ELCA signs Ecumenical Declaration Defending Refuge
Church World Service - As a Covenant Member the ELCA was part of drafting and signing The Ash Wednesday Ecumenical Declaration: Defending Refuge. Below you will find the final version of the Declaration. The declaration is now open for signatures from across the country, and will continue so through Lent.
Ashes-to-Go Service at the PA State Capitol Steps
Harrisburg, PA - On March 5, 2025, an ecumenical group of faith leaders offered“Ashes-to-Go,” at the foot of the front steps to the state Capitol. This inclusive event was open to all, regardless of faith tradition. Ashes-to-Go provides an opportunity for individuals to receive the mark of ashes on
DEP Hosts Community Climate Conversations
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is hosting Community Climate Conversations, a series of in-person workshops. These workshops are an opportunity to share your experiences, learn about Pennsylvania’s Climate Action Plan, and help shape solutions that work for everyone—especially communities most impacted by climate change. See the dates below
Stations of the Cross as Prayer Practice in the Public Sphere
Simon Bears the Cross, Jerusalem. Photo by Rev. Erin Jones. Every Lent Christians around the world engage in devotional activities that deepen their faith and understanding of the gift of the Cross and the call to follow Jesus as disciples. One such devotional practice that has captured the
ELCA Presiding Bishop Responds to Executive Orders on Immigration
ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton has issued a video message in response to the executive order on immigration that rolled back guidance to immigration authorities in protected areas such as places of worship, schools and hospitals. Eaton spoke out against the order and urged members and others to add their
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
Gov. Shapiro’s Proposed Budget Supports Investments in Hunger, Housing, Education
Gov. Josh Shapiro this week proposed a $51.5 billion spending plan that includes increases in several LAMPa priority areas, including hunger, housing, education equity and violence prevention, while calling for an increased minimum wage and proposing changes intended to spur energy production. The budget proposal would tap about $4.5 billion
Presiding Bishop Eaton Issues Statement on Immigration Executive Orders
“When an alien resides with you in your land, you shall not oppress the alien. The alien who resides with you shall be to you as the native-born among you; you shall love the alien as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord
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
