Responding To Conditions At The Border
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
ELCA Student Minister Deported
Betty Rendón, a synodically authorized minister in the Greater Milwaukee Synod, and members of her family were detained by immigration officials May 8. On May 28,Rendón and her husband, Carlos Hincapie, were deported to Colombia, from which they fled civil war in 2004. Her daughter (a DACA recipient) and granddaughter
Bishop Eaton Addresses Well-being of Children in Detention Centers
Children coming to our nation for safety and protection are still dying at our southern border while in U.S. detention. Carlos, a 16-year-old youth from Guatemala, died May 20 in the custody of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Wilmer, a 2-year-old, died May 14,
ELCA World Hunger Lent & VBS Materials Available
This Lent, walk with ELCA World Hunger as our church prepares us for the ministry God calls us to this season - the ministry of hope, liberation and restoration for our world. The practices of Lent - repentance, prayer and fasting, sacrifical giving and works of love - will guide
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
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
Farm Bill Update
Despite efforts by leadership in the House and Senate Agriculture committees, Congress failed to reauthorize the farm bill by the Sept. 30 deadline. With the prior law now expiring, dozens of programs will stop and many others placed on hold. Long-standing authorized programs such as crop insurance and SNAP will
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
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
