ELCA Releases First Draft of Social Message on Government and Civic Engagement: Discipleship in a Democracy
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in American (ELCA) has shared The First Draft of the Social Message on Government and Civic Engagement: Discipleship in a Democracy. The development of this message on government, civic engagement, the relationship of church and state and related matters, was called for by the 2019 ELCA
LAMPa Participates in Solitary Confinement Press Conference
LAMPa advocates joined coalition partners and legislators at a press conference on Monday, February 3 to call upon the support of the Pennsylvania General Assembly to support HB 497 and SB 832, both of which seek to limit the use of solitary confinement in prisons because of the trauma it
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
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
New Resource Available – “The Forgotten Luther II: Reclaiming the Church’s Public Witness”
In this critical time in history, "The Forgotten Luther II: Reclaiming the Church's Public Witness", this volume argues that what is urgently needed is a cogent, clear, biblically based and theologically grounded rationale for the manner in which the church speaks and acts in the political arena. Lured at times
Take Action on General Assistance Now
The bill that would end General Assistance (GA) -- HB 33 -- was passed (March 25) by the PA House Health Committee and may move quickly to the House floor for a vote. Please reach out to your local PA House member or other legislators you have a relationship with
General Assistance: a Critical Program for Pennsylvania
LAMPa, along with organizations that serve communities across the Commonwealth, recently signed onto a letter asking Pennsylvania lawmakers to protect General Assistance (GA). The letter, delivered to all legislators, urges them to vote against House Bill 33, which would eliminate GA in Pennsylvania, and to ensure continued funding for GA
2019 ELCA Advocacy Policy Priorities
God is calling us into the world to serve together. Shaped by the ELCA’s social teaching documents and experiences of its congregations, ministries and partners, the ELCA advocates to end world hunger and stands up for policies that create opportunities to overcome poverty, promote peace and dignity, and preserve God’s
LAMPa Supports “Buyer Beware” Anti-Human Trafficking Bills
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania was honored to join Rep. Seth Grove , R-York, and Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill, R-York, as they announced their intent to introduce legislation to increase fines and prison sentences for criminals convicted of human trafficking. LAMPa Director Tracey DePasquale, Program Director Lynn Fry, and other members
PA Clean Slate Law Implementation Begins December 26
Clean Slate implementation begins as of December 26th, with thousands of Pennsylvanians newly eligible to seal their first-degree misdemeanors and their simple assault convictions. Pennsylvania's Clean Slate Law permits many criminal cases in Pennsylvania to be sealed – taken out of public view, so they cannot be used by employers,
