This Advent season is an opportunity to reflect on what faithful advocacy means. Join the ELCA Advocacy in our Advent Devotions Series. Please share with friends and family.
This weeks devotional is given by Tammy Walhof. She works at Lutheran Advocacy – Minnesota.
The lectionary readings for this Sunday are:
Blessings
By Christine Mangale, Lutheran Office for World Community, New York.
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has been sounding the alarm bells on the plight of refugees and migrants for some time to call attention to the urgent concerns on populations on the move. There are approximately 65 million forcibly displaced persons, including over 21 million refugees, 3 million asylum seekers and over 40 million internally displaced persons (IDPs). In 2015, the number of migrants passed 244 million[1]. There are many reasons for migration, but in recent years, forced displacement of people is being driven by root causes such as conflicts, persecution, violence, loss of livelihoods and natural disasters. Even so, all countries are somehow affected by migration.
A refugee, according to the United Nations Refugee Convention, is “someone who is unable or unwilling to return to their country of origin owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion”[2]. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) defines a migrant as “any person who is moving or has moved across an international border or within a State away from his/her habitual place of residence…”[3]
The world keeps witnessing hundreds of people drowning at sea, exploitation and abuse of refugees and migrants and refusal of some countries to protect and assist them with the most basic services, such as food, shelter, health care, education, and safety.
The international community was jolted to action in 2015 and for the first time ever, the United Nations General Assembly called for a high level plenary meeting on addressing large movements of refugees and migrants. The summit’s aim was to galvanize Member States to collaborate, coordinate and offer lasting solutions to protect and assist the millions of refugees and migrants. Civil society organizations (CSOs), including faith-based organizations (FBOs), many of whom provide aid and services to refugees and migrants joined in to call for political will, solidarity and responsibility sharing to protect refugees and migrants on the move, upon arrival and during resettlement.
The Ambassadors of the Permanent of Missions of Ireland and Jordan were appointed to facilitate the Summit process. Informal meetings and negotiations took place from February to July 2016. The negotiation resulted into an outcome document titled the “New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants” which was formally adopted by the General Assembly on September 9, 2016, and Heads of State and Governments endorsed it at the High-Level Summit on September 19,2016. The Declaration commences a two multi-year process to prepare a Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework 
and a Global Compact for safe, orderly and regular migration.
CSOs responded to the outcome of the Summit saying “There is progress in this, but nowhere near enough. Some governments are ready with energy, practical solutions and political will to work together and with civil society, but too many governments continue to hold back”[4].
The Lutheran Office for World Community (LOWC) collaborated closely with the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) in advance of the summit as part of a civil society action committee. LWF endorsed the committee’s call for “A New Deal for refugees, migrants and societies” and a subsequent Act Now statement and scorecard. LOWC staff attended the Summit and is planning to be engaged with LWF in post-Summit follow-up activities in New York and Geneva. LOWC is also coordinating post-Summit follow-up with the Assistant Director for Migration Policy and Advocacy in the ELCA Advocacy office in Washington, DC.
Looking ahead, CSOs including FBOs are playing significant role to urge the implementation of the commitments that the governments made. The following are advocacy and action asks to Member States that you can use to urge them:
Let us remind governments that “Refugees and migrants may lose many things when they cross international borders, but never their human rights and dignity”[6]
Check out the following documents for more information:
[1] United Nations General Assembly Resolution A/71/L.1
[2] 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees. Adopted in 1951, and entered into force on 22 April 1954. (Art. 1(A)(2).
[3] International Organization for Migration – Key Migration Terms https://www.iom.int/key-migration-terms.
[4] ACT NOW: Civil Society response and scorecard for the UN High-level Summit “New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants”.
[5] Act NOW: Civil Society advocacy and action in and beyond the summit.www.refugees-migrants-civilsociety.org
[6] The Lutheran World Federation
(Photo credit: United Nations)
Ruth Ivory-Moore, Program Director Environment and Energy, traveled to COP22 in Marrakech, Morocco in November as world leaders meet to discuss implementation of the Paris Agreement that went into effect on November 4, 2016. The first week she is supporting ACT Alliance of which ELCA is a member by participating in Side Events that allow for everyone to be directly engaged in discussions addressing the diverse issues surrounding climate change. The second week she is serving as part of an ACT Alliance delegation as an observer. Below are some reflections and photos of her first week of experiences at this amazing conference where people project to be on one accord to protect and steward all of creation.
11/15/2016
“If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” – African Proverb.
This proverb is particularly instructive in describing the events at COP22. There is a strong sense of diversity and inclusiveness. Senior level governmental officials negotiate Paris Agreement implementation provisions; civil society observes and seeks to influence; and those most likely to be impacted now and in the future, sought to be heard. The latter included indigenous people and our children. These voices were heard in various ways during this session of COP22.
