LAMPa Policy Council Sets 2019 Priorities & Elects New Officers
The Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania (LAMPa) Policy Council met on December 6, 2018, to set their agenda priorities for the upcoming term of the Pennsylvania General Assembly. Following a thoughtful, engaging and lengthy conversation among those present the following priorities were identified: Hunger; Creation Care; Poverty; and the 2020
LSS Bishop’s Christmas Message on Immigration
December 18, 2018 Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Advent Dear partner in ministry: A Pastoral Christmas Message on Immigration They were a family of modest means, working folks, who wanted only to live peacefully in their homeland and give their baby son a good life. Unfortunately, instability and
Take Action Now on the Flores Settlement-Agreement
What is it? Reno v. Flores, also known as “The Flores Settlement” was a 1997 Supreme Court ruling that set standards for immigrant minors when going through the court system. Specifically, the case addressed the issue of unaccompanied minors when in the custody of federal authorities. It ruled that detained
Welcoming School Resources Available
At the commencement of a new school year, wouldn't it be great to focus on making your district a welcoming school to all students? Resources, including a tool kit, are available online to assist you. Working with your school board and community, join other districts in Pennsylvania to officially welcome
ELCA Presiding Bishop Responds to Supreme Court Decision on Travel Ban
June 26, 2018 Thus says the Lord: Act with justice and righteousness, and deliver from the hand of the oppressor anyone who has been robbed. And do no wrong or violence to the alien, the orphan, and the widow ... (Jeremiah 22:3). I am dismayed by the Supreme Court’s recent
Bishop Eaton Issues Statement on Executive Order
Statement from Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton on executive order 6/22/2018 About two weeks ago, I joined more than 20 other faith leaders in raising concerns about the administration’s announced plans that it would begin separating families and criminally prosecuting all people who enter the U.S. without previous authorization. In line
Pennsylvania Synods Pass Resolutions at Assemblies
Four ELCA Synods in Pennsylvania voted to pass resolutions regarding social justice issues at their recent assembly gatherings. The Lower Susquehanna Synod, meeting at Messiah College, May 31 - June 1, 2018, adopted a resolution regarding homelessness. The Northwestern Pennsylvania Synod, meeting at Thiel College, June 15-16, 2018, adopted a
Safe Harbor Bill Moves Out of House Judiciary Committee
Senate Bill 554, which would provide "Safe Harbor" for victims of child sex trafficking, was voted out of the House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, June 5. The legislation, which LAMPa and others have been advocating for years, is poised for a full House vote. Click here to learn more and
ELCA presiding bishop issues statement on Dreamers
2/9/2018 10:00:00 AM Immigration is an ever-present topic at our dinner tables and in our congregations as Congress continues to discuss long-overdue protection for thousands of our community members who lack permanent legal status. Scripture calls us to welcome the sojourner. God commanded of the Israelites: "The stranger who resides
ELCA Bishops, Advocates Urge Congress to Protect Refugees, Migrants
At the end of March, over 100 Lutheran leaders, including Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton, met with congressional offices in Washington, D.C. to urge their members of Congress to protect and welcome vulnerable refugees and migrant children fleeing the endemic violence and persecution in their communities. Add your voice to theirs
