Some congregations use bulletin blurbs, some post a “Prepared to Vote Checklist” in the window from ELCA.org/civicengagement resources, some help neighbors check their voter registration status during church activities or at shelters they work with – among many creative approaches that fit their setting. Our civic engagement as people of faith can help ensure that everyone benefits from the good of government. Resources and ideas for this important non-partisan service by faith communities an election year are reprinted here by permission from the “Faith in Elections Playbook” of Interfaith America.

Trustworthy information

Faith leaders and religious organizations have a tremendous opportunity to make accurate information about our elections available to our community members. Voters need to know where and how to vote, which is not always easy to find. Information coming from trusted members of the community can go a long way to help voters navigate a potentially confusing situation.

THE NEED

• Misinformation, disinformation, and even just plain confusing information can serve as a barrier to voting.
  • Misinformation is false or inaccurate information.
  • Disinformation is false information which is deliberately intended to mislead.
• Americans in different areas of the country have different options on where and how to vote. Voting rules can change between elections, which makes it difficult for everyday people to keep track.
• Some voters — especially voters from historically marginalized groups — have been targeted and purposefully misled with false or intimidating information about voting. Faith-based organizations can counter this mis- and disinformation by connecting their members and audiences with accurate information about the voting process.

THE RESPONSE

• Religious organizations are hubs of information and organizing within their specific communities. They provide clear information on upcoming events, holidays, and opportunities to both provide and receive help. This communication infrastructure can be used to provide accurate nonpartisan information on voting and elections.
• Organizations that serve historically marginalized communities have a particularly important role to play in providing correct information, as these communities have faced campaigns to suppress their votes in the past, including a campaign to convince Black voters not to vote in the 2020 election.
• One of the most important ways to ensure that your members have accurate information regarding voting is to share trustworthy information on your website and in communications. Be certain to link to your local or state election administration’s website for information instead of writing it on your website. This information may change over time.
• You can send election-related information to your organization or congregation multiple times during the leadup to the election to ensure that they have accurate information about how they can check their registration, vote, and even track their mail-in ballots.
• Some of the most helpful pieces of information for voters include:
  • How to register to vote and check registration status.
  • Options for voting, such as early voting, mail-in voting, or dropping off their ballot on Election Day.
  • The dates, times, and locations for voting early and on Election Day.
  • What types of identification may be required in your county and state.
  • Checking the status of mail-in ballots that have been requested or the status of mail-in ballots that voters have returned.
  • Where to call if you are having issues casting your vote.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

• It is legal for houses of worship, denominational organizations, and other 501(c)(3) entities to provide information about voting.
• It is important that any shared information about voting does not privilege one candidate over another. Information on voting must not show bias toward any one candidate in the message that you send or with whom you choose to share it. All of your members should have the same access to this nonpartisan information.
• You can read more about how to ensure 501(c)3 compliance on the IRS website here.

RESOURCES AND LINKS

• The nonpartisan US Vote Foundation website can help voters find contact information for their local election office.
• The National Association of Secretaries of State also has specific pages that connect voters to their state’s website dealing with the following topics:
  • Registering to vote
  • Checking voter registration status
  • Finding your polling place
  • Voter ID requirements
  • Mail-in voting (also called absentee) and early voting information
• Vote.Org outlines important deadlines related to the election and allows you to sign up to get reminders of upcoming deadlines.
• The League of Women Voters has a checklist to Make Your Plan to Vote.
• You can share the following phone numbers for voters to call if they are having problems with voting:
  • 1-866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683)
  • 1-888-VE-Y-VOTA (en Español)
  • 1-888-API-VOTE (Asian multilingual assistance)
  • 1-844-YALLA-US (Arabic)
• You can partner with organizations to promote voting, such as:
  • National Voter Registration Day (partnership page here)
  • Vote Early Day (partnership page here)
• If you are interested in learning how to counter misinformation or disinformation, some great resources include:
  • The United States Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) two-pager on election misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation.
  • CISA’s guide to dealing with disinformation.
• Find a faith-based partner:
  • • Faiths United to Save Democracy has a comprehensive resource page with questions and answers related to voting.

ABOUT INTERFAITH AMERICA: Led by Founder and President Eboo Patel, Interfaith America inspires, equips, and connects leaders and institutions to unlock the potential of America’s religious diversity. Utilizing a research-backed approach, Interfaith America works across higher education, racial equity, health, workplace, bridgebuilding, democracy, and technology.

Many ELCA synods, congregations and ELCA-affiliated state public policy offices are involved in advancing the important aim of addressing polarization in our communities. These ideas from the “Faith in Elections Playbook” of Interfaith America are reprinted by permission to resource additional ways we can individually and collectively reduce polarization and care for our communities.

Addressing polarization

Our country is deeply divided. Healing will require coming together across differences and working to protect the rights of all Americans – even those with whom we disagree. Understanding our polarized environment and committing to overcome this challenge is key to supporting a free, fair, and peaceful 2024 election.

THE NEED

• There are few issues that showcase our country’s polarization as clearly as our elections. Lack of trust in the outcome of the 2020 presidential election led some to violence, and has pushed countless others into an “us versus them” mentality. Without action, the 2024 election could further tear our communities apart, representing an existential crisis for American democracy. As trust erodes and divisions deepen, it is harder to protect the values that hold our country together, such as religious pluralism.
• Religious freedom scholar Asma Uddin writes, “Our partisan affiliations have morphed into identities, and what’s more, the identities include a host of things that have nothing to do with social policy.” As a result, individual faith communities are increasingly divided, and different religions are pushed into political camps against one another rather than seeking shared values on issues such as religious liberty or help for people in need.

