LAMPa Releases 2025-2027 Policy Agenda
The PA General Assembly runs on a biennial basis. LAMPa's Policy Council sets a policy agenda before each session begins and revises as necessary midway through the term. Below are the policy priorities and issue areas LAMPa will be focused on in as we begin this session. Other priorities
Proposed Medicaid Would Affect 1.3 Million PA Kids
The new administration’s proposed spending cuts could threaten 1.3 million Pennsylvania children who are enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP and depend on these programs for access to check-ups, doctor-recommended screenings, vaccinations and much more. Maintaining federal funding for these programs means keeping children safe and healthy, including children with special health
Presiding Bishop Eaton Issues Pastoral Message on Executive Orders
Dear church, On Monday, our nation witnessed the peaceful transfer of power central to our democracy, followed by sweeping actions by the incoming Trump administration. Facing such changes, we receive guidance through Martin Luther's words in the Large Catechism. In the fourth petition of the Lord's Prayer, where we pray
A Pastoral Message from the ELCA Bishops of Pennsylvania
Advent 2024: A Season of Waiting and Hope Dear Pennsylvania Lutherans and Partners in Ministry, As we begin the season of Advent, we are reminded of the holy call to wait with hope and expectation. In this time of preparation, we recall the promise of God’s presence among us—Emmanuel, God with us—and
Announcing Isaiah 58:12 Fellows for 2024-2025
LAMPa is pleased to announce two fellows for the Isaiah 58:12 Fellowship for 2024-2025! Annamary Oslikova and Liliyana Beck will begin their projects in their congregations and communities to further racial justice and reconciliation. Annamary Oslikova, member of Evangelical Lutheran Church of Waynesboro, is beginning her project, “Racial Disparities In
“God’s Work. Our Hands. Our Voices.” Take the Peace Pledge.
"By equipping the faithful to act for peace in all their communities, the Church contributes to earthly peace. In recalling our identity in baptism, in gathering in peace around the Lord’s Table, in telling the biblical narrative, in teaching faith, hope, and love, the Church provides the basics of peacemaking
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
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,
