June/July Updates – U.N. and State Edition

Following are updates shared from submissions of the Lutheran Office for World Community and state public policy offices (sppos) in the ELCA Advocacy Network last month. Full list and map of sppos available.

New York

Lutheran Office for World Community (LOWC), U.N. – ELCA.org/lowc

Christine Mangale, Director

From May 9-10, LOWC staff participated in the UN Civil Society conference in Nairobi, Kenya. 2,158 participants—representing 115 nationalities, from 1,424 organizations, and headquartered in 99 countries—were in attendance. The conference focused on increasing awareness, ambition and accountability for the Summit of the Future happening in September. It also worked to build multi-stakeholder ImPACT Coalitions to champion, act on and push forward reforms proposed in consensus language of the Pact for the Future.

LOWC staff attended the Post-Conference Town Hall on May 31 to discuss reflections and outcomes of 2024 UN Civil Society Conference. Staff will also continue to participate in civil society meetings leading up to the Summit of the Future. Our staff joined Impact Coalitions focused on faith and migration, and will continue to work with other individuals and organizations to advocate for specific language to be included in the Pact for the Future.

Colorado

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Colorado (LAMCo) – Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-Colorado (lam-co.org)

Peter Severson, Director

LOOKING AHEAD TO BALLOT SEASON: Colorado’s legislative session may be over for 2024, but the season for ballot measures is just beginning! The legislature has the power to refer measures to the ballot, and they successfully approved three questions:

Repealing moot language in the Colorado constitution that bans gay marriage
Adding an exception to the right to bail for first-degree murder cases where proof is evident or the presumption is great
Modifying some election deadlines for initiatives and referenda

H3 Pending Ballot Measures

Colorado voters have seen at least a dozen measures on their fall ballot in even-numbered election years for the last several cycles, and this year may be similar. It all depends on how many of the measures currently collecting signatures will be certified.

We know right now that two initiated measures will appear on the ballot, having already been approved:

Limiting property tax growth to four percent annually, unless approved by voters
Placing the right to abortion in the state constitution

Other measures have been approved for circulation on issues ranging from law enforcement to elections to veterinary medicine. We’ll be tracking all the issues and publishing our annual Voter Guide later this year, so stay tuned!

Pennsylvania

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania (LAMPa) – lutheranadvocacypa.org

Tracey DePasquale, Director

LAMPa built on the energy of Lutheran Day in the Capitol, where the Gospel was proclaimed and we remembered our call to be Church Together. You can draw inspiration for your discipleship and support our work toward a world where all are welcomed and fed by purchasing a print of this beautiful painting of The Table.

Sales of fine art prints support LAMPa’s work toward a just world, where all are welcomed and fed.

 Committed to supporting the church in Pennsylvania in this election season, we are preparing programs and resources to aid congregations and individuals in their civic engagement, including a pre-election devotional that will accompany our 40 days of prayer and action for justice and peace.

H3 Pride Month

We honored Pride month with resources for congregations and local Reconciling Works teams to use at events to encourage care for our LGBTQ+ neighbors and promote systemic change through advocating for the Fairness Act and updated Hate Crimes Legislation. 

H3 Menstrual Hygiene Support Passed

Responding to needs raised by our ministries, Lutherans sent postcards  to their legislators in support of providing menstrual hygiene products in schools. HB851 passed the House with bipartisan support!

H3 Housing Advocacy

LAMPa advocates continued to press lawmakers to care for vulnerable neighbors in the budget with action alerts for programs to support housing, hunger and health care. On the heels of a new UN statement on the climate crisis, Lutheran advocates joined more than 400 statewide for a virtual climate lobby day, demanding that PA advance measures to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.

Lutheran advocates show up for a virtual climate lobby day that LAMPa co-sponsored.

Texas

Texas Impact (TI) – www.texasimpact.org

Scott Atnip, Director

The summer is already hot, and legislative activity has yet to cool down in Texas. 

H3 Reproductive Rights

The Texas abortion ban has been in focus this year and Texas Impact is creating a series of videos called Let’s Talk on the issue through the lens of faith, and is organizing a series of conversations on the issue.

H3 Congregations Respond to Gun Violence

Congregations are participating in the Vidas Robadas (Stolen Lives) displays, displaying the names of victims of gun violence on t-shirts. The display at the NRA convention in Dallas garnered special attention. 

H3 Weekly Witness Podcast on the Farm Bill

Finally, the Weekly Witness podcast continues, and we were fortunate to have the ELCA’s Christine Moffett join the podcast in May to talk about the Farm Bill. 

H3 Now Hiring

Texas Impact just finished hiring staff to coordinate a Houston Faith Votes cohort to engage in civic engagement work to demonstrate the impact congregations can have in engaging voters. The fifteen congregations will convene in July to begin this work and will join with many other congregations using Texas Faith Votes resources. 

Washington

Faith Action Network (FANWA) – Home – Faith Action Network (fanwa.org)

Elise DeGooyer

H3 Farm Bill Advocacy
There has always been strong collaboration with the Lutherans in FAN’s network and beyond for the Farm Bill Advocacy. Thanks to the work of ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellow Tomo Duke, last month six Bishops of the Synods in Region 1 (Alaska, Montana, Northwest Washington, Northwest Intermountain, Oregon, Southwestern Washington) sent a joint letter to the House and Senate Agricultural Committee leadership and their respective representatives in the committees, urging them to attend to community needs and pass a bipartisan, equitable, and sustainable farm bill. The letters were hand-delivered by the ELCA Advocacy staff in Washington D.C. FAN is thankful for the ELCA’s churchwide connection to make such tangible advocacy possible.

We also hosted an online event “Why is the Farm Bill Important to Us?” on June 13. Lutherans from across the Northwest gathered with passion and curiosity for the Farm Bill. At the event, Bishop Rick Jaech, Bishop Meggan Manlove, and Bishop Shelley Bryan Wee joined us, Alex Parker from the ELCA Advocacy gave an engaging presentation, and five Lutheran guest speakers spoke on the different sections of the Farm Bill priorities—nutrition programs, farming communities, rural housing development, and creation care. The participants engaged in further conversation in breakout rooms and concluded the time by writing letters to our elected officials.

This June, Executive Director Elise DeGooyer will be leaving FAN after 10 years of service. FAN staff, board, and our network have expressed deep gratitude for her tireless work and contribution to FAN. Her leadership skills, graciousness, and wisdom have served FAN well as we grew statewide and lived into our multi-faith identity. During this organizational transition, we invite you to help us find new executive leadership by sharing the job description and application information here.

Wisconsin

Lutheran Office for Public Policy (LOPPW) – The Lutheran Office for Public Policy in Wisconsin (loppw.org)

Cindy Crane, Director

H3 Synod Assemblies

LLOPPW was able to have a presence at four of the six synod assemblies. Four assemblies were held on the same weekend and the other two were also held at the same time, although one was hybrid. Cindy led a hearing on the draft social statement on Civic Life and Faith at the GMS assembly. More than 100 people attended (left photo).

Frances was at the South-Central Synod Assembly

The East-Central Synod of Wisconsin (ECSW) and Greater Milwaukee Synod (GMS) passed resolutions to advocate to diminish the influence of money on politics, especially related Citizens United. Both resolutions included a request for assistance from LOPPW. The director has been in contact with two D.C. staff about working together at the federal end.

Rev. Josh Fite speaking to the resolution at the ECSW assembly.

Bishop Elect Martin Halom of the Northwest Synod of Wisconsin (NWSW). Bishop Laurie Skow-Anderson was celebrated before the election.

