PA Immigration Coalition Rallies at Capitol for a Strong and Welcoming Commonwealth
Across the Commonwealth, immigrant families are facing increased ICE enforcement and family separation while dangerous conditions are reported inside detention facilities. The PA Immigration Coalition (PIC), of which LAMPa is a part, has been calling on Governor Shapiro to resist ICE overreach for years. On July 29, immigrant leaders, families
LAMPa and Lutheran Partners Attend Pennsylvania Immigration Coalition Convening
Left to right: Cricket Hunter, Rev. Linda Theophilus, Daniella Garber, Pastor Jay Eckman On January 15–16, LAMPa and Lutheran partners joined the Pennsylvania Immigration Coalition (PIC) for its annual convening, hosted by Tree of Life Lutheran Church in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The gathering brought together advocates, organizers, service providers,
LAMPa Supports Office of New Pennsylvanians
On October 28, LAMPa Director Tracey DePasquale, the Rev. Andrew Berdahl, and Hunger Advocacy Fellow Daniella Garber joined advocates and lawmakers at the Pennsylvania Capitol for a press conference and to witness the House committee’s passage of legislation establishing an Office of New Pennsylvanians. House Bill 1113, introduced by Rep.
LAMPa Welcomes Anna Oslikova to Policy Council
LAMPa is delighted to announce that Anna Oslikova will be serving on its Policy Council. She will be serving in an "at-large" role. Oslikova is a 2025 graduate of Waynesboro Area Senior High School, and a member at Waynesboro Evangelical Lutheran Church. She is currently taking a gap year to
Bishop Eaton Issues Statement on the Passage of the OBBBA
“Whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all and especially for those of the family of faith.” —Galatians 6:10 Dear church, Today the U.S. Congress passed a budget package that will have a monumental impact on many in the country and on our ministries and
Bishop Eaton Issues Statement on Travel Ban
June 5, 2025 “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
ELCA Presiding Bishop Convenes Interfaith Partners in Solidarity Statement
CHICAGO (March 7, 2025) — ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton has convened a coalition of interfaith leaders in support of refugees and immigrants who are forced to flee their homes. In the statement, the leaders emphasize their collective commitment to “welcome the stranger and care for the most vulnerable.” “In
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.
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