THE RESPONSE

• Religious institutions can be a bulwark against polarization. People with diverse political beliefs, cultures, and socioeconomic backgrounds worship together in churches, synagogues, mosques, gurdwaras, and temples every day. Our collective faith communities must be able to live and serve together despite our different beliefs.
• There are three main ways that faith-based organizations and congregations can help reduce polarization:
  • Holding deep listening sessions and dialogue across differences within their own organizations and faith communities.
  • Hosting interfaith conversations that bring people together across religious differences to identify shared values and a shared vision for improving their communities.
  • Conducting acts of service (including the activities contained in the Playbook) as an interfaith coalition or alongside groups with differing political perspectives.
• In addition to using the Faith in Elections Playbook as a way to unite Americans, there are many organizations – both religious and secular – who have created resources on how you can work to reduce polarization.
• If you are interested in hosting deep listening conversations and dialogue across differences, the following links will be most helpful:
  • Interfaith America’s Shared Values Dialogue Guide and “Skills for Bridging the Gap” Curriculum provide opportunities for dep listening.
  • Living Room Conversations provides scripts and frameworks for dialogues across a variety of differences and on a multitude of topics, including elections.
  • Constructive Dialogue Institute is a 501(c)(3) that provides lessons and online training on how to lead conversations where people with different perspectives try to understand each other – without giving up their own beliefs – in order to work together.
  • Resetting the Table provides skilled facilitation, communication skill-building, and online training in opening up meaningful communication across differences on charged political issues.
• If you are interested in hosting conversations to help find common ground or common purpose, the following will be helpful:
  • One America Movement‘s work to combat toxic polarization.
  • Braver Angels has multiple options for engagement, including their Trustworthy Elections Campaign, which will organize conversations in which citizens who are concerned with fraud, voter suppression, or both meet on equal terms in mixed groups to clarify differences and seek common ground.
  • Millions of Conversations brings together groups of Americans to unite around common values and to discuss shared visions for the future.
• For specific resources for Christian leaders, we recommend the following:
  • One America Movement’s Matthew 5:9 Fellowship, The Eilu v’Eliu Fellowship, and Faith Over Division.
  • The After Party: Toward Better Christian Politics. This curriculum “does the complex – but absolutely necessary – theological work of reframing Christian political identity from today’s divisive partisan options.”
  • “Civilize It” is a campaign by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops to promote civility in political engagement.

ABOUT INTERFAITH AMERICA: Led by Founder and President Eboo Patel, Interfaith America inspires, equips, and connects leaders and institutions to unlock the potential of America’s religious diversity. Utilizing a research-backed approach, Interfaith America works across higher education, racial equity, health, workplace, bridgebuilding, democracy, and technology.

By Ryan Fonseca-Vega, ELCA Advocacy Intern

August presents unique opportunities to bring our deep concerns as Christians about many things related to our planet and the beings that inhabit it to U.S. Congress in our own backyards. In-person and virtual meetings, as well as Town Halls, can be scheduled in this month as the U.S. Congress usually takes a recess. Representatives and senators often visit their congressional districts and/or home states in August to reconnect with their constituents – like you.

TIPS FOR ARRANGING A MEETING | PARTICIPATING IN A TOWN HALL | GENERAL PREPARATION | FOLLOWING UP

TIPS FOR ARRANGING A MEETING

Whether in-person or virtual, a social ministry or faith-based group you are part of may want to connect to highlight your experience and priorities with your federal elected official directly on an issue about which they have influence.

Who and Where

First and foremost, learn who your elected official is and where they are located. To locate your member of the U.S. House of Representatives, house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative is a great tool. Also available is govtrack.us, using your location to find your senators and representatives .

Follow links to get a photo of the elected official and their website, which will include office locations and other resources.

From the elected official’s website is often a link to make a scheduling request (but an old-fashioned phone call can also help you learn how to accomplish this).

Scheduling a Virtual District Meeting

This may be the easiest way to arrange a meeting, and the online tool from the lawmaker’s website should guide the process. For you and those who may take part with you, there is a minimal need to consider travel time, and it can take place anywhere.

• Make sure to inform the official’s office that you are a constituent.
• Clearly prepare the reason for the meeting or what the meeting will be focused on. For example, you may want to share your priorities on the Farm Bill or other legislation in federal discussion.
• TIP: You may be providing the virtual platform for the meeting. If so, clearly determine the correct link. For example, will you use Skype/Teams/Zoom?
• TIP: Assure there is no time limit for the platform you have chosen so that there is no pressure to rush the meeting.

In my experience, these meetings usually go well and smoothly. Most likely, it will be a staffer of the elected official on the virtual call. Get to know the staffer and get their contact information. They are a person consistently speaking with the elected official.

Scheduling an In-Person District Meeting

It is a bit more difficult to schedule such a meeting, especially since the plan may need to account for travel to and from the location. You may try to meet in the elected official’s local office or at your venue. You may want to offer a tour of your facility or even a more hands-on approach such as allowing the policy maker to volunteer some of their time in a pantry or experience daily life in your facility/space.

• Here too – make sure to inform the official’s office that you are a constituent.
• Here too – clearly prepare the reason for the meeting or what the meeting will be focused on, such as an issue or legislation focus.
• TIP: Be ready with options for times and days that the elected official may meet with you. By having a more flexible schedule, and being open, the likelihood of your elected official attending is increased.

Always Confirm

In my experience, there have been times when a request for a meeting has gotten lost between the website and the assigning staff member or other glitches. It is important to follow-up with the scheduler to assure that a meeting, virtual or in-person, is documented on the elected official’s calendar.

• TIP: I always follow up with them a few days (4-6) after the initial request to confirm it is on their radar.

PARTICIPATING IN A TOWN HALL

Traditionally, elected officials host two town hall meetings in their respective districts in the month. Your legislators will respond to inquiries during the town hall. By raising your important issue, you can publicly hold your legislator accountable to constituents and start or advance a meaningful conversation.

By checking the legislator’s webpage, you can see if and when they are hosting town halls along with the important details of location and other specifics.

My experience… has been nerve-racking. I recommend that it is important that you have a longer list of questions to avoid asking similar questions that someone else has already asked. If there is a link for you to enter your questions ahead of time, ensure that you do it as early as possible to have the best possibility of it being answered during the town hall. Also, remember to breathe if you are not familiar with public speaking!

GENERAL PREPARATION

As already shared, be very clear on why you want to have this encounter with a lawmaker. Other considerations include deciding who will be part of the meeting (4-5 people in a group is a good number) and developing talking points on your issue/concern that are based on your priorities and experiences.

Not sure how to start? Take a look at the “2024 Federal Policy Priorities” developed by the ELCA advocacy team on the ELCA Advocacy Resources page (under “Tools” tab). In 2023, a blog post example of key issues and possible questions could also inform your approach, available from the ELCA Advocacy Blog. Connecting with your local ELCA-affiliated state public policy office, if available, or synod leaders can also help you shape your approach.

Although a town hall is different, other meetings can benefit by assigning roles to people participating in the encounter. Following is one way to assign roles.

Introducer/Framer – This person introduces your group at the beginning of the meeting. They also keep an eye on time, wrap-up the meeting, and get the business card or contact information of the staff person that is with the elected official.