H3 Youth Justice

On June 18, LOPPW and the Raise the Age coalition, which we helped to initiate, were invited to be part of a press conference, organized by MICAH, in advance of oral arguments to waive a ten-year-old charged with killing his mother from juvenile court to adult court in Milwaukee. RTA is very specific about raising the age of adulthood in the criminal justice system from 17 to 18 but fit the theme of the day. Links to videos from the day:

Rev. Joe Ellwanger: https://www.facebook.com/LOPPW/videos/1969220260181798

Lived experience testimony: https://www.facebook.com/LOPPW/videos/447787711370180

Raise the Age statement: https://www.facebook.com/LOPPW/videos/971335448070684

LOPPW’ brief comments: https://www.facebook.com/reel/478292724564975

May Updates – U.N. and State Edition

U.N. | CALIFORNIA| COLORADO | PENNSYLVANIA| WASHINGTON

New York

Lutheran Office for World Community (LOWC), U.N. – ELCA.org/lowc

Christine Mangale, Director

ECOSOC Youth Forum: The 2024 ECOSOC (Economic and Social Council) Youth Forum took place from Apr. 16-18, aiming to reinforce the 2030 Agenda and combat poverty amidst multiple crises through sustainable, resilient and innovative solutions. The focus areas include Sustainable Development Goals 1 (emphasizing poverty eradication), 2 (hunger alleviation), 13 (climate action), 16 (justice) and 17 (partnerships).

Lutheran Office for World Community (LOWC), in collaboration with LWF Youth and ELCA International Leaders Program, had seven delegates from LWF communion churches: Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, Iglesia Evangelical Luterana Unida Argentina, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Indonesia, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania and ELCA.

As shared in the ELCA Youth Ministry profile, “As a church that is energized by lively engagement in our faith and life, the ELCA offers a variety of opportunities for youth to grow in and explore their faith.” The ECOSOC Youth Forum is a significant platform for youth engagement and interest.

The UN will host the Fourth Finance for Development Conference in Madrid, Spain in 2026. This will be an important stocktaking round for the health and impact of the Forum’s work, as well as to take the vision for this work into the next mandate period.

California

Lutheran Office of Public Policy (LOPPCA) – lutheranpublicpolicyca.org

Regina Banks, Director

LOPPCA’s fifth annual Lutheran Lobby Day was a resounding success! We are so thankful for the support of our three bishops and the Cal Lutheran faculty and students who attended. From across the state, 65 intergenerational advocates gathered in Sacramento to speak justice to our legislators in the capitol surrounding these four priority bills:

AB 2728 (Gabriel) – This bill is a follow up bill to the great housing bill, SB 4, that was passed in 2023. AB 2728 would incorporate new stakeholder feedback and add common sense accountability measures for SB 4 housing, including utilization data reporting.

AB 1851 (Holden) – This bill follows the vetoed AB 249 (Holden) from 2023, which was one of LOPPCA’s lobby day bills last year. The new attempt would create a pilot program to hire a technical assistance organization that would test all potable water system outlets in designated school districts towards the goal of remediating toxic lead levels in school drinking water.

SB 1497 (Menjivar) – This bill would establish the Polluters Pay Climate Cost Recovery Program. This would require fossil fuel polluters to pay their fair share of the damage caused by their products. It would also require the completion of a climate cost study to quantify the total damage amount, which would be defined as all past and future climate damages to the state.

AB 2191 (Santiago) – This bill would establish the CalEITC Outreach, Education, & Free Tax Assistance Grant Program. The bill would require the Franchise Tax Board to allocate grants to qualified nonprofit community-based orgs or local government agencies to increase the number of eligible households claiming the state and federal EITC, CTC, YCTC, and the FYTC, and to increase awareness of ITIN tax status eligibility.

LOPPCA is hopeful that they will continue to move forward this summer.

Photo credits to Catherine Slabaugh at St. John’s Lutheran Church Sacramento

Colorado

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Colorado (LAM-CO) – Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-Colorado (lam-co.org)

Peter Severson, Director

LEGISLATIVE SESSION CONCLUDES: The 2024 legislative session of the Colorado General Assembly concluded on Wed., May 8. In total, the legislature considered 705 bills this year, and LAM-CO was an active proponent of a dozen important pieces of legislation. These included bills that will remove filing fees from eviction defense proceedings (HB 1099), require affirmative cause for evictions (HB 1098), analyze the creation of a universal health care payment system (HB 1075), make adjustments to our ‘clean slate’ automatic record sealing policies (HB 1133), expand and improve the state Earned Income Tax Credit (HB 1134), give local governments easier access to buying property for affordable housing (HB 1175), and expand opportunities for racial equity in the criminal justice system (HB 1286 & SB 053).

ROCKY MOUNTAIN SYNOD ASSEMBLY CELEBRATES 40 YEARS OF ADVOCACY: The Rocky Mountain Synod Assembly took place in Loveland, Colo., from April 25-27. During the assembly, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Colorado and New Mexico were both celebrated for their 40th anniversary of carrying out the ministry of advocacy in our synod. Founded in 1984, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Colorado has had six directors in its history, including current director Peter Severson, who celebrated ten years as director on May 1. Peter & New Mexico director Kurt Rager spoke about the current landscape of advocacy in these two states, while former LAM-CO director (1991-1998) and former Colorado state senator (2001-2013) Betty Boyd spoke about the history of Lutheran advocacy in Colorado.

Ohio

Hunger Network Ohio (HNO) – Hunger Network in Ohio (hungernetohio.com)

Deacon Nick Bates, Director

HNO HOSTS HOUSING ADVOCACY

On Apr. 16 HNO in partnership with the Ohio Council of Churches and Dominican Sisters of Peace hosted a luncheon on housing affordability in Ohio. With over 90 faith leaders and over 30 legislative offices in attendance, we heard the gospel proclaimed from Bishop Timothy J. Clarke (First Church of God Columbus). Amy Riegel, director of the Coalition on Housing and Homelessness in Ohio (COHHIO) provided a powerful policy overview and discussion about the root causes of housing affordability and and the lack of it in Ohio. We are grateful for our bi-partisan speakers, Sen. Hearcel Craig (D-Columbus) and Rep. Adam Mathews (R-Lebanon) who shared their policy efforts to expand affordable housing in Ohio. People can visit our resource page here for details.

Pennsylvania

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania (LAMPa) – lutheranadvocacypa.org

Tracey DePasquale, Director

More than 200 Pennsylvania Lutherans gathered in Harrisburg on May 9 to advocate for funding and policies to tackle hunger and climate change for the sake of our neighbors here and around the globe. We were excited to welcome ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton and the Rev. Khader El-Yateem, new executive director of ELCA Service and Justice, as we mark 45 years of Lutheran advocacy in Pennsylvania and 50 years of ELCA World Hunger. During our worship together, the Rev. Erin Jones was officially installed as the Communications and Advocacy Engagement Manager. We celebrated our legacy and leaned into the future as “Church Together for the Sake of the World God Loves.”

We auctioned the original painting of The Table by Freiman Stoltzfus and recognized advocates from each synod with the “Serve. Pray. Speak.” Award. It was, as always, inspiring to hear their stories. We also made a first time “Church Together” award to the Rev. Joel Folkemer and the people of Union Lutheran Church in York as exemplars of a congregation that consistently pairs their service of neighbor with advocacy for a more just world.