The indigenous people have contributed least to climate change, but are significantly impacted. They need the rest of the world’s assistance, but those providing the help must first understand their community dynamics. Those offering assistance must do so in an accompaniment manner. We must walk and stand with them in partnership – bridging gaps, while laying the foundation for sustainability and resilience. A diverse group of people including the indigenous staged a march to express the need to hear their voices; and to recognize that they must be included in the conversations. (See picture left)
While the indigenous people are likely to be impacted as part of the world’s vulnerable population today, we should not forget that we must leave a vibrant, clean world for our children. 
The COP presented opportunities for some amazing young people to show the world that they have voices, and deserve better than what we are on course to leave them today. Whether it was the young girl from Senegal speaking about biodiversity. (See picture left)
The students quizzing a panel of experts with questions that challenged the brightest. (See picture left)
Or those students capturing the moments as camera and production personnel for the hour and half, each presented themselves not only professionally, but passionately and 
credibly. (See picture left)
This COP22 cleverly demonstrated the importance of all and the need for complete inclusiveness. This all-inclusiveness extends to religion.
Sessions incorporated diverse religious personnel. An Islamic cleric spoke of the importance of ecology, emphasizing that the Islam mandates that people must protect all. The universe is to show gratitude to God, who is beauty. God loves beauty, not war. A Buddhist leader spoke of how all life is interdependent and that we were born on this earth not to be part of the destruction. COP demonstrates that caring for 
creation is a stewardship requirement that is shared by the faith-based community in general.
We are commanded by God; and have a duty to our children.
Prayer: Oh God of Heaven and Earth, you desire a reconciliation of the whole creation. We confess that we too often make choices that separate and destroy. Forgive us our selfish ways. Help us to seek justice, oh God, and to walk humbly beside you as we seek life that is centered on you and as we protect your creation. Help and guide us to joyfully seek your wisdom and guidance. Amen.
(Prayer adopted from Creation Justice Ministries, https://salsa4.salsalabs.com/o/50750/images/Gods%20World-1.pdf?key=85797681.)
——
11/10/16
“There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28, NRSV)
It is unfortunate that being “one in Christ” is not recognized universally in the world as we live our lives today. The Asian-Pacific Resource and Research Centre for Women (ARROW) a Malaysian based organization sponsored an interactive discussion session at COP22 entitled “Paris Agreement and Women – Locating Health in Climate Change Discourse”. The reality is that women are disparately impacted by the effects of climate change. The time has come to acknowledge and integrate the gender rights issue into the discussions addressing climate change.
The Paris Agreement in the preamble states: “ Acknowledging that climate change is a common concern of humankind, Parties should, when taking action to address climate change, respect, promote and consider their respective obligations on human rights, the right to health, the rights of indigenous peoples local communities, migrants, children, persons with disabilities and people in vulnerable situations and the right to development, as well as gender equality, empowerment of women and intergenerational equity…” At the COP22 where the representatives from the many nations are beginning to hammer out the implementation rules and guidelines of the Paris Agreement, the hope is that key linkages between women’s health and climate change will be considered and incorporated in the implementation discussions.
ARROW has captured the stories of women on post cards. Here are the stories of two of them.
Supl’s story is:
Gladys’ story is:
These women’s stories are unfortunately not atypical particularly in developing countries. ARROW representatives gave the example of Bangladesh which is a densely populated country with a poverty level that is very high. Bangladesh is experiencing more severe weather in the form of increased frequency of floods and cyclones where women are impacted the most. The women do not want to leave their homes for fear of property losses, but are often forced to leave and migrate internally walking through high flood waters that results in gynecological illnesses that can impact the reproductive system. These women can also be the targets of sexual violence. Living through situations such as these can cause depression which impacts mental health.
This ARROW presentation at COP22 was unique in that the end of the session was all about hearing what the audience had to say. The session facilitators engaged the audience in a robust conversation. Questions raised included: (1) How will women’s health issues be incorporated in the Paris Agreement implementation; and (2) What can be done to make this happen? The consensus of the group was that the time has come where gender issues needed to be integrated into the talks and be given the same weight/status as other issues.
Women in a marginalized society, are the most vulnerable among us.
As part of the ELCA’s AMMPARO initiative, The Rev. Abraham Allende, bishop of the Northeastern Ohio Synod, and Alaide Vilchis Ibarra, ELCA assistant director for migration policy, will travel to the Mexico/Guatemala border to participate in the International Human Rights Observation Mission. The event is hosted by a network of organizations that together form the Transnational Roundtable on Gender and Migration (Mesa Transfronteriza Migraciones y Género).
This observation mission brings together stakeholders of varied expertise to meet with civil society, community leaders and with individuals from the Mexico/Guatemala border to better understand the issues facing migrants, refugees and border communities. Bishop Allende and Alaide will be joined by other leaders from the U.S., Latin America, Canada and Europe. What they learn during this trip will inform advocacy priorities for the ELCA’s AMMPARO strategy.
