Level Up Announces Campaign for Education Funding
Level Up, a coalition of more than a dozen education advocacy organizations from across the commonwealth, launched a campaign on April 15th to increase state funding for the 100 most underfunded school districts in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania ranks 44th in the nation for state share of funding for K-12 education and has
A Statement from Bishop Eaton on Racial Injustice
“But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream” (Amos 5:24). The last 16 days have been a microcosm of the original sins of racism and white supremacy in the United States. This has included the trial of Derek Chauvin in the killing of George Floyd; the extrajudicial killings of Daunte Wright
Bishop Eaton Issues Statement for Earth Day
Earth Day statement from Bishop Eaton 4/13/2021 1:05:00 PM O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom you have made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. —Psalm 104:24 Throughout Scripture, God promises to restore God's people to health and wholeness, a promise that includes the renewal of all creation. This promise
New Data Reveals Extent of Students Experiencing Homelessness
More and more of Pennsylvania’s school-age children were experiencing homelessness even before the pandemic, according to a newly released report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The study accumulates the locally reported totals of homeless children under five and those enrolled in pre-K through twelfth grade across eight regions of
Bishop Eaton Issues Message Addressing Anti-Asian Racism
My enemies trample on me all day long, for many fight against me. O Most High, when I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I am not afraid; what can flesh do to me? (Psalm 56:2-4). As a nation,
Welcoming Schools Survey Due March 15
Did you know that, currently, ONLY 6 out of the 500 school districts in Pennsylvania have explicit policies or resolutions in place that welcome and support immigrant and refugee students? The Welcoming Schools Campaign, a program of the Pennsylvania Immigration and Citizenship Coalition (PICC), aims to educate and empower immigrant and refugee students and
ELCA 2021 federal policy priorities for advocacy action
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
DHS Releases Racial Equity Report
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
Latest COVID-19 Relief Bill Includes Emergency Housing Provisions
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
Join LAMPa Seminary Intern for Weekly Compline
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