The Rev. Amy Reumann, Senior Director for ELCA Witness in Society, announced that LAMPa was one of two states to receive a Jackie Maddox Racial Justice Grant for a three-year project. LAMPa’s proposed Isaiah 58:12 Fellowship empowers youth and young adults to pursue racial reconciliation at the community and congregational level, while being mentored by clergy of color. Applications are due by June 30.

Washington

Faith Action Network (FANWA)- Home – Faith Action Network (fanwa.org)

Elise DeGooyer, Director

Spring Summits
FAN hosted our first Spring Summit online on May 5 and will host another summit on June 9. During our first summit, we had a great time exchanging updates and information from this past legislative session and what to look for next in advocacy. We also met in issue-focused breakout groups to share context-informed perspectives and strategize together. FAN staff are looking forward to catching up with more FAN advocates in June!

Voting and Civic Engagement
FAN recently launched a webpage for voting and civic engagement as we see the importance of joining multi faith voices to protect and practice democracy especially during this election year. On the webpage, faith communities and individuals can find our voting information one-pager and multi faith-inspired election resources. We also launched 100% Voting Faith Community Campaign thanks to the inspiration from Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy. We are excited to see faith communities mobilize and unite to become a 100% voting community.

Synod Gatherings and the Farm Bill
FAN staff have been attending regional synod gatherings throughout Washington state from Poulsbo to Spokane, and there are more gatherings to come in Des Moines and Ellensburg. Those gatherings have been great to strengthen our partnerships and collaborations for advocacy.

Speaking of collaboration, ELCA Synods’ Hunger Teams in Region 1 with Tomo Duke from FAN are collaborating to host an online event to learn about and advocate for the Farm Bill on Thursday June 13. We think it is imperative that all citizens are concerned with the Farm Bill at this crucial time when Congress is working to reauthorize the legislation for the next five years. FAN is vigilantly watching for any harmful revisions that go against FAN mission and values. The online event “Why is the Farm Bill Important to Us?” is centered around Lutheran contexts in the Pacific Northwest but is open to all. We are excited to welcome Alex Parker from the ELCA Witness in Society at this event on Jun. 13. Please register for the event at bit.ly/WhyFarmBill.

Bishop Richard E. Jaech of Southwestern WA Synod and Tomo Duke, ELCA Hunger Advocacy

April Updates – U.N. and State Edition

New York

Lutheran Office for World Community (LOWC), U.N. – ELCA.org/lowc

Christine Mangale, Director

Lutheran Advocacy during CSW68: At the sixty-eighth session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68), 37 clergy, lay-leaders, staff and expert delegates joined the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) in New York from Mar. 8-22, especially for the first week.

Delegates came from 20 countries on five continents. The priority theme was: “Accelerating the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls by addressing poverty and strengthening institutions and financing with a gender perspective.”

Lutherans hosted in-person and virtual side-events, parallel events, worship, orientations as both a Lutheran cohort and as part of Ecumenical Women’s network and led a workshop on promising practices to prevent sexual and gender-based violence as well as met governments both in formal mission visits and informally in ad hoc lobby meetings. Lutherans met with UN Women and submitted statements and contributed language to the commission’s agreed conclusions outcome document.

The ELCA has a long history of supporting the work of LOWC at the United Nations on behalf of the wider LWF. Gender Justice has been a pillar of this work since inception and is grounded in the LWF Gender Justice Policy as well as the social teachings of the ELCA. Further, this work matters to the ELCA as it is part of our Ubuntu identity emphasizing connectedness, our commitment to work globally with Lutherans and the ELCA companion synod commitments.

Engagement at CSW68 is about growing a movement of Lutherans who will continue the work for gender justice back in their home contexts.

California

Lutheran Office of Public Policy (LOPPCA) – lutheranpublicpolicyca.org

Regina Banks, Director

Many important bills are being heard across policy committees leading up to the next major deadline on our state’s legislative calendar, which requires sending any bills with financial implications to fiscal committees at the end of April.

Some additional bills that we’re advocating on this session include:

If you’re in California, remember to register for Lutheran Lobby Day on Wed., May 15, in Sacramento! Register here. We’re working on determining our priority bills for Lobby Day. The general policy focus will be on the physical and economic health of our neighbors.

Colorado

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Colorado (LAM-CO) – lam-co.org

Peter Severson, Director

LUTHERAN DAY AT THE CAPITOL: On Mar. 18, advocates gathered at St. John’s Episcopal Cathedral in downtown Denver to kick off Colorado Lutheran Day at the Capitol! After our morning speakers and lobby training, we walked five blocks to the Capitol to meet with our legislators. The building was buzzing with activity, but every participant got face to face with at least one of their elected officials! Below are a few great photos from the day.

Minnesota

Lutheran Advocacy Minnesota (LA-MN) – lutheranadvocacymn.org

Tammy Walhof, Director

Legislation: Although the Senate electronic recycling bill has bipartisan support, it also has bipartisan opposition. Opposition lobbyists are calling the small upfront fee a tax increase. Action to senators is still very appropriate.

Despite the extreme need for more affordable housing, bonding this year will be relatively small. We need to keep up the pressure. Actions outlined in the Lenten letter challenge are still appropriate.

Events: Director Tammy Walhof is getting many requests for presentations and conversations (pre-pandemic levels). In March, Tammy had the opportunity to talk about her COP28 (International Climate Conference) experiences to about 75 people gathered in-person and more online, drawing participants from across the state. That same week she met with more than forty 9^th graders from a South Metro congregation. Following Walhof’s advocacy presentation, the 9^th graders wrote letters to their legislators in their small groups.

In April, Walhof has been at Concordia College (Moorhead), the EcoFaith Summit in Duluth (LA-MN was again a partner), and an Apple Valley congregation for an adult forum on COP28. The energy was exciting! More than 300 people gathered in-person for the summit, and online views of the plenary sessions are well over 400. From Thursday through Sunday, Walhof did eight different presentations or group conversations. At Concordia, students also coordinated and led an “Offering of Letters” on e-waste and housing.

Renowned Christian environmental ethicist, Dr. Larry Rasmussen, keynoted the EcoFaith Summit. Twelve-year-old Gigi responded to Dr. Rasmussen’s book, The Planet You Inherit.

Concordia College students organized letter-writing to legislators on campus.

Pennsylvania

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania (LAMPa) – lutheranadvocacypa.org

Tracey DePasquale, Director

Pennsylvania Lutherans are eagerly preparing to gather in Harrisburg on May 9 to advocate for funding and policies to tackle hunger and climate change for the sake of our neighbors here and around the globe. We are excited to welcome ELCA Presiding Bishop Eaton and the Rev. Khader El-Yateem, new executive director of ELCA Service and Justice, as we mark 45 years of Lutheran advocacy in Pennsylvania and 50 years of ELCA World Hunger. We will celebrate the legacy and lean into the future as “Church Together for the Sake of the World God Loves.”

You can be part of the celebration! Artist Freiman Stoltzfus generously donated this gorgeous painting, The Table, as a beautiful representation of the ministry we share and a vision of what it can mean to “Set a Welcome Table.” You can order prints here or sign up to be part of an online auction for the orginail (24” x 36”) oil painting.

In addition to work on depolarization, voter access and election security, LAMPa is launching four statewide service and justice networks in April, gathering Lutherans from all seven synods around hunger and poverty, housing and homelessness, human and civil rights and creation care. The networks are intended for mutual support and learning, inspiration, story-gathering, resource-sharing and equipping for advocacy.

In the Capitol: LAMPa staff joined our PA Hunger Action Coalition partners on Apr. 9 to meet with legislative leaders to urge increased funding for food assistance.