(Vea abajo este mensaje en español.)
The Transnational Roundtable on Gender and Migration (Mesa Transfronteriza Migraciones y Género), a network of organizations in Guatemala and Mexico, dedicated to the defense and promotion of the rights of border communities, announces the beginning of the International Human Rights Observation Mission in the Guatemala – Mexico Border (MODH, its acronym in Spanish) that will take place from the 10 to the 16 of this month of November.
The MODH was born from multiple spaces between organizations on both sides of the border, where we have been talking and slowly weaving this social and civic alliance between the peoples of Guatemala and southern Mexico to make our walk visible, the causes that unite us in the defense of human rights and the struggles we share in defense of territories, gender issues and migrations.
As organizations, movements and peoples of the cross-border region, we have been spinning and strengthening our fraternal ties, where we have reflected on the situation and the contexts in which we live and fight, and now with the International Observation Mission we want to share the causes that we defend and the utopias that we construct from our regions and our fields of action.
The MODH will start in Guatemala City next November 10, and from there will be two observation routes of about a thousand kilometers of each, through which we will share our stories, passing through the jungles, Mountains and coasts of the border departments of Guatemala, and the migratory corridors of southern Mexico in Chiapas and Tabasco.
We share the list of people confirmed as Observers of the Mission, who have taken part in this local-regional-global project and come from countries such as Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Spain, the United States, Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico, all of whom are persons with extensive experience in migration and human rights.
The people that integrate each of the routes will gather with border communities from November 10th to the 15th, the day on which both routes arrive in San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas. In this city all will all observers will gather and the analysis from all experts will be brought together in public actions being carried out in San Cristobal on November 16 to close the MODH.
We encourage all individuals, communities and organizations in Guatemala and Mexico to join in this direct action, to follow-up and disseminate its contents and results, as a way of defending human rights and calling for a paradigm shift for this region of Latin America.
More information: Follow events on Facebook and Twitter
www.modh.mesatransfronteriza.org
Contact: mision.odh@gmail.com
La Mesa Transfronteriza Migraciones y Género, red de organizaciones de Guatemala y México, dedicada a la defensa y promoción de los derechos de las poblaciones fronterizas, anuncia el inicio de la Misión Internacional de Observación de Derechos Humanos en la Frontera Guatemala – México, (MODH) que tendrá lugar del 10 al 16 de este mes de noviembre.
La MODH nace de múltiples espacios de encuentro entre organizaciones de ambos lados de la frontera, donde hemos ido dialogando y tejiendo poco a poco esta alianza social y ciudadana entre pueblos de Guatemala y el sur de México para visibilizar nuestro caminar, las causas que nos unen en la defensa de los derechos humanos y las luchas que compartimos en defensa de los territorios, los géneros y las migraciones.
Como organizaciones, movimientos y pueblos de la región transfronteriza, hemos ido hilando y reforzando nuestros vínculos fraternos, donde hemos reflexionado sobre la situación y los contextos en los que vivimos y luchamos, y ahora con la Misión Internacional de Observación queremos compartir las causas que defendemos y las utopías que construimos desde nuestras regiones y nuestros campos de acción.
La MODH tendrá su punto de partida en la Ciudad de Guatemala el próximo 10 de noviembre, y desde ahí se abren dos rutas de observación de alrededor de mil kilómetros de trayecto en cada una, por las que recorreremos nuestros diálogos, pasando por las selvas, montañas y costas de los departamentos fronterizos de Guatemala, y los corredores migratorios del sur de México en Chiapas y Tabasco.
Les compartimos la lista de las personas confirmadas como Observadoras de la Misión, quienes han asumido participar de este proyecto local-regional-global y que provienen de países como Brasil, Canadá, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, España, Estados Unidos, Guatemala, Honduras y México, siendo todos y todas ellas personas con amplia experiencia en migraciones y derechos humanos.
Las personas que integran cada una de las rutas convivirán con las comunidades fronterizas desde el 10 hasta el 15 de noviembre, día en el que ambas rutas llegan a San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas. En esta ciudad se convocará el encuentro de todas las personas observadoras y el análisis conjunto de todo lo observado, realizándose acciones públicas en San Cristóbal el 16 de noviembre para el cierre de la MODH.
Animamos a todas las personas, comunidades y organizaciones de Guatemala y México a sumarse a esta acción directa, a darle seguimiento y a difundir sus contenidos y resultados, como una forma de defensa de los derechos humanos y reivindicación de un cambio de paradigma para esta región de Latinoamérica.