• • TIP: As part of the wrap-up, this person should be sure to express thanks! Something like: “Thank you for meeting with us. We are members of the ELCA and appreciate talking with you about [whatever the vote or concern/issue is]” will reinforce your purpose and end the meeting on a high note.

Storyteller – This most effectively is someone who is impacted by what the bill you are raising is trying to fix or an aspect of the issue/concern. Sharing (as comfortable) personal experience or the experience of the people you are organizing with is valuable.

• • TIP: I’ve found it is helpful to give a little personal background to allow others to “get you.” Help them understand where you are coming from and how you have been impacted – and how a bill or initiative can change that.

Point Person – This person is more familiar with facts of the bill or issue and can speak to technical questions if they come up – for example: where a bill is in the process or something missing from current discussion.

Closer (may be same as Introducer/Framer) – Near the end of the meeting, this person expresses thanks and asks for further support or highlights district needs overall.

• • I’ve found it is important to keep a sense of URGENCY for the bill or issue/concern about which you are advocating.

FOLLOWING UP

Great job showing up in this August Recess opportunity! But just because the meeting or town hall is over, the opportunity is not.

Every participant, if possible, should email your contact or the elected official’s office to thank them for their time, and/or tag them in a social media post.

• Build on the experience before a vote or key action on your issue/concern by following up.
• And keep the relationship going.

Once the relationship starts, phone calls and other contacts will establish familiarity by name and can make it easier for you to schedule future events and opportunities to bring the concerns shaped through your faith convictions and experiences into the policy process.

Thank you to the nearly 300 of us who were part of the ELCA Election Activator Network, including many who participated in support and resourcing non-partisan civic engagement as people of faith. As Activators, you have made a difference in your localities and inspired others – and will continue to do so.

The #ELCAElectionActivator network, a facilitation of monthly virtual gatherings and email messages from the ELCA Witness in Society advocacy team, was launched to support and mutually equip our ELCA community in their localities interested in activities encouraging people to participate in the electoral process.

ACTIVE CITIZENS

This church understands government as a means through which God works to preserve creation and build a more peaceful and just social order in a broken world. Our “civic participation is not simply voluntary, idealistic, or altruistic. The ELCA holds to the biblical idea that God calls God’s people to be active citizens and to ensure that everyone benefits from the good of government (Jeremiah 29:7, Romans 13:1-7)” (ELCA social message, “Government and Civic Engagement in the United States”, p. 14). This church “also strongly affirms voting, guided by faith-based values, as an exercise in citizenship” (p. 16).

What we do as individuals this election year may include many activities, but the support and equipping of the #ELCAElectionActivator network will be strictly nonpartisan.

As we engage our civic engagement passions as people of faith, there is much we can do – and are doing! Congregations have passed out refreshments at polling stations. Members have volunteered as poll workers and monitors. Church committees have facilitated polling place look-ups and registration assistance in their neighborhoods and social ministries. ELCA-affiliated state public policy offices have helped highlight ballot initiatives that have significant impact for us and our neighbors in their localities. Synods have hosted de-polarizing dialogues.

What have – and can – you do? How’s it going? Let’s share!

ABIDING BY THE LAW

An important part of faithful civic engagement is abiding by the law. Any participation by congregations in activities related to the electoral process must be strictly nonpartisan and abide by IRS guidelines. To support this commitment of our #ELCAElectionActivator network, all participants are asked to pledge to only bring nonpartisan initiatives and comments into the dialogue.

INTERESTED?

• • VIRTUAL MEETINGS HAVE CONCLUDED.

• SIGNUP: Sign up from ELCA.org/ELCAElectionEngagement/SignUp .
  • You’ll be asked for basic email and place data.
  • Respond to a few questions helping us get a feel for the experience (not a prerequisite!) and connections in the group.
• NONPARTISAN AFFIRMATION: Following your signup, you will be sent an email asking you to affirm your commitment as an #ELCAElectionActivator participant to only bring nonpartisan contributions to the group.
• CONFIRMATION: After this is confirmed, you will receive an invitation to virtual #ELCAElectionActivator network meetings as well as occasional, informational emails.

We look forward to expanding what we can do together in faithful civic engagement!

from the ELCA advocacy office in Washington, D.C. – the Rev. Amy E. Reumann, Senior Director

Partial expanded content from Advocacy Connections: May 2024

SUMMER MEALS AND EBT | FARM BILL | NEW REDERAL RULES RELEASED | NATIONAL SECURITY SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDING | RESPONSE TO CONDITIONS IN HAITI

SUMMER MEALS AND EBT: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is advancing their annual summer meal program, with several key reforms that could help provide food assistance to children in rural areas. As school comes to an end, many state governments will be implementing USDA summer programs including to-go delivered meals in rural communities (non-congregant projects), group meal sites and summer food Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards for eligible families with children.

Why It Matters to the ELCA

Food programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) accompany the mission of our churches and ministries, food pantries and charitable investments striving for a just world where all are fed. Cuts or newly added barriers to the SNAP program could come at a dire time as food costs continue to climb in many of our communities, and as many of our ministries are over capacity.

What’s Next

The ELCA Action Center has a current active Action Alert urging lawmakers to preserve funding for SNAP and anti-hunger programs in the Farm Bill. ELCA Witness in Society staff will be meeting with congressional staff ahead of potential House introduction and will be monitoring the legislation.

FARM BILL: The U. S. House of Representatives Agriculture Committee, led by Chair G.T. Thompson (PA-15), released the proposed bill text for the multi-year package of legislation known as the Farm Bill. Find text here. As written, the proposed legislation includes things to celebrate and concerns for our priorities.

To note, this bill includes the RESTORE Act, which repeals the denial of SNAP benefits for certain individuals with previous drug-related convictions. This bill also incorporates innovative policies that aim to support farmers, promote sustainable practices, and strengthen rural development: most notably are the provisions that will help streamline rural development permitting processes and reinforcing broadband connectivity in rural communities. Additionally, this proposal would be the largest investment in conservation programs, to date.

With deep gratitude for these provisions, we have some concerns with the nutrition program and the conservation title that conflict with our priorities. This version of the Farm Bill, proposed by the House Agriculture Committee, would limit the ability to update the Thrifty Food Plan, which provides the basis for calculating SNAP benefits. Also the additional funds for the conservation program, that had originally been set aside for “climate-smart agriculture” incentives from the Inflation Reduction Act, would lose those climate-smart requirements under this proposal. The House Agriculture Committee is scheduled to mark up this draft legislation on Thu., May 23.

