As Trans Individuals are Targeted, Coalition Calls for Action on Hate Crime Bills
In the aftermath of the recent murder of members of the LGBTQ community, the recent historic Supreme Court ruling, and ongoing conversations about equality and justice in our society, the Pa Coalition Against Hate, of which LAMPa is a member, issued the following statement: “Now in Pride Month, a time
ELCA Presiding Bishop Responds to Supreme Court Decision on DACA Program
June 18, 2020 This church urges “flexible and humane ways for undocumented persons who have been in this country for a specified amount of time to be able to adjust their legal status.” — ELCA social message, “Immigration” (1998) Today I rejoice in the renewal of dreams and the transformation
Pennsylvania Partnership for Children Releases 11th Annual State of Child Welfare
The Pennsylvania Partnership for Children (PPC) released their 11th annual State of Child Welfare report – a five-year analysis of how Pennsylvania fares with practices around child safety, placement and permanency – that outlines policy recommendations aimed at improving the child welfare system and includes county-level data and statewide and
Bishop Eaton Shares Message: This is the Day
June 5, 2020 “Out of my distress I called on the Lord” (Psalm 118:5). We are a nation in distress. We are a church in distress. The coronavirus has killed 103,000 of us. The virus of racism has taken hundreds of thousands more throughout our history. Now these two deadly
Pennsylvania’s Response to the 2020 Census
As of May 24, 2020, Pennsylvania households have responded to the 2020 Census above the national average. The national response to the census, thus far, is 60.1%, with Pennsylvania's response rate being 63.1.% according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Pennsylvania ranks 16th in the response rate out of 50
LAMPa Shares Survey In Response to COVID-19
LAMPa recently shared a survey with faith leaders throughout Pennsylvania inviting them to share how they may be adjusting ministries beyond their walls in response to COVID-19. The results of the survey will assist LAMPa in learning more how we may work together additionally and be better advocates for you
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 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
Human Trafficking Bill Passes Through PA Senate
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
Lutherans Raise Their Voices For God’s work. Our hands.
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.
