Legislature enacts budget with childcare tax credit, indigent defense; addressing medical debt and whole-home repairs delayed
The General Assembly ended 2023 with passage of code bills that enact the budget. After months of stalled negotiations, and almost halfway through the fiscal year, the final bill passed with significant bipartisan support and was signed immediately by Gov. Shapiro. “I think it's important to note that we learned
PA House Passes Hate Crimes Legislation
In the midst of rising violence and expressions of hatred, particularly toward Jewish and Muslim communities in the U.S. in the wake of conflict in the Middle East, the state House of Representatives on Tuesday passed three bills to strengthen the Commonwealth’s hate crime laws. Supported by votes from both
ELCA 2021 federal policy priorities for advocacy action
Posted on January 22, 2021 by ELCA Advocacy “With the start of the 117th Congress and a new administration, and as the devastating COVID-19 pandemic influences our lives and shapes our concerns, we face pressing need for national policy action. Yet even with changes, as Christians in the world our
Join LAMPa Seminary Intern for Weekly Compline
Join LAMPa United Lutheran Seminary (ULS) Intern Margaret (Meg) Folkemer for a weekly Compline Service. Since early pandemic days, Meg has been leading a compline or night prayer service every Wednesday evening live on Facebook with her family. According to Meg, "we started it as a simple way to
ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth A. Eaton Shares Christmas Message
The room was spare and dimly lit. We sat on folding chairs in a circle—young Honduran women and some of us from the ELCA. We had come to Honduras to observe the work of AMMPARO (Accompanying Migrant Minors with Protection, Advocacy, Representation and Opportunities). This is the ELCA’s strategy
LAMPa Policy Council Sets 2021 Priorities
LAMPa's policy council met virtually on Dec. 3, 2021, and approved the following policy priorities for 2021. They are based on the experience of our ministries, guided by ELCA Social Statements and LAMPa's mission: "In response to God's love in Jesus Christ, we advocate for wise and just policies in
ELCA joins ecumenical partners in Advent message: Churches Beyond Borders Advent Call to Address Racism and White Supremacy
The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), and leaders of The Episcopal Church, the Anglican Church of Canada and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada have joined together to offer the following Advent message: Churches Beyond Borders Advent Call to Address Racism
United Way of PA Updates ALICE Reports
United Way of Pennsylvania's new fact sheets by Senate and House districts show how many ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families are struggling to afford child care across the Commonwealth. ALICE accounts for the 1.8 million households earning a wage more than the federal poverty level but still struggling
Bishop Eaton Shares Post Election Message
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton speaks to the church about the election in a video message. The following is the video transcript: Today, the uncertainty of this election is causing anxiety and stress for many, not only in our church, but also across our nation
ELCA Provides Worship Resources for a National Election
Many of us feel pulled to prayer in the lead up to the election. The new ELCA Worship resource, “Worship Resources for a National Election" contains crafted prayers and suggestions for sacred music to guide worship, prayer, vigils, and devotions preceding or following the election. These resources are offered in