Why It Matters to the ELCA

In a world of abundance, we strive for an end to hunger and poverty, and towards a just world where all are fed. Additionally, we are to work with each other and the environment to meet needs without causing undue burdens elsewhere. The Farm Bill is one of the most influential pieces of legislation affecting hunger and conservation in the U.S. and around the world.

What’s Next

More will be known about exactly what is included in Farm Bill reauthorization as planning moves to availability of actual language soon. In this quickly moving climate, visit our Farm Bill Engagement Updates blog page for new information. ELCA advocacy staff is monitoring and is in the process of scheduling meetings with House members to express concern before and after the mark-up that a faithful Farm Bill can be passed that does not result in undermining nutrition and climate-smart programs.

NEW REDERAL RULES RELEASED: In celebration of Earth Day, the Biden administration announced a series of new federal programs and rules related to environmental protections and climate change. These include rules concerning the Solar for All grant competition, zero-emissions freight sector, pollution reduction from fossil fuel-fired power plants, and new transmission lines.

• $7 billion in grants through the Environmental Protection Agency’s Solar for All grant competition, a key component of the Inflation Reduction Act’s $27 billion Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund.
• A first-ever national goal to transition to a zero-emissions freight sector for truck, rail, aviation and marine, along with a commitment to develop a national zero-emissions freight strategy.
• A suite of final rules, from the EPA, to reduce pollution from fossil fuel-fired power plants in order to protect all communities from pollution and improve public health without disrupting the delivery of reliable electricity.
• The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) released a final rule to make federal permitting of new transmission lines more efficient, establishing the Coordinated Interagency Transmission Authorization and Permits program.

Why It Matters to the ELCA

Each announcement is either long-awaited implementation of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act or finalized federal rules—both of which align with ELCA advocacy efforts to encourage the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and also promote justice in the process. These announcements come at a great time to ensure these programs can be accessible to communities as soon as possible.

What’s Next

While we celebrate these monumental announcements, we are also closely watching Congress. With executive action often under much scrutiny, especially by Congress, we are expecting that some lawmakers will utilize the Congressional Review Act to challenge some of these measures. This is a resolution that, if passed by Congress, can overturn a federal rule. We will continue to monitor and express support for these new federal rules.

NATIONAL SECURITY SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDING: Congress passed, and the President signed, the supplemental funding package that included funding for international humanitarian assistance, funded at $9.15 billion. The humanitarian funding will be used to address immediate needs in different countries experiencing emergencies, including provision of food assistance to Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan and Haiti.

Why It Matters to the ELCA

Many ELCA companions and LWF member churches are involved in providing emergency assistance to displaced and other vulnerable populations in their communities and beyond. They see the scale of needs and have raised concerns about lack of basic provisions from the international community. While not enough, U.S. funding for humanitarian assistance will provide a portion of the support needed in various places around the world.

What’s Next

As Congressional appropriators begin working on FY25 federal budget, Witness in Society advocacy staff continue to advocate for robust allocation of humanitarian aid and other critical international programs to ensure life-saving assistance for those most vulnerable is sustained.

RESPONSE TO CONDITIONS IN HAITI: In March, the ELCA joined than more than 450 immigration, human rights, faith-based and civil rights organizations in a letter to the Biden administration urging the extension and redesignation of Haiti for Temporary Protected Status (TPS), pause on deportations, and expansion of lawful migration pathways.

The ELCA also helped lead an interfaith letter from more than 250 faith organizations and faith leaders. On a recent press call with congressional leaders and advocates, the Rev. David Nagler, bishop of the Pacifica Synod, said, “Some of our churches have welcomed Haitian families and have heard their stories… The question before us as a nation is will we make the policy decisions that will protect the vulnerable, provide for basic human needs, and help create a path toward a sustainable and prosperous future?”

Why It Matters to the ELCA

Calling for an indefinite halt to deportations and expulsions to Haiti during times of crisis is not new, as it follows a history of raising concern about conditions in Haiti. In 2023, the ELCA sent a letter to the administration addressing concerns of an “asylum ban” when it was widely reported that new restrictions were forthcoming and noted concern about the threat of harm of deportations to the life and dignity of individuals forced to return.

What’s Next

Even as deadly violence has overtaken the capital of Port-au-Prince, the Biden administration restarted deportations this March. The current TPS designation for Haiti is set to expire on Aug. 4, 2024. The administration must decide soon regarding redesignation.

Receive monthly Advocacy Connections directly by becoming part of the ELCA Advocacy network – http://elca.org/advocacy/signup , and learn more from elca.org/advocacy .

from the ELCA advocacy office in Washington, D.C. – the Rev. Amy E. Reumann, Senior Director

Partial expanded content from Advocacy Connections: April 2024

HUNGER IN THE FARM BILL | PARTICULATE MATTER EMISSIONS STANDARDS | PEPFAR EXTENDED FOR JUST ONE YEAR | CALLS FOR BILATERAL CEASEFIRE INCREASE | APPROPRIATIONS BILL INCREASES IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT SPENDING

HUNGER IN THE FARM BILL:  Rep. Glenn Thompson (R-PA), chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture, announced intentions to introduce legislative text for reauthorizing the Farm Bill as soon as April. This comes after reports of policy disagreements among lawmakers on how to allocate anti-hunger, conservation and crop investment funding.

Though little is expected to pass in an election year, Congress must pass or temporarily extend a Farm Bill by the end of September before certain programs start to expire.

Why It Matters in the ELCA:

Food programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) accompany the mission of our ministries, food pantries and charitable investments striving for a just world where all are fed. Cuts or newly added barriers to the SNAP program could come at a dire time as food costs continue to climb in many of our communities, and as many of our ministries are over capacity.

What’s Next:

The ELCA Action Center has a current Action Alert urging lawmakers to preserve funding for SNAP and anti-hunger programs in the Farm Bill. ELCA Witness in Society staff will be meeting with congressional staff ahead of potential House introduction and will be monitoring the legislation.

PARTICULATE MATTER EMISSIONS STANDARDS: In February, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) updated its standards for particulate matter in accordance with the Clean Air Act. This new standard is to go into effect on May 6, 2024. Recently, Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) introduced a Congressional Review Act to nullify this rule change.