Más información: www.modh.mesatransfronteriza.org
mision.odh@gmail.com
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
On Election Day and throughout this season, the #ELCAvotes initiative has encouraged Lutherans to live out our baptismal affirmation to “serve all people, following the example of our Lord Jesus,” by engaging in our communities and casting our ballots. Thank you to all the ELCA advocates who contributed to the stewardship of our common life, serving God as faithful and active citizens!
We thank God for every voter, and for the countless volunteers who worked to ensure their community members could participate in the election process. We are also grateful for all who contributed to a vision for thriving healthy communities by running for office. We pray for the success of the candidates who were elected to office at every level of government. May they receive God’s wisdom in their service to all people.
This election season included rhetoric and rancor that has divided and wounded our nation. Christ calls the church to the ministry of reconciliation and gifts us with the Holy Spirit for this work. We have what we need to engage in a common life that extends well beyond Election Day; this includes engaging in deep listening and communal discernment, practicing the art of difficult conversations and actively accompanying those in our communities who are suffering or alienated.
The work of ELCA Advocacy, grounded in the Gospel and our social teaching, also continues. We look forward to engaging with the new administration, Congress and in state capitols around the country in our core areas of concern to end hunger, alleviate poverty, welcome the stranger and care for creation in the U.S. and globally. We will create and shape policies that reflect this church’s deep commitment to racial and gender justice, and we will work alongside ecumenical and interfaith partners to further God’s work in our world.
Together we will continue to be stewards of our common life by serving God through loving our neighbor as faithful and active citizens.
By Ruth Ivory-Moore
Visiting the beautiful area of Punta Cana, Dominican Republic this past September brought competing emotions of extreme joy and anguish. The Facts and Information Sheets found on the internet tell you that “it is the most sought after tourist destination of the Caribbean and known for its beautiful and pristine beaches. The beaches are lined with an alley of dense palm trees.” The resort advertisement describes our destination as being located on “the luxurious Bávaro Beach, where exquisite white sand, lush vegetation and palm trees sparkle beside crystal clear waters.”
Upon reaching the resort, I visually and mentally validate the fact sheets and advertisements. The beauty is unparalleled. You walk into tranquility which is enhanced by soft, serene music as one travels about the resort. Venturing to the beach, you hear the waves, and feel the ocean breeze as you watch families jumping waves as the tides come in; and you see parasailers soaring through sky taking advantage of the ocean breeze. One marvels at God’s creation and how we appear to be living seamlessly within it.
However, you cannot go to a place like this and not, at a minimum, explore the coastline or walk the beach. As you pass other vacationers and other resorts you continue to be lulled into this sense of near perfection. If you walk far enough you see, not lush palm trees, but the waves from the ocean beating against the shoreline and against palm trees with exposed roots—a picture of the impact of climate change. (Photo by Chuck Moore (Random Snaps Photography)
There are no adequate words to describe, how this visual image makes one feel. And coastline erosion is not limited to Caribbean resorts. The United States Environmental Protection Agency predicts that “the impacts of climate change are likely to worsen problems that coastal areas already face along the coast of the United States which is home to approximately 25 million people. Confronting existing challenges that affect man-made infrastructure and coastal ecosystems, such as shoreline erosion, coastal flooding, and water pollution, is a concern in many areas.” Addressing the stress of climate change require a global effort incorporating new approaches to managing land, water, waste, and ecosystems.
As stewards of creation, we remain hopeful and prayerful. 2016 is likely to be remembered for its significance. On October 26, 2016, the US State Department climate envoy, Jonathan Pershing noted in an address to the Atlantic Council that the world had made historic progress recently in combating harmful warming. (Photo: Since 1901, global sea levels have risen approximately eight inches)
First at least 85 countries have already ratified the Paris Agreement (PA), allowing it to take effect years earlier than expected. The Paris Agreement (which will go in force on November 4, 2016) sets a long-term goal of keeping postindustrial warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius with efforts toward a 1.5 C limit.1 To reach this goal parties to the PA must submit Nationally Determined Contributions (“NDCs”) describing how each nation will reduce greenhouse gas emissions in order to contribute to the global goal. Second, at the Meeting of the Parties in Kigali, Rwanda, in early October, an amendment to the Montreal Protocol was agreed upon to phase-out hydrofluorocarbons (heat trapping chemicals used in air conditioning and refrigeration). Earlier on October 6 the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) approved the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) which is a system for offsetting carbon emissions from international aviation. This is the first market-based measure to require a global industry to address reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.
Much work remains and COP22 meets in Marrakech, Morocco from November 7 – 18. During which parties to the PA will begin hammering out implementation rules/guidelines.. As a member of the larger faith-based community in Morocco, ELCA Advocacy remains vigilant and diligent in our care and protection of God’s creation. We prayerfully and diligently seek His wisdom and guidance in all actions, and remember that all things are connected. As humans, we are woven into the delicate web of creation. We must stay focused on our responsibility as stewards of all creation. Martin Luther reminds us that “God is in all creatures, even in the smallest flowers.”