Washington

Faith Action Network (FANWA) – fanwa.org

Elise DeGooyer, Executive Director

Washington state’s 60-day legislative session concluded on Mar. 7. Since then, our Policy Engagement Director Kristin Ang and FAN board members Dr. Jasmit Singh and Rabbi Jason Levine traveled to Olympia to join other advocates to witness Governor Inslee sign the bills we advocated for into law. We are celebrating the passage of several bills that will have tangible impacts on our communities, including the Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF) bill (HB 1652) to ensure families keep 100% of their child support payments; the Bias Incidents Hotline (SB 5427) to increase and improve data collection of incidents and give more access points to existing resources and legal support for historically marginalized communities; and 100% Zero-emission School Buses (HB 1368) to protect our climate and keep children safe.

We also celebrate significant supplemental budget investments that will make a difference for our neighbors, including over $500 million for budget items FAN supported with hundreds of letters to legislators. For example, $12.23 million was allocated to launch Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer to feed hungry children during summer months and $25.25 million was allocated to the Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance for services for newly arrived immigrants who do not qualify for federal resettlement programs. You can find all our successes of the bills and budgets at our website.

FAN staff are moving into what we call our Spring Outreach season. At our annual Spring Summits scheduled for May 5 and June 9, we are excited to celebrate our advocacy, hear concerns and priorities from each other, and strategize for how we might partner together in the months ahead. ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellow Tomo Duke has met with Congress members and staff such as Rep. Adam Smith and the staff of Rep. Pramila Jayapal this past month and has been working on strategizing for federal legislation advocacy in the areas of the Farm Bill and immigration. Stay tuned for more advocacy opportunities on the federal level.

FAN Board Members Rabbi Jason Levine and Dr. Jasmit Singh joined at the signing by the governor of the Bias Incident Hotline bill.

Wisconsin

The Lutheran Office for Public Policy in Wisconsin (LOPPW) – loppw.org

The Rev. Cindy Crane, Director

In April, we interviewed Andrew Fuller, ELCA Program Director for Economic Policy, on the Farm Bill, Child Tax Credit, and John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act: Wednesday Noon Live (15-minute video)

Bills LOPPW Supported: The Wisconsin legislative session has wrapped its major periods for making decisions as the election season has ramped up in the state.

Some pieces of proposed legislation that our office supported passed. We were invited to a bill signing with the Governor on three anti-sex trafficking bills:

AB 973 /SB 940: Relating to mandatory training regarding human trafficking for employees of community-based residential facilities and owners of certain entities and certain other employees and granting rule-making authority.
AB 976 /SB 946: Relating to the testimony of a child in a criminal proceeding for a human trafficking crime.
AB 978 / SB 954: Relating to creation of a Human Trafficking Council and requiring the establishment of county sex trafficking task forces.

Environmental bills – one building an Electric Vehicle infrastructure and one a deicer applicators certification program – passed. We were dismayed that some pieces of legislation related to immigration and juvenile justice that we supported did not pass.

For the Apr. 2 election we interviewed Molly Carmichael who works with the League of Women Voters on two harmful constitutional amendments: Video | Facebook

Despite advocacy by LOPPW and other organizations supporting voting rights, these amendments passed.

Lastly, we are continuing preparation for our October Youth Advocacy Retreat which will take place Oct. 4-6, 2024.

March Updates – U.N. and State Edition

Following are updates shared from submissions of the Lutheran Office for World Community and state public policy offices (sppos) in the ELCA Advocacy Network last month. Full list and map of sppos available.

New York

Lutheran Office for World Community (LOWC), U.N. – ELCA.org/lowc

Christine Mangale, Director

As our Lutheran Office for World Community colleagues conclude vigorous activity during the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68), no March update is available.

Arizona

LUTHERAN ADVOCACY MINISTRY ARIZONA (LAMA) lamaz.org

Solveig Muus, Director

LAMA hosted its 3rd annual Lutheran Day at the Legislature on January 18. Gathered were 125 Lutherans and friends representing 24 of Arizona’s 30 legislative districts to hear remarks from Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, Arizona’s longest-serving senator, Lela Alston, Bishop Deborah Hutterer and others, and then met with their legislators about hunger, the water crisis, equal access to voting, and the need for low-income housing. Participants met with more than 40 lawmakers, practicing neighbor love through advocacy and demonstrating that faith is an action word.

LAMA co-hosted its 2nd annual Anti-Hunger Advocacy Day at the Capitol on February 21. LAMA co-founded the Arizona Anti-Hunger Alliance, a statewide coalition of food banks, farmers, healthy school meals advocates, community gardeners, justice advocates, state agencies and faith-based organizations who share common values – ending hunger! – to educate our legislators and advocate for the more than 750,000 Arizonans who face hunger every day.

The Grand Canyon Synod Hunger Leaders Network sponsored the 40-40-40 Lenten Challenge, an ELCA Region 2 inter-synod challenge. Participating were 708 individuals in 149 congregations across the five synods of Region 2. Based on the enthusiastic response to the challenge and a productive regional meeting at the ELCA World Hunger Leaders Gathering in February, the Region 2 delegates decided to meet regularly to discern how the five synods might collaborate as church together around hunger.

The Grand Canyon Synod’s Bishop Deborah Hutterer joined other faith leaders and lawmakers from both sides of the aisle on February 15 to discuss the pressing need for affordable, accessible housing, pressing for the passage of Yes In God’s Backyard (YIGBY), legislation aimed at helping Arizona meet the needs of its inadequately-housed citizens.

California

Lutheran Office of Public Policy (LOPPCA) – lutheranpublicpolicyca.org

Regina Banks, Director

LOPPCA has a strong focus on the state budget situation leading up to the May Revision deadline. The Legislative Analyst’s Office projects a potential $73 billion deficit as of February. Our priority areas to prevent the most drastic cuts this year are centered in housing, human services, and climate. A budget letter containing LOPPCA’s specific 2024 budget asks has been completed.

The policy bill process is ramping up in the state legislature as well. A couple bills that we’ve begun to track and support in our office include:

AB 2090 (Irwin) – which would require the Office of Farm to Fork in CA’s Department of Agriculture to work with transportation agencies to prioritize efforts in food deserts, especially counties most impacted by food security. Additionally, the bill would require the office to work with school districts to assess access to school meal programs during academic calendar breaks and school closures.

SB 252 (Gonzalez) – which would prohibit the state retirement systems from making new investments or renewing existing investments of retirement funds in a fossil fuel company.

Upcoming event: Registration is ongoing for our 5th annual Lutheran Lobby Day on Wednesday, May 15th in Sacramento! Register and learn more here: https://lutheranpublicpolicyca.org/lutheran-lobby-day-2024

Minnesota

Lutheran Advocacy Minnesota (LA-MN) – lutheranadvocacymn.org

Tammy Walhof, Director

E-Waste Recycling: Bills to redefine and collect electronic waste have passed House and Senate Environment Committees. Next, they must pass the respective Commerce Committees, and then Ways and Means in the House and Finance in the Senate. Our previous Action Alerts are still valid, but focus on asking legislators to urge their colleagues in the Commerce Committees to pass the bills (H.F.3566 in House; S.F.3940 in Senate). Concerns with small upfront fees to be charged on electronics to pay for statewide collection should be countered by reminding legislators that health costs of toxins getting into groundwater or air are much greater, as are taxpayer costs as counties address fire hazards from electronics in trash.