Why it Matters in the ELCA:

ELCA advocacy joined other faith partners to advocate for this change over the last year (March 2023 letter) and celebrated the new standard from the EPA. This rule change is expected to save an estimated 4,500 lives and deliver $46 billion in health benefits in 2032.

What’s Next:

ELCA advocacy and interfaith partners are advocating with lawmakers to show support for the new EPA particulate matter emissions standards and asking offices to oppose the proposed congressional review act.

PEPFAR EXTENDED FOR JUST ONE YEAR: Members of Congress included a one-year extension of the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) in the final FY24 appropriations bill. The new reauthorization will expire on Mar. 25, 2025. This is the first time PEPFAR has received reauthorization of less than five years, raising concerns about the long-term impact on global PEPFAR services.

In addition to reauthorization, Congress also appropriated a flat level of funding for PEPFAR programming, and for other bilateral HIV programs administered by USAID. The multilateral Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria received a reduction.

Why It Matters in the ELCA:

PEPFAR is the largest U.S. global health program devoted to a single disease. Today, PEPFAR supports over 20 million people around the world by providing lifesaving antiretroviral treatment. Because of PEPFAR, millions of babies born to mothers living with HIV are born HIV-free. Lutheran hospitals in countries like Tanzania partner with PEPFAR to provide various services to people living with HIV.

What’s Next:

In the coming year, ELCA advocacy and partners will continue to urge members of Congress to pass a multi-year PEPFAR reauthorization before Mar. 25, 2025.

CALLS FOR BILATERAL CEASEFIRE INCREASE:  ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton joined global Christian leaders in calling for a cease fire in Gaza. The chorus of churches and global Christian leaders wrote an Easter letter calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and saying, “We hold onto the hope that peace is possible even in the midst of this darkest hour.”

Despite White House statements and congressional action, President Biden authorized arms transfer to Israel. Despite multiple letters to the administration from church leaders – including those from the ELCA and global Christian leaders – the Biden Administration authorized a multi-billion-dollar arms transfer to Israel on Mar. 27, even after historic public condemnation of the Netanyahu government from the administration and Democratic Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.

Why It Matters in the ELCA:

The opening line of the ELCA social statement For Peace in God’s World states: “We of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America share with the Church of Jesus Christ in all times and places the calling to be peacemakers.”

What’s Next:

The ELCA will continue to advocate for a permanent bilateral ceasefire and the restoration of funding to UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

APPROPRIATIONS BILL INCREASES IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT SPENDING: On Mar. 8, Congress passed H.R. 2882, the “Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024”. The FY24 minibus package provides funding for various immigration programs and provisions. The package did not include harmful immigration policy riders. The spending package overall represents a dramatic increase in funding for immigration enforcement, detention, and removal operations; meanwhile, funding for overseas programs to address migration and refugees decreased or stayed the same.

Some notable highlights include $34 million to process work permit applications and funding for case management, alternatives to detention, and the Shelter and Service Program (SSP) through FEMA to support NGOs serving migrants.

Why It Matters in the ELCA:

The ELCA continues to work for fair and compassionate immigration policies that weigh the need for security with functioning asylum and immigration policies, arising from the accompaniment of ELCA programs and ministries with migrants. By providing yet more billions in additional for funding for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) while neglecting to address the drivers of migration or widening legal pathways to the United States, lawmakers resign to repeat the mistakes of the past. For years, the number of people arriving at the border has increased, despite an ever-increasing influx of tax-dollars for border enforcement. During the FY24 budget process, the ELCA advocated for funding to provide safety and dignity for asylum seekers, for international assistance to address the drivers of migration and for investments in refugee protection.

What’s Next:

The FY25 federal appropriations process begins in earnest soon. Reportedly, the administration is also weighing certain executive actions (used previously to impose a travel ban on people of Muslim-majority countries) which would most certainly draw legal challenges, irrespective of congressional action on a border supplemental package.

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from the ELCA advocacy office in Washington, D.C. – the Rev. Amy E. Reumann, Senior Director

Partial expanded content from Advocacy Connections: March 2024

FEDERAL BUDGET | YES IN GOD’S BACK YARD ACT | RECOVERING AMERICA’S WILDLIFE ACT | UYGHUR POLICY ACT OF 2023 | CALLS FOR CEASEFIRE, RESTORATION OF UNRWA FUNDING | SOLIDARITY WITH ANNUNCIATION HOUSE

FEDERAL BUDGET:  The House and Senate passed the first tranche of 2024 spending bills, including funding for agriculture and housing programs. The bipartisan deal reached in both chambers in time to avoid a shutdown of many key federal agencies would fully fund core anti-hunger initiatives, such as the Women, Infant, and Children program (WIC), and does not include any harmful policy changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) nutrition program. The deal would also give a two percent increase to federal housing programs – which comes at a critical time when rents, housing costs and affordability continue to climb.

Why It Matters in the ELCA:

Hundreds of Lutherans over the past month took action on hunger issues in the budget, and hundreds more sent messages on the need for affordable housing support over the last year. Rumors of proposed cuts in earlier negotiations would have been a serious blow to the efforts of our ministries at the fore of addressing poverty in our communities.

What’s Next:

Lawmakers must now look to pass 2025 spending bills for domestic programs as the President’s Budget request makes its way to Congress.

YES IN GOD’S BACK YARD ACT:  On Mar. 12, Sen. Sherrod Brown (OH), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs (Senate Banking Committee), introduced the Yes In God’s Back Yard (YIGBY) Act, legislation to support faith-based organizations and colleges wanting to build and preserve affordable housing on their land and reduce barriers to the development of this housing. YIGBY was endorsed by a group of faith groups and coalitions including the ELCA. The Senate Banking Committee in mid-March held a hearing to discuss bipartisan approaches to address the chronic shortage of affordable housing. This came after a series of housing hearings in the spring of 2023 highlighting the core policy challenges that have led to development barriers, homelessness and skyrocketing home costs. Among the legislative proposals, lawmakers highlighted support for some efforts such as authorizing proactive disaster recovery resources and offering increased resources for churches seeking to build affordable housing.

Why It Matters in the ELCA:

Congregations across the United States have increasingly invested more in developing community housing in recent years as the lack of affordable options has become one of the leading drivers of homelessness. Development planning, zoning approval and other local barriers to building new housing can take years before ground is even broken on a new project. New technical assistance for congregations, and incentives for local governments to lower development barriers proposed in the Yes in Gods Back Yard Act, could go a long way in supporting ministry efforts to end homelessness in our communities.