1 Jean Chemnick, ”PARIS AGREEMENT: Climate envoy sees ‘shift’ in global response to warming, E&E News, Published: Wednesday, October 26, 2016.
The Rev. Amy Reumann, director
As people of faith, we can play a unique role in this election cycle by empowering every voice in our communities and offering a hope-filled vision of the future for all people. We vote faithfully because we know the importance of lifting our voices together to further God’s work in our world.
This Election Day – November 8, 2016…
KNOW WHERE TO VOTE. Research the candidates and any ballot measures that you will be asked to vote on. Also, go prepared with a full understanding of your state’s voter ID requirements. Click here, then enter your address for more information!
EQUIP YOURSELF WITH VOTER PROTECTION TOOLS. Make sure you know where to turn for help if any problems occur when casting your ballot. Check out the United Church of Christ’s election protection resources.
SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE AND ENCOURAGE OTHERS TO VOTE. Share photos of your civic engagement experience using #VoteFaithfully and #ELCAvotes!
PRAY TOGETHER WITH YOUR COMMUNITY. Join people of faith across the country and around the world by praying for our local, state, and national governments.
Almighty God, we lift before you all who govern this nation. May those who hold power understand that it is a trust from you to be used, not for personal glory or for profit, but for the service of the people. Drive from us cynicism, selfishness, and corruption; grant in your mercy just and honest government; and give us grace to live together in unity and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Lutheran Book of Worship, p.77)
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH & GENDER JUSTICE: In October, ELCA Advocacy encouraged advocates and partners to take the We Will Speak Out pledge to stand in solidarity with those facing gender-based violence. ELCA Advocacy is dedicated to supporting this church’s commitment to address the systems that perpetuate gender and racial inequality. To better understand how the ELCA speaks about gender justice and the ways we can address policy issues with a gender-justice lens, help share Lutheran social teachings and the work of the ELCA’s Justice for Women team as we prepare future advocacy with gender justice as a major focus. Read more here.
PARIS AGREEMENT UPDATE: The Paris Agreement will go into force on Nov. 4, years earlier than expected when it was adopted in December 2015. Ruth Ivory-Moore, the Environmental Policy Director for ELCA Advocacy, will be present at the United Nations COP 22 meeting that will discuss the next implementation steps for the agreement. Eighty-five countries already have ratified the agreement, and the United States also helped the United Nations reach agreement on other key measures addressing aviation emissions and hydrofluorocarbons coolants. The Paris Agreement sets a long-term goal of keeping post-industrial warming to below 2 degrees Celsius. The success of these negotiations means much work remains.
PRAYER ON EXPANDED WAR: The 2016 ELCA Churchwide Assembly issued a call for congregations to a “time of prayer and communal discernment over the next three years to promote robust examination of the expanded US war efforts since 1990.” We are invited to continue to pray for military members, veterans, chaplains and their families, and for peace in God’s world. Reach out to your elected officials and candidates to raise this important issue! Read more here.
Dennis Frado, director
INFORMAL SECURITY COUNCIL MEETING ON ISRAELI SETTLEMENTS: Five elected members of the Security Council held an informal meeting of the council members on Oct. 14, titled “Illegal Israeli Settlements: Obstacles to Peace and the Two-State Solution.” Security Council members were briefed by non-governmental experts on the illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied territories.
A representative from B’Tselem spoke of the current demolition of Palestinian homes and presented a concise history of the almost 50 years of Israeli occupation. Professor Dubuisson spoke of the importance of Israeli civil-society mobilization and advocated for economic solutions. Friedman highlighted the deteriorating state of Israeli democracy, demonstrated by an “ugly campaign against courageous Israeli human rights and civil society NGOs.” She added that the occupation is a “threat to Israel’s security and to Israel’s very existence.” In response, the U.S. representative said his government adamantly opposed Israeli settlement activity and the retroactive legalization of settlements. Spain advocated for increased humanitarian assistance and development initiatives in Palestine, while France discussed the French initiative for a dual state negotiation, proposing an end-of-year conference for dialogue. The concept note providing a background on Israeli Settlements can be found here.
WORLD FOOD DAY LOOKS AT CHALLENGES OF CLIMATE CHANGE: In celebration of World Food Day, Oct. 16, LOWC program associate Charlotte Mildenberger attended a discussion titled, “Climate is changing. Food and agriculture must too.” Climate change poses immense challenges to the world’s 500 million smallholder farms. In that regard, empowering rural women and girls is vital.
THE TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT ACTIONS IN MIGRATION AND REFUGEE SITUATIONS: On Sept. 29, Charlotte Mildenberger attended an event titled, “The Transformative Power of Early Childhood Development Actions in Migration and Refugee Situations” in New York. Information was shared based on a neuroscience symposium organized by UNICEF on April 16, 2014. Three panelists discussing the findings of 16 leading international scientists from different fields of neuroscience took part in the symposium.