Affordable Housing: The House Capitol Investment Committee passed H.F.4194 for $500 million in Housing Infrastructure Bonds (HIBs) and an expansion of the possible uses of HIBs to allow funds to be used to address deferred maintenance, insurance, renovations, and more. Our partners at MCCD (Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers) claim that about one-third of affordable housing residents are at risk of losing housing because operators can’t keep up with expenses (a problem stemming from increasing insurance and pandemic losses). Although we do not expect obstacles at the House Housing Committee, please watch for Action Alerts as HIBs move forward from there.

Lenten Letter Challenge: Action is still possible from this initiative which helps generate action to legislators from your church, committee, group, friends, or wherever through our Lenten Letter Challenge (scroll to mid-page). Action doesn’t need to be tied to Lent, but Lenten season launch was meaningful timing.

Ohio

Hunger Network in Ohio (HNO) – www.hungernetohio.com

Deacon Nick Bates, Director

Gerrymandering Reform NOW!

When legislators are more concerned with small segments of primary voters and cable news quotes, our food pantries, social services, and school groups will not be heard on the local needs. That is why the Hunger Network is all in on gerrymandering reform! The Citizens not Politicians campaign is gathering signatures to put the issue before Ohio voters in November. Luther said that Daily bread includes good government. We need a government where the people choose our representatives not where politicians choose their voters. Learn more at https://www.hungernetohio.com/redistricting

Faith Leaders Legislative Lunch April 16th 11-1pm at the Ohio Statehouse.

Join people of faith and advocates to have lunch with our lawmakers to discuss safe, decent, and affordable housing in Ohio and what can be done to guarantee every Ohioan a bed at night and a full table for dinner. You can reserve your seat at www.hungernetohio.com/events

Pennsylvania

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania (LAMPa) – lutheranadvocacypa.org

Tracey DePasquale, Director

LAMPa is excited to open registration for Lutheran Day in the Capitol, and our 45th Anniversary Gala Celebration of Advocates on May 9! We will celebrate and cultivate being church together in Pennsylvania for the sake of the world God loves, lifting up our partnership with ELCA World Hunger as we mark 50 years of striving for a just world where all are fed.

In February, LAMPa staff participated in the World Hunger Leaders Gathering in Texas. Read what Penn. hunger leaders took away from the event.

Gov. Josh Shapiro announced his budget in February. LAMPa found much to applaud, but called for more investment in anti-hunger programs to meet the need we are witnessing.

As we marked National School Breakfast Week with a win and a challenge, LAMPa encouraged congregations to step up in support of summer nutrition programs.

LAMPa launched a period poverty postcard campaign on International Women’s Day, Mar. 8, urging lawmakers to support the governor’s request for $3 million for menstrual hygiene products in public schools – a need raised by our ministries with struggling families and individuals across the state.

Recognizing that Pennsylvania is a pivotal state this election year, Gov. Shapiro launched an elections security task force, and LAMPa shared tips and resources for faithful civic engagement as a way of loving our neighbor.

As the daffodils began to bloom in Pennsylvania, LAMPa shared resources for congregations and conferences to mark Earth Day in praise, prayer and action for the care of neighbor and our common home.

Washington

Faith Action Network (FANWA) – fanwa.org

Elise DeGooyer, Executive Director

We are grateful to report that FAN had our successful Interfaith Advocacy Day on February 8. The sun shone upon nearly 200 faithful advocates who gathered from across the state. We heard from plenary speakers including Sen. Yasmin Trudeau and attended workshops on different advocacy topics presented by coalition partners in the morning. Attendees caucused among their districts and met with legislators and staff. This year, the attendees had a unique opportunity of “floor pulls,” and some legislators stepped off the floor to meet their constituents in the lobby. The dynamic presence of FAN advocates at the Capitol served as a reminder of the crucial role faith communities play in legislative advocacy.

As Washington’s 2024 legislative session wrapped up, we have exciting news. At the time of this writing, some bills that we advocated for are nearing the governor’s desk to be signed into law, including HB 2368 Funding for Services for Newly Arrived Immigrants which impacts those who do not qualify for federal refugee programs, and HB 1541 Nothing About Us Without Us to ensure the meaningful participation of people with direct lived experience on state committees. We also witnessed several major policies stall, such as HB 2114 Limiting Rent Increases at seven percent annually, and HB 1579 Establishing a State Office of Independent Prosecutor. Updates can be found on our bill tracker.

While some bills’ journeys to become law may have stopped short this year, FAN’s advocacy does not cease. As the legislators finalized the supplemental budget, FAN network raised our voices to call for budget allocations that meet the environmental and human needs of communities like children in school, senior citizens experiencing heightened food insecurity, and unhoused people.

FAN Advocates at the steps of the legislative building of the Washington State Capitol.

Wisconsin

The Lutheran Office for Public Policy in Wisconsin (LOPPW) – loppw.org

The Rev. Cindy Crane, Director

Voting: On Wednesday Noon Live we interviewed Jay Heck, Common Cause, and discussed how legislative maps in Wisconsin will impact state elections. Heck has been working on fair maps in Wisconsin and explained the nuances of the new maps. We asked him:

What just happened to our Wisconsin maps?
Are the new ones much fairer?
Why did Republicans hang on to the old ones?
Why were some Democrats against the new ones?
How long-lasting are the new maps?

Care for God’s Creation: LOPPW is supporting SB791 that would allow Wisconsin to meet the requirements for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program. Wisconsin is one of two states that has not met these requirements. If passed, Wisconsin’s Department of Transportation would administer $78.5 million in federal funding for electric vehicle infrastructure to have Level 3 DC Fast Electric Vehicle Charging Stations every 50 miles on major state highways.

Immigration: LOPPW has been advocating on four state bills relate to DACA recipients receiving occupational licensing, a tax credit, in-state tuition, and allowing them to be police officers. All but the police officer stipulation failed to pass the Assembly before the session wrapped up. There is some chance the latter will pass in the Senate. We know the Republican authors are committed to bringing the bills back and that there will continue to be bipartisan support.

New Office: LOPPW moved with the South-Central Synod of Wisconsin into its space at Lakeview Lutheran Church in Madison!

January/February Updates – State Edition

Following are updates shared from submissions in late January of state public policy offices (sppos) in the ELCA Advocacy Network last month. Full list and map of sppos available.

CALIFORNIA | OHIO|TEXAS| WASHINGTON

California

Lutheran Office of Public Policy (LOPPCA) – (lutheranpublicpolicyca.org)

Regina Banks, Director

California is facing an ongoing budget deficit, which could range from $38 billion to $58 billion for fiscal year 2024-25, per the existing analyses from various sources. This will have a significant impact on policy efforts in the state. LOPPCA is working with our partners and coalitions to prevent major cuts to critical programs that affect the most vulnerable. Significant cuts exist in the Governor’s proposed budget, which include programs surrounding climate change, affordable housing, and economic safety nets.

Emerging policy priorities apart for LOPPCA in 2024 include housing and homelessness, immigration services and support, and climate change.

Ohio

Hunger Network in Ohio (HNO) – www.hungernetohio.com

Deacon Nick Bates, Director

Veto joy was short-lived.

As we have always said, stories are sacred. Governor DeWine (Republican-Ohio) spent his Christmas holiday talking with families with LGBTQIA+ youth, psychologists, doctors and social workers. He heard the stories and stood with gender non-conforming youth and their families in receiving gender affirming care. We spoke with Channel 5 in Cleveland and Spectrum News Ohio about the joy that LGBTQIA+ Ohioans have during this season of joy. Sadly, the Ohio House of Representatives returned from their holiday early to override the veto, despite growing bi-partisan opposition to legislative overreach and overriding the nuanced and long-discussed decisions of doctors, parents, youth, and case workers.