What’s Next:

Though introduced in the Senate, the Yes in Gods Back Yard Act needs support from across the country in order to make it to the president’s desk. ELCA Witness in Society staff will be tracking the legislation as updates move forward.

RECOVERING AMERICA’S WILDLIFE ACT:  The ELCA has supported the passage of the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act (RAWA), S.1149, a bipartisan bill that would allocate nearly $1.4 billion of annual dedicated funding for state and tribal fish and wildlife management agencies. Even with bipartisan support, RAWA seems to have hit a stall with no indication of movement. An Action Alert is available in the ELCA Action Center to contact lawmakers on this bill.

Why It Matters in the ELCA:

The 2023 ELCA social message “Earth’s Climate Crisis”, which built upon the foundational work of the social message Caring for Creation: Vision, Hope, and Justice, “challenges all expressions of this church to…engage in legislative advocacy at all levels of government, individually and collectively” (p. 16). Our continued advocacy on environmental policies is in direct response to this challenge.

What’s Next:

Additionally, Chairman Bruce Westerman (AR) of the House Committee on Natural Resources quietly filed the America’s Wildlife Habitat Conservation Act, H.R. 7408, last week in competition with RAWA. While there has been some confusion between the two bills, it is important to note that while the America’s Wildlife Habitat Conservation Act would focus on the importance of habitat, it stops short of dedicating the necessary funding for fish and wildlife management agencies that hunters and anglers have long sought through the advancement of the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act.

UYGHUR POLICY ACT OF 2023:  The Uyghur Policy Act of 2023, H.R. 2766, was passed by the House and has been sent to the Senate for consideration. The act authorizes the establishment of a Special Coordinator for Uyghur Issues position within the Department of State. The role is established to coordinate U.S government policies, programs and projects concerning the Uyghurs and members of other ethnic and religious minority groups. Further, it authorizes $250,000 over three years to human rights advocates working on behalf of the Uyghurs and other persecuted ethnic groups.

Why It Matters in the ELCA:

The ELCA social statement For Peace in God’s World states that “Human rights provide a common universal standard of justice for living with our differences, and they give moral and legal standing to the individual in the international community. We therefore will continue to teach about human rights, protest their violation, advocate their international codification, and support effective ways to monitor and ensure compliance with them” (p. 14).

What’s Next:

The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.

CALLS FOR CEASEFIRE, RESTORATION OF UNRWA FUNDING:  There have been multiple calls by the ELCA and its leadership for both a permanent bilateral ceasefire and the restoration United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA)’s funding.

• Following the Feb. 27-Mar. 5 Conference of Bishops (COB), the body advanced a statement and letter to President Joseph Biden, calling for a permanent ceasefire, return of hostages and political prisoners, and protection of civilians and lasting peace efforts. This letter was delivered on Mar. 3.
• Following allegations by Israel that 13 of UNRWA’s 30,000 staff were implicated in Oct. 7 events, and as UNRWA investigates the allegations, the ELCA joins many others in urging that humanitarian assistance not be further cut off amid the military siege in the densely population Gaza territory. UNRWA provides humanitarian assistance, health and educational services for some three million of the 5.9 million Palestinian refugees in Gaza, East Jerusalem, the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria. In Gaza, where infrastructure has been devastated and essential supplies are dangerously reduced, two million Palestinians in Gaza rely on UNRWA for humanitarian assistance.
• The ELCA joined Churches for Middle East Peace in organizing congressional meetings with legislative offices on Feb. 13, focusing advocacy on calls for a permanent bilateral ceasefire and restoration of UNRWA funding. Bishop Tracie Bartholomew, New Jersey Synod, met with senior policy staff as well as directly with Sen. Chris Van Hollen (MD) on that date.

Why It Matters in the ELCA:

The opening line of the ELCA social statement For Peace in God’s World states: “We of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America share with the Church of Jesus Christ in all times and places the calling to be peacemakers.”

What’s Next:

The ELCA will continue to advocate for a permanent bilateral ceasefire and the restoration of funding to UNRWA.

SOLIDARITY WITH ANNUNCIATION HOUSE:  On Mar. 4, the COB issued a statement in solidarity with migrants and Annunciation House. Annunciation House is a volunteer-run Catholic organization with over 40 years of providing hospitality to migrants in El Paso, Tex. On Feb. 20, the Attorney General of Texas announced it was suing the El Paso organization for alleged potential legal violations which stem from Annunciation House defending itself from demands for sensitive information. On Mar. 5, the Interfaith Immigration Coalition released an interfaith statement that collected numerous signatures from Lutherans.

Why It Matters in the ELCA:

The COB statement of solidarity with migrants and those who respond to God’s call to serve their neighbors, like Annunciation House, is rooted in a long tradition and legacy of welcoming newcomers. In the United States, congregations accompany migrants in their communities through welcoming and sanctuary congregations and synod task forces, accompany migrant children and families as the physical presence of the church in the immigration courtroom, and pray for justice among other responses.

What’s Next:

On Mar. 11, Judge Francisco Dominguez from Texas’ 205th District issued a ruling blocking further action by the attorney general against Annunciation House until the judge can review the constitutionality of the attorney general’s requests. On Mar. 5, via X/Twitter, Annunciation House posted: “Thanks to the ELCA Conference of Bishops for this statement of solidarity.”

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In advance of Super Tuesday, William Milner, ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellow, and Alex Parker, ELCA Advocacy Coordinator, with the D.C.-based staff shared election engagement reflections.

By William Milner and Alex Parker

You could say we’re election nerds. We’ve woken up early, gone to the polling booth to cast our votes before school and work, and afterwards, rapidly dashed home to turn on the news and watch the results pour in. One of us even remembers in middle school printing out a map of the United States so he could write in each state’s electoral college numbers and color them in either red or blue to help him predict the night’s outcome!

This Mar. 5, known as Super Tuesday, millions of people across 16 states (and one territory) hold their primary elections for the 2024 election. Are you feeling it? The excitement is not just about exercising the right to vote. For us, the profundity of voting is an act of faith-informed service to our neighbors and as a testament to our shared commitment to building a more just and equitable society.

Election engagement is not important to us simply because of our personal affinities, or because it is our job as federal advocates. By participating in the electoral process, we fulfill our duty as stewards of democracy and advocates for justice. Our votes are not only a reflection of our personal preferences but also a means to advocate for the common good and ensure that everyone’s voice is heard in the corridors of power. As faithful advocates, we are called not only to vote, but to vote in a way that aligns with the principles of love, justice and solidarity.