LUTHERAN-CATHOLIC COMMON PRAYER: On Oct. 27, the Lutheran Office of World Community and Caritas Internationalis in New York co-hosted a service of Common Prayer. The event was in advance of the joint commemoration of the Reformation in Lund, Sweden, on Oct. 31 and reflected on the progress made in 50 years of international Catholic-Lutheran dialogue. The service was in the chapel of the Church Center for the United Nations, and many ecumenical advocacy partners attended. Staff from LOWC and Caritas Internationalis read excerpts from the Common Prayer: “From Conflict to Communion: Lutheran-Catholic Common Commemoration of the Reformation in 2017.” The service was accompanied by ecumenical musical worship and the lighting of candles for the five imperatives outlined in “From Conflict to Communion.”
Mark Carlson, Lutheran Office of Public Policy
NOV. 8 ELECTION: Ballot propositions dominate the attention of LOPP-CA through Election Day; Policy Council priorities and recommendations, including the death penalty, sentencing reform and a single-use plastic bag ban, are at loppca.org.
EVENTS: LOPP-CA Director Mark Carlson attended the Sierra Pacific Synod professional leadership conference with an 
election information table and led a small break-out group on ballot measures. He attended the installation of Pacifica Synod Bishop Andy Taylor, followed by the Theoasis conference, which also included Southwest California Synod leaders. Mark tabled and led election workshops at the Women of the ELCA convention of the Southwest California Synod and will attend the Pacifica Women of the ELCA convention. Following an LOPP-CA Policy Council meeting in Glendale, Mark and ELCA Domestic Policy Director John Johnson attended the New City Parish gala and worshiped at St. Mark’s Lutheran in Los Angeles, where Mark did an election forum.
CARE FOR CREATION: Mark helped plan and participated in a Lutherans Restoring Creation statewide retreat for about a dozen people at Luther Glen Camp and farm. The event concluded with an environmental justice-focused visit, initiated by LOPP-CA, to Central City Lutheran Mission in San Bernardino. Mark was a panelist with an Environmental Protection Agency lawyer, and Mark Richardson, president and dean of the Church Divinity School of the Pacific, for an event that included the blessing of their solar panels. The former presiding bishop of The Episcopal Church, Katharine Jefferts Schori, and theologian Cynthia Moe-Lobeda keynoted.
NOT IN OUR TOWN: On his own time while in Lindsborg, Kan., for the memorial service for his aunt at Messiah Lutheran Church, Mark showed the film “Not in Our Town – When Hate Happens Here,” the first community event in response to the racist threats to Bethany College President Will Jones, his family and Bethany students.
Peter Severson, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry – Colorado
IN THE NEWS: LAM-CO Director Peter Severson recently moderated a debate about Colorado’s Amendment 69, hosted by Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Littleton. Speakers both for and against the measure spoke in a debate format and took 
questions from an audience of nearly 50 people. Amendment 69, also known as ColoradoCare, is a measure that proposes to establish a nearly-universal state health insurance system to cover all residents of Colorado. The debate was covered by The Lakewood Sentinel newspaper. Pictured: Peter Severson (center) moderated as Freddie Gaudet (right) spoke against Amendment 69, while Dr. Ellen Lewis (left) spoke on the pro side. [Photo: Kyle Harding, The Lakewood Sentinel]
BALLOT MEASURE VIDEOS: Students at the University of Colorado-Boulder Lutheran Campus Ministry joined LAM-CO Director Peter Severson to make a series of videos on Colorado’s ballot measures. Check them out at The Magic November 8th Ball.
MINISTRY VISITS: The LAM-CO show has been on the road for the past several weeks, teaching and engaging voters about ballot measures. Visits include all three Lutheran campus ministries in Colorado (CSU, UNC, CU-Boulder) as well as churches in Aurora and Wheat Ridge.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN SYNOD ADVOCACY TRAINING: On Oct. 8, Lutheran Advocacy staff from Colorado, New Mexico and Washington, D.C., hosted a day of advocacy training for congregational leaders from seven congregations. The purpose of the day was equipping and training leaders to develop advocacy teams in their local communities.
Tammy Walhof, Lutheran Advocacy – Minnesota
CLEAN ENERGY: Lutheran Advocacy-MN Director Tammy Walhof became co-convener of the Minnesota Environmental Partnership’s Energy Cluster this fall. The cluster is considering more than a dozen legislative options for 2017, and Tammy is helping guide an open and participatory decision-making process. She also participated in RE-AMP Midwest area meetings for coal, clean energy and the power sector and continues to learn more about the workings of the electric grid in preparation for continued work in energy issues.
