Category: Human Trafficking
January 6, 2020
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 causes remain central to the...
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November 26, 2019
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 by amendments just prior to...
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September 27, 2019
ELCA congregations across Pennsylvania shared their voices for “God’s work. Our hands” Sunday by addressing letters to legislators, federal and state, advocating on behalf of those whose voices may not always be heard. As a result of their thoughtful advocacy, several hundred letters were shared with state and federal lawmakers. “It was the first time...
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August 14, 2019
At the 2019 ELCA Churchwide Assembly, gathered in Milwaukee August 5-10, voting delegates adopted a social statement focused on sexism and gender justice: “We believe all people are created equally in the image of God. Every individual is dependent upon God, and all share in the God-given vocation to contribute their gifts to help all...
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July 8, 2019
Recent news stories of appalling conditions at immigrant detention centers and of deep human sorrow on our country’s southern border have many of us desperate to be part of change. Mary Campbell, ELCA’s Director of AMMPARO (Accompanying Migrant Minors with Protection, Advocacy, Representation and Opportunities) invites any faith leader (not just ELCA – rostered and...
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May 31, 2019
Lutherans from across the Commonwealth gathered in the Capital on May 20 to speak up for the hungry, network with statewide advocates, worship, learn about hunger and child nutrition, human trafficking, climate change, prescription drug pricing, the ELCA’s proposed Declaration of Inter-Religious Commitment with keynote Kathryn Lohre, and more. In addition, the day included worship,...
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February 11, 2019
LAMPa, along with coalition partners who advocated for “Safe Harbor” legislation for the past four years are featured in a February Living Lutheran article. The article, written by Courtney Olsen, explores what happens “When Disciples Use Their Voice: Advocacy Leads to New Legislation.” The article documents the long and arduous collaborative process the passage of...
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February 6, 2019
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 creation. Introduced by the ELCA...
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January 9, 2019
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 of the Pa. Interfaith Justice...
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October 28, 2018
The unanimous passage of Safe Harbor legislation protecting child sex trafficking victims in Pennsylvania was the last act of the General Assembly before recessing prior to Tuesday election. Gov. Tom Wolf signed the bill into law on Oct. 24. The law redirects victims away from prosecution for prostitution or other crimes related to their trafficking...
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