its Advocacy Team, approved by Synod Council in September, with its inaugural meeting Oct. 22. Bishop Barbara Collins shared her dreams and expectations for the team, reflecting on the advocacy of synod hunger leaders and hopes that the synod might grow from that to advocate in
PA Sends Team To Lutheran Disaster Response Gathering Focused on Climate Change
LAMPa accompanied seven Pennsylvania Lutheran Disaster Response coordinators and synod representatives to the 2019 LDR Consultation in New Orleans in October to address climate change and its implications for our ministries. This year’s gathering focused on building relationships with synodical, congregational and advocacy partners to address not only disaster relief
Webinar Recording Available: The Moral Imperative of Climate Change
Climate for Health and Blessed Tomorrow, partnered with the Planetary Health Alliance, Harvard Divinity School, and the Center for the Study of World Religions to host a webinar, “The Moral Imperative to Improve Planetary Health Through Climate Solutions.” Cross-sector dialogue connected the available data on the direct health impacts of
New Research from Blessed Tomorrow & ecoAmerica: How Faith Communities Fuel Social Movements
EcoAmerica and Blessed Tomorrow have shared their latest research on How Faith Communities Fuel Social Movements: Lessons for Climate Advocacy from the Immigration Black Lives Matter, and President Trump Election Campaigns. While each effort is rooted in the authentic experiences of those impacted, the report examines the successful replicable strategies