IMMIGRATION: Issues around race and immigration continue to plague parts of Minnesota. This has become more difficult to address and combat since the St. Cloud mall stabbings by a Somali immigrant. Current political rhetoric only inflames the situation further. Although immigration has been a key issue for Lutheran Advocacy-MN in 2016, new approaches to immigration, including and especially Muslim immigration, will be needed for 2017.
ORGANIZATION BUILDING: Several excellent networking and presentation opportunities have arisen for Lutheran Advocacy-MN this fall, through separate events with pastors of the Northeastern Minnesota Synod and Saint Paul Area Synod, as well as with Minnesota congregations.
WANTED FOR SPRING SEMESTER 2017: This spring, I’d like two interns to work with creation care and affordable housing. If anyone is interested, please have them contact me at tammy@lcppm.org.
Ruth Hoffman, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry – New Mexico
The 2016 special session of the New Mexico Legislature concluded on Oct. 6. A special session was needed to address the severe 
revenue crisis facing our state. The last two fiscal years were underfunded by at least $600 million and the state constitution mandates that state budgets be balanced. Unfortunately, the governor also included several crime bills on her agenda for the session. Included among those crime bills is one to reinstate the death penalty. Several bills that partly addressed the budget were passed and signed but the regular session in January will continue to face a severe budget deficit. Meanwhile, all the crime bills failed to pass, including reinstatement of the death penalty.
LAM-NM Director Ruth Hoffman testified before a joint meeting of the interim Legislative Health and Human Services Committee and the Courts, Corrections and Justice Committee. The committees heard an extensive 
presentation regarding solitary confinement, and in her testimony, Ruth urged the committees to endorse legislation to prohibit the use of solitary confinement for juveniles and the severely mentally ill and to limit its use for the general population of prisons and jails.
Nick Bates, The Faith Coalition for the Common Good
Ohio continues to have the true swing-state experience with local, state and national candidates crisscrossing the state. During the push to persuade and turn out voters, the Hunger Network in Ohio continues to address the problems of those who are hungry and struggling to get by. Director Nick Bates visited two “Potlucks to End World Hunger” events on World Food Day (Oct. 16) to discuss the importance of statehouse advocacy. The following weekend, we were honored to be one of the beneficiaries of Clinton Heights Lutheran Church’s bi-annual chili and candidates night free-will offering. The other half went to support Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio.
As the campaign season ends, we have the obligation to help those elected to lead. On Nov. 17, The Hunger Network will host an
advocacy day at the Ohio Statehouse. While everyone else wants to talk about the holidays, we want to “TALK TURKEY” about those who are hungry in Ohio. Please join us by registering here.
For more information about advocacy work in Ohio, visit hungernetohio.org.
Tracey DePasquale, Lutheran Advocacy – Pennsylvania
As the General Assembly wrapped up its voting session, the hoped-for vote on Safe Harbor stalled, but advocates can take consolation in other items that did not become law.
SAFE HARBOR: SB851 would have redirected child sex-trafficking victims away from the criminal justice system and toward the help they need.
PAYDAY LENDING: Sponsors called SB1379 a financial services credit ladder, but it was another high-cost borrowing trap. Introduced with just days left in the session, LAMPa and others responded with letters to lawmakers.
ANTI-SANCTUARY LEGISLATION: HB 1885 would have punished municipalities for refusing to honor requests by Immigration and Customs Enforcement to detain undocumented immigrants. LAMPa advocates urged defeat.
REGULATORY REVIEW ACT AMENDMENT: SB 562, which would have amended the Regulatory Review Act to allow the General Assembly to delay any regulation promulgated by the executive branch, was vetoed by Gov. Tom Wolf.
In other items, LAMPa staff presented on hunger and climate change at a SWPA Synod Hunger Gathering led by Mikka McCracken; met with Human Services Secretary Ted Dallas about detention of immigrant mothers and children at the Berks Residential Facility; met with leaders of Allegheny Lutheran Social Ministries in Altoona about strengthening our ministry together; circulated a letter among ministries urging Gov. Wolf to include appropriate support for anti-hunger programs in his 2017-2018 budget; attended the Region 8 Networks for Mission Event; and attended the Pennsylvania Interfaith Power & Light annual conference.
Samuel D. Brannon, Texas Impact
Six years after the passage of the Affordable Care Act, uninsured rates across the U.S. have dropped significantly, but Texas leads the nation in both the number of and percent of uninsured residents. Nearly a million Texans are caught in the “coverage gap” – making too little to qualify for federal subsidies or too much to qualify for Medicaid.
Like many other people of faith, Lutherans are concerned about the politicization and polarization of something as important as healthcare, which is central to our identity as Christians. After all, our Savior was a healer. We want to engage in meaningful, nonpartisan discussion about the future of healthcare in our state.
