ELCA Partners With Census for Neighbor and Ourselves
Our communities are significantly shaped by census data, and Census 2020 will update these numbers for the first time in 10 years. The ELCA is an official partner of the 2020 Census to encourage the most accurate count possible. “Funding for over 100 federal programs, many of which combat poverty
Standing for Protections for LGBTQ Pennsylvanians
Lutheran advocates stood with lawmakers and supporters of protections for LGBTQ Pennsylvanians in the Capitol on Feb. 3 as members of the LGBTQ community and their families shared stories of continued discrimination in housing and employment in Pennsylvania. “I was saddened by all of the heart-rending stories,” said the Rev.
LAMPa Participates in Solitary Confinement Press Conference
LAMPa advocates joined coalition partners and legislators at a press conference on Monday, February 3 to call upon the support of the Pennsylvania General Assembly to support HB 497 and SB 832, both of which seek to limit the use of solitary confinement in prisons because of the trauma it
New Resource: “Unpacking White Privilege: The Important Work of Making the Church Less Harmful”
For years, the ELCA has been working to educate and inspire Lutherans to promote fairness and racial equity in our churches, communities and country. At the 2019 Churchwide Assembly, the "Strategy Toward Authentic Diversity in the ELCA" was adopted. This strategy includes a commitment to digging deeper into the history
Non-Profit Security Grant Applications Available Through Feb. 14
Governor Tom Wolf announced the availability of $5 million in funding for security enhancement projects for nonprofit organizations serving diverse communities throughout Pennsylvania. Applicants are eligible for security enhancements designed to protect the safety and security of the users of a facility located in the commonwealth that is owned or
LAMPa Policy Council Sets 2020 Priorities and Elects Officers
LAMPa's Policy Council met on December 5, 2019 and adopted a broad agenda that encourages disciples to act where they are called, lifting their ministry context, lived experiences, vocations and gifts for public witness. Alleviating hunger, protecting all of creation, especially the most vulnerable, and addressing poverty and its root
ELCA Presiding Bishop Responds to Anti-Semitic Incidents in New York
December 30, 2019 Today is the last day of Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. As our Jewish siblings lighted the menorah, they sang this blessing: We kindle these lights because of the wondrous deliverance You performed for our ancestors. During
New Lutheran Advocacy Video Resource Available
A new Lutheran Advocacy video is available for everyone to access and share how we are church together for the sake of the world God loves. In addition to explaining how our faith-rooted advocacy happens, the video also gives disciples tips in how to be advocates, with guidance for conducting
Pennsylvania Introduces Legislation to End Unfair Surprise Medical Bills
Surprise medical bills are alarmingly common in Pennsylvania. A 2018 study found that 1 in 3 Pennsylvania adults has received a surprise medical bill over the past year, and most of them don’t know where to turn to get help. Not sure what a surprise medical bill is? See the
Golden Rule 2020: Add Your Name to Call for Dignity and Respect in Politics
November 3, 2019, marks one year before the national elections. Many churches are demonstrating their concern about the polarization in our country by being part of Golden Rule 2020. The ELCA signed a joint statement of support available at https://www.revivecivility.org/golden-rule-2020-call-dignit. In part the statement says, “We believe that we can
