Bishop Eaton Issues Response in Support of Jerusalem Patriarchs on Gaza
Dear church, Recently, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem issued an urgent plea to the global church, “A Humanitarian Plea From the Churches of Jerusalem: Defending the Dignity and Presence of the People of Gaza.” I write to uplift the timely and crucial words of these beloved
LAMPa Releases 2025-2027 Policy Agenda
The PA General Assembly runs on a biennial basis. LAMPa's Policy Council sets a policy agenda before each session begins and revises as necessary midway through the term. Below are the policy priorities and issue areas LAMPa will be focused on in as we begin this session. Other priorities
Proposed Medicaid Would Affect 1.3 Million PA Kids
The new administration’s proposed spending cuts could threaten 1.3 million Pennsylvania children who are enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP and depend on these programs for access to check-ups, doctor-recommended screenings, vaccinations and much more. Maintaining federal funding for these programs means keeping children safe and healthy, including children with special health
Presiding Bishop Eaton Issues Statement on Immigration Executive Orders
“When an alien resides with you in your land, you shall not oppress the alien. The alien who resides with you shall be to you as the native-born among you; you shall love the alien as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord
Presiding Bishop Eaton Issues Pastoral Message on Executive Orders
Dear church, On Monday, our nation witnessed the peaceful transfer of power central to our democracy, followed by sweeping actions by the incoming Trump administration. Facing such changes, we receive guidance through Martin Luther's words in the Large Catechism. In the fourth petition of the Lord's Prayer, where we pray
ELCA Observes National Day of Racial Healing
CHICAGO (Jan. 14, 2025) — In observance of the 2025 National Day of Racial Healing, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), in partnership with Augsburg Fortress Press, will host a free online educational event Tuesday, Jan. 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Central time. The National Day of
Presiding Bishop Eaton Issues Pastoral Message on Syria
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness — on them light has shined.” —Isaiah 9:2 Dear friends in Christ, Last week, much of the world was surprised to hear that the people of Syria were awaking to
A Pastoral Message from the ELCA Bishops of Pennsylvania
Advent 2024: A Season of Waiting and Hope Dear Pennsylvania Lutherans and Partners in Ministry, As we begin the season of Advent, we are reminded of the holy call to wait with hope and expectation. In this time of preparation, we recall the promise of God’s presence among us—Emmanuel, God with us—and
New Report: 2024 State of Children’s Health Finds Uninsured Rates for PA Children Stable, Yet Remains Too High
The number of uninsured children in Pennsylvania remains stable following last year's unwinding of the Medicaid continuous coverage provision, but no progress has been made, according to the 2024 State of Children's Health report by Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children. The report provides the first look at the impact of resuming
Take the LAMPa Network Survey
As we look forward to 2025 and beyond, LAMPa is ready to accompany you and our ELCA Lutheran ministries across the Commonwealth as we live into our baptismal call to strive for justice and peace. This biennial survey helps us discern where the Holy Spirit is leading us for public