On Nov. 18-20 (Christ the King Sunday), Texas Impact is coordinating with scores of faith communities across the st
ate to hold a Health Justice Sabbath. During the event, congregations will join in prayer, study, and action for the sake of a better conversation around health care that is above politics.
Everyone is encouraged to do what they think appropriate for their context. For instance, the Rev. Franz Schemmel of Messiah Lutheran in Weatherford plans to hold an adult forum after Sunday worship. The Rev. Paul Bailie of Iglesia Luterana San Lucas in Eagle Pass will conduct a service of healing, after which the congregation will write letters of support to their state legislator and senator.
All Texas congregations are encouraged to take part in the Health Justice Sabbath. Please go to abovepoliticstx.org for information and resources to make your congregation’s event both meaningful and impactful.
Kim Bobo, Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy
The Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy (VICPP) continues to target certain legislative districts where senators or delegates currently oppose expanding healthcare coverage by meeting with constituents to discuss how the lawmaker might be persuaded. Meanwhile, several Virginia cities have passed resolutions calling on the General Assembly to accept federal dollars available for Medicaid expansion, something that is part of the VICPP toolbox.
If you want to get a great primer on healthcare issues in Virginia, particularly around the coverage gap, watch VICPP Healthcare Program Director Karen Cameron talk with Delegate Richard “Dick” Plum from Virginia’s 36th District. This will give you everything you need to know and shows how citizen action can influence positive change in Virginia’s General Assembly.
A group of citizens assembled in front of Virginia Senate Majority Leader Tommy Norment’s office in Williamsburg on Oct. 17 for a prayer vigil to call on Norment and the rest of the General Assembly to hear the prayers for Virginians trapped in the healthcare coverage gap. A statement released to the media and posted on the VICPP website said the reason for the gathering was “because Norment has refused to participate in open forums or in personal conversations about affordable and accessible healthcare for all Virginians, about 30 frustrated people from diverse religious, racial and ethnic backgrounds brought the message to him with placards and offering testimony of the impact of not having health insurance.” The group prayed for Norment and the rest of the Legislature.
VICPP is also planning to have a “witness at the Capitol” team of retired clergy to monitor and meet with legislators during the General Assembly session in January.
Paul Benz, Faith Action Network
ELECTION SEASON: Faith Action Network (FAN) is proud to have hosted and organized three candidate forums in 
politically strategic state legislative district races and two forums on the five statewide initiatives on which FAN took positions (minimum wage increase–yes; gun violence reduction–yes; overturn Citizens United–yes; campaign finance reform–yes; carbon tax with tax offset–neutral). Alongside the initiative forums, FAN produced an initiative guide as well as a civility statement from our Interfaith Leaders Council for those running for office.
CLUSTER GATHERINGS: FAN has 16 geographic clusters of faith communities across our state that convene once a year in the fall. The purpose is to build relations between the FAN faith communities in that 
cluster and deepen the effectiveness of FAN’s work. The conversation has two parts: updates on FAN’s programmatic work and updates on the advocacy work that the faith communities are doing.
ANNUAL DINNER: FAN’s big end-of-the-year fundraising dinner is Nov. 20. Our keynote speaker will be a local rabbi: Ruth Zlotnick from Temple Beth Am in Seattle. FAN’s major donor has upped his match from last year! Our attendance goal is 450. If you can’t come but would like to support the work of FAN, you can participate by donating online at fanwa.org. 
INTERIM MEETINGS WITH ELECTED OFFICIALS: FAN has been busy doing its annual interim meetings with state legislators, members of Congress, and city/county council members. Advocates by district have been attending; as of this week we’ve completed 34 meetings.
Cindy Crane, Lutheran Office for Public Policy in Wisconsin
ECONOMIC JUSTICE AND ELCAVOTES: LOPPW has developed a new presentation based largely on the book “Forgotten 
Luther – Reclaiming the Social-Economic Dimension of the Reformation,” edited by Carter Lindberg and 
Paul Wee; materials from ELCAvotes; and realities about poverty in Wisconsin. LOPPW’s director led part of the presentation when co-leading a workshop on hunger with the Rev. Ellie Russey at a Northern Great Lakes Synod event. The director led the full presentation at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in the Greater Milwaukee Synod on Reformation Sunday.
CARE FOR GOD’S CREATION: The LOPPW/South-Central Synod Care for God’s Creation team has a new presentation, the science part of which was developed by one of our team members, meteorologist Bob Lindmier. Bob led a presentation with the new PowerPoint at a congregation on Reformation Sunday.
LUTHERAN SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY AT CHICAGO: LOPPW’s director spoke on a panel about her journey as a woman and lesbian in leadership and led a workshop on anti-human trafficking at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago’s Women’s Leadership Conference.
ADVOCACY DAY: LOPPW is working with several interfaith groups to hone priorities for Advocacy Day in 2017.