JOIN US FOR MONTHLY ADVOCACY AFFINITY GROUP!

In 2024, we will begin a monthly advocacy meeting on zoom for advocates across Ohio. This will be at 7pm on the second Thursday of each month. Come and lift up your issues, ask questions, and learn from policy experts and one another. Register at www.hungernetohio.com/events

Texas

Texas Impact – Texas Impact

Scott Atnip, Outreach Director

Theyear 2024 was a long year for advocates in Texas with the Texas Legislature’s 140-day biennial regular session, an impeachment trial and four thirty-day special sessions focused on creating a new public school voucher program and harmful immigration policies. Thanks in part to incredible advocacy from the faith community, the voucher bills failed, but a harmful immigration bill making immigration a state crime was signed into law two weeks before Christmas.

Texas Impact is organizing a series of “Texas Faith Votes” events and other advocacy and civic engagement events across the state in January and February to prepare for an important election cycle.

Three members of the team joined other ELCA and faith advocates at COP28 and provided great content for advocates and congregations.

The Texas Impact Weekly Witness podcast covered it all and is preparing for incredible speakers and content in 2024.

Washington

Faith Action Network (FANWA) – fanwa.org

Elise DeGooyer, Executive Director

The 2024 State Legislative Session Began!

The 2024 Washington state legislative session convened January 8th in Olympia, and is a short 60-day session, ending on March 7. More than 600 bills had already been introduced in both chambers before the session began, with hundreds to follow. With an unprecedented speed of bills being introduced, FAN advocates have been busy preparing for the upcoming Interfaith Advocacy Day (IFAD) on February 8th at the State Capitol. FAN staff offered an online session to give an overview of our multifaceted legislative agenda as a multi-faith, multi-issues organization. Close to 100 people attended our legislative preview. Some of the bills from the agenda include Extreme Wealth Tax, Healthy Free School Meals for All, Clean School Buses, Housing Stability for Tenants, and more. We also hosted two online Advocacy 101 sessions for both new advocates and those wanting a refresher for legislative advocacy. During this time of policy committee hearings, we are encouraging our network to sign in support for bills, submit testimonies, and write letters to their legislators. We are grateful to our Policy Engagement Director Kristin Ang (pictured below) and volunteer lobbyist Trevor Sandison (ELCA member) for representing FAN in Olympia throughout the session, and to our coalition members who testify and help inform us on facts and talking points for each bill.

The session in the State House Legislature opened with prayers by Imam Omar Kaddoura and Rabbi Seth Goldstein (pictured below) from our network along with the Squaxin tribe. Amid complex policy discussions, we remember to take a pause and ground our advocacy in multi-faith values and our responsibilities of being good stewards to our world.

November/December Updates – U.N. and State Edition

U.N. | ARIZONA | COLORADO | MINNESOTA| WASHINGTON

New York

Lutheran Office for World Community (LOWC), U.N. – ELCA.org/lowc

Christine Mangale, Director

Third and Second Committees of the General Assembly: The 78th session of Third Committee of the General Assembly, which deals with Social, Humanitarian and Cultural issues, has been meeting since Sept. 28 following the conclusion of UNGA78 high level meetings. The Third Committee has robust agenda items and like in previous sessions, is focusing on the examination of human rights questions, including reports of the special procedures of the Human Rights Council. Agenda items include the advancement of women, the protection of children, indigenous issues, the treatment of refugees, the promotion of fundamental freedoms through the elimination of racism and racial discrimination, and the right to self- The Committee also addresses social development issues related to youth, family, ageing, persons with disabilities, crime prevention, criminal justice, and international drug control. LOWC is following closely the sessions and coordinating with the LWF Action for Justice unit.

The United Nations General Assembly Second Committee is one of the six main committees of the United Nations General Assembly. It deals with global finance and economic matters. LOWC staff have also been following the Second Committee which is responsible for agenda items related to economic and financial affairs, with LOWC most closely following tax-related negotiations.

Rally for Peace: While commemorating the 23rd anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 (SCR 1325) on Women, Peace, and Security that was adopted in October 2000, LOWC staff attended the NGO Committee on the Status of Women (NGO CSW) rally for peace that focused on recognizing and voicing concerns on how women are deeply affected by a conflict torn world. The rally emphasized the importance of involving women in decision making, conflict prevention, resolution, and peacebuilding activities. Participants called for a more gender-inclusive world.

Women’s Political Participation and the National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security in Columbia: LOWC staff attended a High-Level Policy Briefing in the run-up to the annual Open Debate on Women, Peace, and Security. One of the main goals of the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda is to guarantee and increase women’s contributions and participation at all levels of decision-making. The meaningful participation of diverse women in peace processes and post-conflict governance is critical to achieving inclusive and sustainable peace. This specific briefing focused on the level and quality of Colombian women’s participation in the creation of the country’s National Action Plan (NAP). It also commented on lessons learned about women’s political participation following the 2016 peace agreement between the Colombian Government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC-EP).

Women’s Human Rights Advocacy Training: LOWC Program Director Daniel Pieper attended the Women’s Human Rights Advocacy Training which took place from 17-20 October 2023 in Geneva Switzerland. The annual training is organized by Lutheran World Federation (LWF) in partnership with the World Council of Churches, Finn Church Aid and Norwegian Church Aid. Among the participants from different churches and faith-based organizations were women and men from LWF’s member churches in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malawi, the United States and Zimbabwe, as well as from its World Service country programs in Chad, Iraq and South Sudan. During the training, the LOWC Program Director shared about the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68) and also participated in the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) review of Malawi.

Arizona

LUTHERAN ADVOCACY MINISTRY ARIZONA (LAMA) – lamaz.org

Solveig Muus, Director

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA) hosted its 4th annual summit on Nov. 4, bring together LAMA policy council, congregational liaisons and leaders to explore advocacy as a spiritual practice… how might some element of advocacy become part of your daily or weekly routine? In addition, we prayed, sang, ate and wrote letters to our legislators, inviting them to Lutheran Day at the Legislature.

As one of LAMA’s policy priorities 2024 is water, our LAMA team connected with Congressman Greg Stanton and water policy experts over a community breakfast. We continue to seek partnerships in this area – conversations welcome!

Our Grand Canyon Synod Hunger Leaders Network meets monthly to share resources and updates from churchwide, learn about local hunger ministries, and support one another. The network is engaged in a congregational hunger ministry survey – the goal is 100% participation, with a hunger leader liaison in every congregation – and planning a Lenten Challenge with our sister synod in Southeastern Iowa.

This month, LAMA was privileged to present resources, updates and information about our work in person at two congregations, in addition to the synod convention of the Women of the ELCA and the synod retirees in retreat. We’re promoting an Advocacy 101 Toolkit from our partners at Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest (LSS-SW) which includes a video, slide show and resources for individual or group use.

All that, plus coalition partner meetings, Hunger Fellow engagement, planning for Lutheran Day at the Legislature on Jan. 18, 2024, and a tour of the Maricopa County Elections Office are keeping us busy!

Colorado

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Colorado (LAM-CO) – lam-co.org

Peter Severson, Director

SPECIAL SESSION: Colorado Governor Jared Polis has called a special session of the legislature that began on Friday, Nov. 7. Legislators addressed property taxes and sought to provide relief after the failure of Proposition HH on the ballot. Average property tax increases across Colorado are approaching 40% due to skyrocketing assessment values, so the legislature will try to find a different path forward that is distinct from Prop HH.