“Over time Lutherans have learned that energetic civic engagement is part of their baptismal vocation, both as individuals and through the church’s corporate witness. Such civic participation is not simply voluntary, idealistic, or altruistic. The ELCA holds to the biblical idea that God calls God’s people to be active citizens and to ensure that everyone benefits from the good of government (Jeremiah 29:7, Romans 13:1-7),” reads the ELCA social message “Government and Civic Engagement in the United States: Discipleship in a Democracy” (p. 14). Many resources for faith-based election engagement are available at ELCA.org/civicengagement and ELCA.org/votes, including a new “Intergenerational Conversation Starter,” encouraging story-sharing of what civic engagement looks like for each of us informed by our faith.

Supporting full participation for all is another way faith informs our election engagement commitment. The John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act was reintroduced this past week in commemoration of the 59th anniversary of Bloody Sunday, where activists were beaten while marching for their civil rights across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Ala. Advancement of this legislation, and others like The Freedom to Vote Act, are being monitored by ELCA advocacy staff. As the ELCA social statement Freed in Christ: Race, Ethnicity, and Culture says ” This church will support legislation, ordinances, and resolutions that guarantee to all persons equally: civil rights, including full protection of the law and redress under the law of discriminatory practices; and to all citizens, the right to vote” (p. 7).

Have you caught the excitement? As faith-based advocates for justice and stewards of democracy, we see our engagement in the electoral process as not merely a personal choice or professional obligation but a sacred calling. If you’re a Super Tuesday voter or will vote another time, don’t skip the opportunity. We embark on this electoral journey, mindful of the positive impact casting your ballot can have, taking part in our shared commitment to building a more just and equitable society.

from the ELCA advocacy office in Washington, D.C. – the Rev. Amy E. Reumann, Senior Director

Partial expanded content from Advocacy Connections: February 2024

CHILD TAX CREDIT EXTENTIONS | WIC FUNDING RUNNING LOW | FEMA INDIVIDUAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM UPDATES | HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS BILL INTRODUCED IN SENATE | PUSH FOR CEASEFIRE BETWEEN ISRAEL & HAMAS CONTINUES | SUPPLEMENTAL BILL MAY REWRITE IMMIGRATION LAW

CHILD TAX CREDIT EXTENSION: The House of Representatives on a 357-70 vote passed a bipartisan tax package, including a modest expansion of the Child Tax Credit (CTC), added housing development incentives and tax relief for people impacted by the East Palestine, Ohio chemical spill. If passed by the Senate, the measure could lift as many as 400,000 children out of poverty and create over 200,000 new housing units according to some estimates.

Why It Matters in the ELCA

This legislative push comes as family homelessness rose over 17% in the last year and as many ministries across the United States report over-capacity in shelters and food pantry lines. Tax relief lifting thousands of people out of poverty would come at a truly urgent time for many families and those of us in need across the country. The ELCA Witness in Society staff shared two action alerts addressing both the Child Tax Credit and Low-Income Housing Tax Credit over the last year, with hundreds of Lutherans taking action on each issue.

What’s Next

Though the bill passed the House by a wide margin, passage seems less certain in the Senate. Advocates should take action calling their senators to pass the bill as soon as possible as the start of tax season is already underway.

WIC FUNDING RUNNING LOW: The Department of Agriculture is warning that the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program that provides assistance to millions of low-income families is set to run low on funding in the coming months. The funding shortfall comes as enrollment for assistance and the cost of food rose faster than the Department’s estimations, and as Congress has yet to pass a full year budget for the current fiscal year. Without congressional action, the department warns, millions of women and children could be turned away from assistance as soon as late summer.

Why It Matters in the ELCA

The WIC program is an essential, proven supplemental program that keeps over six million families out of hunger. The WIC program supplements the efforts of many of our hunger ministries, helping give direct food assistance as valuable partners. ELCA Witness in Society staff have been discussing the shortfall with concerned lawmakers and congressional staff across the political spectrum, urging the need to meet new demand for the program.

What’s Next

Though the WIC program carries bipartisan concern, appropriators in Congress are struggling to come up with the political will to meet the shortfall in funding. ELCA advocacy staff continue to monitor.

FEMA INDIVIDUAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM UPDATES: The Biden Administration, along with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), has made significant updates to the Individual Assistance program for survivors of disaster. These updates are intended to establish new benefits, cut red tape and expand eligibility, and simplify the application process for Individual Assistance.

Why It Matters in the ELCA

ELCA Witness in Society along with Lutheran Disaster Response have been advocating for changes like these to simplify the process for survivors of declared disasters. With faith-based volunteers, houses of worship and disaster response coordinators, such as Lutheran Disaster Response, often on the front-line of major disasters, changes in regulation like this can be quite impactful.

What’s Next

It is promising to see changes made swiftly at the regulatory level, but potential for Administration turnover could threaten these improvements. ELCA Witness in Society, along with partners, will continue to advocate for legislative action to simplify and improve disaster response policies. For more information or to take action through our Action Alert.

HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS BILL INTRODUCED IN SENATE: A new bill to protect human rights defenders has been introduced in the Senate. Among other things, the Human Rights Defenders Protection Act of 2024 (S.3705) seeks to create a new, limited visa category to provide up to 500 at-risk human rights defenders with a multiple-entry, multi-year visa to the United States to ensure such individuals are able to safely continue their work.

This bill requires a global strategy for human rights defenders to bolster the ability of U.S. embassies and missions to protect human rights defenders. It also expands diplomatic tools to ensure issues pertaining to human rights defenders are included in each mission’s integrated country strategy, and codifies and strengthens the Biden Administration’s Guidelines for U.S. Diplomatic Support to Civil Society and Human Rights Defenders.

Why It Matters in the ELCA

The ELCA social statement For Peace in God’s World articulates that dignity, “equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world” (pg. 14). Therefore, defending those among us who are risking their lives daily to improve the lives of others is a responsibility we as Lutherans must embrace.

What’s Next

The bill was introduced in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. The Committee is yet to schedule a hearing to mark up the bill before it can be advanced to the full senate floor for a vote.

PUSH FOR CEASEFIRE BETWEEN ISRAEL & HAMAS CONTINUES: ELCA advocacy continues to urge Congress and the Administration to: (1) Publicly call for a ceasefire to prevent the further loss of life; (2) Prioritize the protection of all civilians, including by urgently securing the entrance of humanitarian aid into Gaza and working to secure the release of hostages; and (3) Urge all parties to fully respect international humanitarian law.

