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
Bishop Davenport Participates in “Conversation on Race and Faith”
ELCA Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod Bishop Patricia A. Davenport was one of five conversationalists who participated in Interfaith Philadelphia’s “Conversation on Race and Faith” at WHYY January 17. The bishop joined the Rev. Steven Lawrence, president of NewCORE (A New Conversation on Race and Ethnicity), Rabbi David Strauss of Main Line
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
SEPA Bishop Davenport Honored
Bishop Patricia A. Davenport was honored recently with citations from Mayor Jim Kenney and the state House of Representatives at a reception at City Hall on Dec. 13. Various city officials shared remarks during the ceremony. State Rep. Joanna McClinton, a Democrat who represents the 191st District covering parts of
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
Lutherans Share Their Voices for God’s Work. Our Hands Sunday
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 service, several hundred letters were shared with state and federal
Human Services Secretary Participates in SNAP Challenge to Highlight Food Insecurity
Pennsylvania Human Services Secretary Teresa Miller announced that from September 24-28, she will take the SNAP Challenge to highlight Hunger Action Month, the importance of food access, and the prevalence of food insecurity across Pennsylvania. The week will also highlight the importance of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which
Learn about General Assistance Applications
Certain low-income Pennsylvanians can now apply for General Assistance again. On July 18, 2018, the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, in a unanimous decision, found that Act 80 of 2012 was enacted in a manner that violated the Pennsylvania Constitution. Act 80 did many things, including eliminating the General Assistance (GA)
No Kid Hungry Breakfast Grant Applications Available
Applications for No Kid Hungry breakfast grants are available online. You are encouraged to share this information with your local school district's director of food service so your district has the opportunity to expand access to school breakfast. Grants will support schools with the purchase of approved equipment, materials and