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Colorado will be advocating for an increased investment in the state’s Earned Income Tax Credit, which will offer significant poverty-reducing benefits for low-income families. The session will last at least three days.

ELECTION RESULTS: Proposition HH, the complex property tax reduction measure, failed by a significant margin. Proposition II, allowing the state to keep tobacco tax revenue, passed by a wide margin, and the nearly $24 million in revenue will go to the state’s new universal pre-K program.

Minnesota

Lutheran Advocacy Minnesota (LA-MN) – lutheranadvocacymn.org

Tammy Walhof, Director

Policy Council Retreat: The Lutheran Advocacy Minnesota (LA-MN) Policy Council just had its retreat with speaker Dr. Gary Simpson presenting on various ideologies of Christian traditions and how that influences political engagement. We spent time brainstorming strategies to respond to the deep polarization throughout our state and country. We plan to continue seeking ways to bring people together.

Issues for 2024: The Policy Council considered policy options for the next legislative session. We anticipate working on e-waste legislation (an environmental, energy, climate & jobs issue) and to increase the supply of affordable housing. At the federal level, we will be focused on various issues within the Farm Bill, which is a key legislation for ELCA Advocacy networks nationwide.

Implementation

Sacred Settlements: The legislation takes effect on Jan. 1. At that point, faith communities may move forward to host settlements of people leaving chronic homelessness and specially trained “good neighbors.” Two Minnesota synods passed resolutions in support of Sacred Settlements. If you would like to pursue something similar, see the resolution and a background paper on our website at https://www.lutheranadvocacymn.org/action-alerts.
Energy Credits/Rebates: Several options for churches and individuals passed last session are not yet available, but we will monitor the rollout. We also plan to host informational events.

COP28 Climate Conference: Says Tammy Walhof, LA-MN director, “I have my ticket, my letter from the United Nations, and my visa, but still have a lot to learn before leaving for Dubai. As I mentioned in last month’s update, I’m privileged to represent the ELCA at this important event.” Please watch our Facebook page for updates from the Conference.

Washington

Faith Action Network (FANWA) – fanwa.org

Elise DeGooyer, Executive Director

FAN Annual Dinner

Faith Action Network (FANWA) staff and board hosted our annual celebration on Sun. Nov. 19. We held simultaneous in-person dinners in Renton and Spokane, plus a livestream with watch parties. This year’s theme, United in Hope, reflected our core conviction of hope for positive change through multifaith action. In the midst of a disheartening time of polarization, closely felt among the faith communities in our network, we were grateful to gather as a community.

Legislative Agenda Planning

FAN has been working on crafting our advocacy priorities for the 2024 legislative session with our coalition partners such as Anti-Hunger & Nutrition Coalition, Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network, Earth Ministry/WA interfaith Power & Light, and Balance Our Tax Code. It has been particularly helpful during this stage of planning to host regional cluster meetings. We met in 13 clusters this fall with more than 250 people from around the state. On the federal level, we continue to encourage our network to take action for the Farm Bill and WIC.

Immigrant Justice
In November, we celebrated the success of the Health Equity for Immigrants Campaign. Starting on Nov. 1, all Wash residents, including immigrants who are undocumented, can buy health and dental insurance and apply for Cascade Care Saving Plans to alleviate their health care cost. Once a bill is passed, it is important for us to follow through its implementation. We will continue to work together in a coalition to expand access to this program and implement the next Medicaid-like health plan for immigrants.

Since Sept., 350+ newly arrived migrants seeking asylum from Angola, Congo and Venezuela have camped in tents or on the floor at a church outside Seattle. One third of them are children. ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellow Tomo Duke testified at the King County Council budget hearing to ask for a county response to this emergency. Members of our network also are responding to the urgent needs for these immigrants, while we advocate for a government response.

New Thing in Climate Justice

Grounded in hope for a world where all of creation may flourish, 24 passionate young adults from Hawaii to New York and many places in between (including 15 synods!) turned to one other and resourced themselves with ELCA social teaching, storytelling and action planning to (as phrased by one participant) “see how these brilliant minds continue to make this Earth a better place.” Following is a reflection presented during worship at the close of the ELCA Fall Climate Summit held in October 2023. In it Savannah Jorgensen – who brings gifts including training in meteorology and faith-based advocacy practice – found in Isaiah 43 room to explore lament, God’s presence, and a spark for hope and action.

New Thing in Climate Justice

By guest blogger Savannah Jorgensen, Legislative Coordinator,
Lutheran Office of Public Policy – California

NOT DIMINISHING LAMENT

The first overarching theme I hear when I read Isaiah 43 is one of lament.

Isaiah 43 takes place within the context of the Israelites exile and captivity in Egypt. In the extensive exile period, people were understandably losing their faith and their way, which is pointed out near the end of the chapter in verse 22: “Yet you did not call upon me, O Jacob; but you have been weary of me, O Israel!” After enduring such hardships and strife, I can’t say that I blame them for losing their faith in some ways. The past few years have definitely tested my own faith.

Despite being here and talking with you all about faith in action, I’m not ashamed to admit that it’s still a struggle sometimes to see God moving in the world, in my life. Maybe you have felt that way too.

There are indeed many injustices in the world today: racial, gender, and in our context at the summit, environmental. Reading Isaiah 43 for the first time, I thought that the writer was telling us that God was angry at the Israelites for not turning to their faith and to God. However, after reflecting on the chapter further, I think that God is instead lamenting what they are enduring, the sins of the world, and that the injustices they’re witnessing and experiencing have caused them to lose hope and faith. We are certainly in a period of lament at this moment in history. We lament ongoing environmental injustices, pollution, the degradation of natural and cultural spaces, extreme weather, habitat decline and the continued denial of these realities by world leaders and their inaction.

Lamentation, grief and anxiety are normal emotions to be feeling right now. Let’s not diminish our emotions and our lived experiences, but rather, let’s move to the second major theme in Isaiah 43. Lament, but remember…

PROMISE OF PRESENCE

That God is with us even now, even through this, even when we forget and cannot see God. Verses 1 and 5 ask us not to fear. “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine.” and “Do not be fear, for I am with you”. These verses are reminding us of who we are as God’s children. We are loved, and God walks with us in times of distress. Verse 4 emphasizes this point when it opens, “Because you are precious in my sight and honored and I love you…”

In the context of Isaiah 43, the author is telling the Israelites that God loves them and hears their prayers. God will bring their people together, and exile will end for them eventually. In our context, these verses can act as a balm for our anxieties.

Once again, we can’t dismiss the realities of climate change and the real concerns we have surrounding it. However, we can lean on each other and remind ourselves of our faith that God is in our corner and working through us to strive for justice.

Isaiah 43 also points out not to dwell on the past. This goes back to the first theme of lament and takes us to the third theme of my reflection this morning. We lament, but remember our faith and hope, so that…

SPARKED BY FAITH

We ignite a new spark and look forward to what can be! “I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth; do you not perceive it?” (v. 19). Friends, I’ve got news for you; we are all part of that new thing! The climate movement is part of that new thing. Young adult and youth advocacy is part of that new thing.

Our faith at its core is one that longs for justice, which includes the stewardship of creation and mending of historical environmental injustices done to our neighbors. I think that’s what makes faith-based organizing and advocacy so exciting and so unique. We are driven deep down by that faith that things can get better, and that this is not how the world is supposed to be.