Over 27,000 Palestinian people have been killed in Gaza since the start of the war, of which approximately 70% are women and children, and 1.9 million have been displaced from their homes (approximately 85% of the population). As of Jan. 29, 69 U.S. legislators have voiced calls for a ceasefire. ELCA is calling on senators to co-sponsor Senator Van Hollen amendment, which requires that “weapons received by any country under the [request be] used in accordance with U.S. law, international humanitarian law and the law of armed conflict.” The measure also requires the president to report to Congress on the matter and, according to the press release, to strengthen “current law that prohibits U.S. security assistance to any country that prevents or restricts U.S. humanitarian assistance to those in need.”

Why It Matters to the ELCA

Freed by the transformative life of Christ, the ELCA is committed to accompaniment, advocacy and awareness-raising with our partners in the Holy Land and in the United States. Sumud, an Arabic word meaning “steadfastness” used to describe this ministry and work since Oct. 2023 ELCA announcement, connects ELCA members to our companions in the Holy Land and seeks to follow the guidance, support the leadership and amplify the voices of our Palestinian partners. Together with our Lutheran companions, we accompany Palestinians and Israelis, and many other Jews, Christians and Muslims, in working to establish the justice required for peace.

What’s Next

In January, the Senate tabled Senator Bernie Sanders’ effort to curb military aid to Israel during Israel-Hamas war, but “the roll call vote begins to reveal the depth of unease among U.S. lawmakers over Israel’s prosecution of the war against Hamas…In all, 11 senators joined Sanders in the procedural vote, mostly Democrats from across the party’s spectrum, while 72 opposed.” A number of senators were unable to travel in time for the vote in D.C. due to winter weather storms. The future of the resolution is unclear, but Sanders has vowed to continue to advocate oversight from Congress.

SUPPLEMENTAL BILL MAY REWRITE IMMIGRATION LAW: Lawmakers left Washington, D.C. in Dec. without agreement on President Biden’s request for $106 billion in supplemental funding to be split among overseas priorities and border security (looking increasingly likely to be coupled with an extreme border deal). But after months of secret negotiations, a bipartisan compromise was announced.

Estimated to cost $118 billion, the bill would dramatically rewrite immigration law. The bill would create new hurdles for asylum seekers, undermine due process in immigration proceedings, and expand immigration enforcement in unforeseen ways. This was part of the compromise negotiations, which did bring along some favorable immigration provisions such as protections for Afghans.

Why It Matters to the ELCA

The asylum and border proposals are deeply misguided because deterrence does not actually prevent people from making the journey to the United States. The ELCA recognizes the most effective way to reduce migration pressures is by addressing the desperation that is pushing people out of their communities, a key focus of the ELCA AMMPARO strategy. Advocacy priorities formulated in consultation with AMMPARO companions in Central America and Mexico call for a human security and rights framework on migration, and a distancing from the current national security one. The social message on “Immigration” under “Asylum” articulates that the ELCA opposes “unreasonable obstacles and unattainable standards of proof for those seeking asylum” like many of the policies under consideration would do.

What’s Next

The outlook of the supplemental package is not clear, despite procedural votes in the Senate anticipated on Wed. Feb. 7. A vote to proceed with the security supplemental package ultimately failed on Wednesday. Senator Schumer and some Republican senators would like to vote for the same bill without the border provisions, so long as there is an amendment process.

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by Tomo Duke, Faith Action Network in Washington [about the author]

I visited the Washington State Capitol a few times this legislative session to advocate with our elected officials. I walked through buildings filled with elegant marble and golden interiors and observed many people dressed in fancy suits. I thought the grandeur created an illusion about elected officials’ status and power.

In a culture that tempts us to fall into idolization of elected officials or political apathy, what kind of power and accountability do we share?

POWER IN A UNIFIED COMMUNITY

In his Epistle to Ephesians, Paul reveals a vision of a new unified community among Jews and Gentiles through Christ. It is difficult to bear witness to this vision today in our contemporary political characterizations of red and blue, polarized ideologies, and deepening alienation between privileged and marginalized people. As the 2024 election season is rapidly barreling toward us, a competition for power is amplified. A true sense of a unified community seems remote.

But after sitting with Ephesians 3:10, I was reminded of the great power of God which redeems what’s been lost and reconciles what’s been divided.

Ephesians 3:10 claims the wisdom of God as the greater power which transcends earthly places and will reach “the heavenly places.” We must not be deceived by the worldly powers that possess an outer, physical manifestation – like the fancy government buildings and the elected titles. The inner wisdom from God appears embodied in our beings and our relationships with fellow human beings and creation.

Christ demonstrated His power not in military prowess but in His consistent presence with those of us described as lowly, afflicted and the ‘least of these’ by pouring out love. This power is never scarce but grows in abundance the more it is shared among all people, all creation.

LEADERS WHO MULTIPLY POWER

What I look for in elected leaders and candidates is deeper than their political party or position on hot-button policy issues. I look for those who ground their worldly power in their inner spiritual power that they are willing to share. I wish for leaders who multiply the power of the Spirit by releasing their attachment to the possession of worldly power.

Power is shared in moments like when elected officials step off the floor to meet their constituents, or when they value their time to just know and listen to their constituents by standing outside the power structures. Power is shared when constituents of diverse races, ethnicities and faith traditions from the district come together with their elected officials to share individual lived stories. Power is shared when we acknowledge humanity and equal dignity beyond one another’s societal role in the worldly hierarchy.

COMMON FRAGILITY

This is being posted on Ash Wednesday, a day when the church remembers, “you are dust, and to dust you shall return” (Genesis 3:19). Dust is our universally shared context. We often forget that we share in our fragility. For those in elected offices, who have the worldly power to affect millions of people at the stroke of a pen, I believe accepting the truth of our common fragility is especially important.

The spirit-filled power of love, justice and compassion needs to be shared among us and be known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Tomo Duke (she/her) serves at Faith Action Network (FAN) in Washington state. She was born and raised in Japan and has lived in the United States since 2014 as a first-generation immigrant. She graduated with a M.Div. from Duke University in 2023 and holds a B.S. in Political Science. Prior to joining FAN, she gained experiences in immigration service from humanitarian relief to policy advocacy for immigrant justice both in secular and faith-based contexts.