Posted on January 22, 2021 by ELCA Advocacy “With the start of the 117th Congress and a new administration, and as the devastating COVID-19 pandemic influences our lives and shapes our concerns, we face pressing need for national policy action. Yet even with changes, as Christians in the world our engagement is consistently shaped by...
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Pennsylvania’s Department of Human Services has released its first Racial Equity Report. The report highlights the departments ongoing efforts to “promote diversity, equity, and inclusion through this work in order to be a partner in correcting systemic racism and inequities.” “After the last year, we’ve learned more than ever that it is not enough to...
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The latest COVID-19 Relief Bill was signed into law on December 27, 2020. The $900 billion COVID-relief package includes housing provisions such as $25 billion in emergency rental assistance and an extension of the CDC’s federal eviction moratorium through January 31st. The relief bill will provide essential and desperately needed protections for renters, tens of...
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Join LAMPa United Lutheran Seminary (ULS) Intern Margaret (Meg) Folkemer for a weekly Compline Service. Since early pandemic days, Meg has been leading a compline or night prayer service every Wednesday evening live on Facebook with her family. According to Meg, “we started it as a simple way to provide connection with one another and...
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The room was spare and dimly lit. We sat on folding chairs in a circle—young Honduran women and some of us from the ELCA. We had come to Honduras to observe the work of AMMPARO (Accompanying Migrant Minors with Protection, Advocacy, Representation and Opportunities). This is the ELCA’s strategy to help youth who have been...
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“God heard the cry of a homeless people and delivered them out of oppression in Egypt. Jesus, “who [had] nowhere to lay his head” (Luke 9:58), ministered with compassion to the poor and vulnerable. In practicing hospitality, we are promised to encounter the living Lord: “I was a stranger and you welcomed me” (Matthew 25:35). ...
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LAMPa’s policy council met virtually on Dec. 3, 2021, and approved the following policy priorities for 2021. They are based on the experience of our ministries, guided by ELCA Social Statements and LAMPa’s mission: “In response to God’s love in Jesus Christ, we advocate for wise and just policies in Pennsylvania that promote the common...
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What you need to know: ALL December SNAP benefits will be loaded to EBT cards by Dec. 11 in a one-time payment for the whole month. This means: • Those receiving SNAP may get their benefits earlier than usual. It is NOT an added payment. • This one-time SNAP benefits issuance will include Emergency Allotments...
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The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), and leaders of The Episcopal Church, the Anglican Church of Canada and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada have joined together to offer the following Advent message: Churches Beyond Borders Advent Call to Address Racism and White Supremacy John the...
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United Way of Pennsylvania’s new fact sheets by Senate and House districts show how many ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families are struggling to afford child care across the Commonwealth. ALICE accounts for the 1.8 million households earning a wage more than the federal poverty level but still struggling to maintain a basic household...
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