Webinars for Faithful Engagement in An Election Year
In addition to resources prepared by ELCA Witness in Society, LAMPa hosted two Pennsylvania-specific webinars to support faithful engagement in an election year. What's Being Done to Ensure Every PA Voter Can Cast a Ballot Safely and With Confidence LAMPa and The Committee of Seventy, the Commonwealth’s oldest nonpartisan good-government
Bishop Curry Issues Statement on the Death Penalty
Dear church, My heart was troubled by the recent proposal to livestream an execution in the United States. I am thankful that this plan has now been cancelled. The deliberate taking of a human life should never become a public spectacle. Such actions risk deepening the wounds of victims’ families,
Project HALO Seeking Volunteers to Celebrate and Serve on Election Day
Project HALO, an ELCA-supported effort that offers faith leaders, veterans, teachers and other trusted community members a nonpartisan way to support and celebrate the right to vote, is growing and in need of volunteers in Pennsylvania for November. Volunteers at Project HALO's celebration station in York County on Primary
Bishop Curry: A Call to be Trusted Messengers in this Election Season
Presiding Bishop Curry issues his fourth in a series of monthly messages that continue through the end of this year, titled "All Together in One Place." Each message will share a pastoral word, rooted in Scripture, that witnesses to God's presence today, our rich theological tradition and the social teaching that
Expansion and Consequences of Police/ICE Agreements in PA
The 287(g) program, created in 1996 to allow the federal government to delegate certain immigration enforcement responsibilities to trained state and local officers, has expanded dramatically in the last year, raising concerns about racial profiling and civil rights violations as well as decreased community trust and safety for both communities
2026-27 State Budget Keeps Hunger Funding Intact, Protects Benefits
The 2026-27 $50.8 billion state budget passed July 12, only a week and a half after the deadline, avoiding a repeat of last year's months-long budget impasse. The enacted budget leaves out many sought-after policy changes, but makes strides in several areas, including housing, education, violence prevention, and hunger
PA Immigration Coalition Rallies at Capitol for a Strong and Welcoming Commonwealth
Across the Commonwealth, immigrant families are facing increased ICE enforcement and family separation while dangerous conditions are reported inside detention facilities. The PA Immigration Coalition (PIC), of which LAMPa is a part, has been calling on Governor Shapiro to resist ICE overreach for years. On July 29, immigrant leaders, families
All Together in One Place: A Message from Presiding Bishop Curry
Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry issues his third in a series of monthly messages that continue through the end of this year, titled "All Together in One Place." Each message will share a pastoral word, rooted in Scripture, that witnesses to God’s presence today, our rich theological tradition and the social
2026-27 State Budget Due June 30 — Make Your Voice Heard
The 2026-27 state budget is due at the end of the month (June 30), and negotiations are ongoing. After last year's budget passed more than 130 days late, Pennsylvania lawmakers are hopeful they can avoid a similar delay this year. For LAMPa, hunger is a top budget priority. What happens
Project HALO engages Lutherans in Election Support and Celebration
Lutherans Molly Wirick, Lori Serratelli and the Rev. George Scott serve at the HALO Project celebration station in Cumberland County during the Primary Election. Volunteers served in more than 90-degree heat! On Primary Election day, Lutherans in south central Pennsylvania joined with veterans, faith leaders, legal professionals and