Through our faith we can speak and lead with love, compassion and hope. As verses 8 and 9 say in Isaiah 43, “Bring forth the people who are blind yet have eyes, who are deaf yet have ears! Let all the nations gather together, and let the peoples assemble.” I view these verses as the biblical version of a call to action. They’re basically saying to organize, and later in this passage, to be witnesses, which all connect to being a part of the new “thing” that God is doing.

Bring people together. It’s going to take all of us here, across the country, and across the globe working together to help adapt to and mitigate further climate change. I’m not saying it will be easy, but neither is Isaiah 43. We have the foundation, our faith and theology; we have each other; we have the tools; we have the lived experiences; we have hope.

DOING A NEW THING

That was a lot pieced together yet reflecting on Isaiah 43 is rich.

We should acknowledge the hurt and grief tied up in climate change and environmental injustices, but we can’t get caught in the quicksand of our lamentation. Remember our faith and the calling to strive for justice in all capacities. God is with us even in this. Remember and lean into it so that we can spark change and do the new thing that God is creating.

Take the conversations you’ve had at this summit with you, along with the tools and connections to make that movement a reality. Use your fear and anger and fuel it into collective action and advocacy for justice. Cling to hope.

PRAYER

Please pray with me:

God, our Creator,
Thank you for the gift of creation in all its forms, from the animals and plants to the oceans and our weather. It is indeed fearfully and wonderfully made.
Thank you for the charge you have given us to be stewards together of this beautiful planet and the life on it.
Help us to see and embrace that call to be stewards of Your creation.
Give us grace as we repent for our sins against our neighbors and our planet.
Send Your Holy Spirit among us and into our hearts as we look ahead with hope and determination to strive for justice as carers of creation and organizers of action.
In Your name we pray, Amen.

October Updates – U.N. and State Edition

Following are updates shared from submissions of the Lutheran Office for World Community and state public policy offices (sppos) in the ELCA Advocacy Network this month. Full list and map of sppos available.

New York

Lutheran Office for World Community (LOWC), U.N. – ELCA.org/lowc

Christine Mangale, Director

LWF Assembly: Lutheran Office for World Community (LOWC) director Christine Mangale joined more than a thousand participants from around the global Lutheran communion who gathered in Krakow, Poland for the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) Thirteenth Assembly. It took place from 13 to 19 September 2023 under the theme “One Body, One Spirit, One Hope.” The theme is drawn from Ephesians 4:4 (NRSV). The Assembly was hosted by the Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession in Poland (ECACP). The Assembly is the LWF’s highest decision-making body which elects a new president and Council and sets directions for the global communion over the coming years. Danish Bishop Henrik Stubkjær was elected as the new president of the LWF. Mangale took part in the Assembly with LWF Action for Justice (AfJ) Unit and ELCA Service and Justice colleagues, and supported several events held, including co-leading a session at the LWF Women’s Pre-Assembly in Wroclaw and a Jarmark workshop at the Assembly.
U.N. General Assembly: The United Nations General Assembly – High Level Week 2023 marked “a crucial milestone in the journey towards achieving the 2030 Agenda and the urgent need to put the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) back on track.” LOWC staff were presence and monitored elements including
- SDG Action Weekend (Sept. 16-17) – A call for inclusive collaboration and partnership was a recurring theme. Many stakeholders pointed out the impossibility of progress if specific groups continue to be targeted and excluded. Women, children, people with disabilities, the LGBTQIA+ community, and people migrating are at risk of being left behind.
- March to End Fossil Fuels (Sept. 17)
- SDG Summit (Sept. 18-20) – The year 2023 is the halfway point for the SDGs. Only 15% of the SDG’s targets have been achieved. Covid19, conflict and climate change were named the leading contributing factors for failure to date. While Member States reiterated their commitment to sustainable development, enormous shortfalls remain in funding and actionable political will. Without concrete actions and commitment there is a risk that many will be left behind.

- - Finance for Development (Sept. 19) – Official development assistance (ODA) is below commitments and in trending decline. Developing states are increasingly vocal about their nearly insurmountable challenges resulting from a legacy of colonial occupation followed by cycles of increasing debt. States locked in this debt crisis have formed partnerships with increasing numbers of mild income and industrialized states calling for negotiations toward a UN Tax treaty.
  - Annual U.N. Ecumenical Prayer Service for Children and Young People (Sept. 19)
  - Freedom of Religion (Sept. 20-21)
  - PEPFAR-UNAIDS Communities of Faith Initiative Breakfast (Sept. 20)
  - Climate and Migration Workshop (Sept. 19) – ACT Alliance, Bread for the World, and Open Society Foundations co-hosted a workshop titled: “Addressing the Protection Gap- Human Mobility and the Climate Crisis in International Frameworks.”

Arizona

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA) – lamaz.org

Solveig Muus, Director

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA) hosted the ELCA-affiliated state public policy office (SPPO) directors, D.C. advocacy staff and Hunger Advocacy Fellows at a retreat at Spirit in the Desert in September – that was an amazing opportunity for learning and sharing!

We welcomed our new Hunger Advocacy Fellow, Autumn Byars, to the team for a year of advocacy training, congregational engagement, faith formation and much more. Byars comes out of the Campus Ministry program at Arizona State University, and we’re delighted to have this amazing person working in our office. Thank you to ELCA World Hunger!

Following the unanimous vote on our Hunger Resolution at the Grand Canyon Synod Assembly in June, we continue to record congregational responses to a synod-wide Hunger Ministry Survey. To date, 100% of the congregations are involved in at least one feeding ministry. We continue legislative and congregational visits to share updates and invite new folks to join LAMA’s mission, strengthening our network of churches and advocates.

LAMA’s annual Summit is on November 4th. Congregational liaisons, synod hunger leaders, clergy, policy council members, staff and community members will gather to explore the theme of Advocacy as a Spiritual Practice.

Following a productive Policy Council retreat, LAMA identified its policy priorities for 2024:

Food Insecurity and the root causes of hunger in Arizona
Voting and Civic Engagement, providing education on the intersection of voting and justice and encouraging faithful voter participation
Water as a precious resource in the face of droughts and population growth in Arizona
Housing and Homelessness in partnership with Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest

State Public Policy Office directors, DC advocacy Staff and Hunger Advocacy Fellows at the Spirit in the Desert Retreat

California

Lutheran Office of Public Policy – California (LOPP-CA) – lutheranpublicpolicyca.org

Regina Banks, Director

The deadline for Governor Newsom to sign or veto bills passed on October 14th. There were policy victories in the 2023 legislative session, but there were also notable losses. Here are the results of some bills the Lutheran Office of Public Policy – California (LOPPCA) was actively tracking and advocating around this session:

Signed-

SB 4 (Wiener)- This is a huge advocacy win this year! SB 4 will allow faith institutions and non-profit colleges to build affordable housing on their lands despite previous zoning restrictions.

SB 253 (Wiener)- One of the major climate bills this year, which was a part of the corporate accountability package, SB 253 requires large corporations to report their emissions in all phases of their manufacturing, operations, and supply chain processes.

SB 616 (Gonzalez)- Expands the required amount of paid sick leave provided to an employee from 3 to 5 days.

Vetoed/Failed in Legislature-

AB 249 (Holden)- Clean school drinking water; lead testing and infrastructure improvements. This is one of our Lobby Day bills that was unexpectedly vetoed.

AB 1498 (Gipson)- Would have created a minimum value of $300 for the California Earned Income Tax Credit.

AB 524 (Wicks)- Would have prohibited discrimination against employees based on their family caregiver status.

Colorado

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Colorado (LAM-CO) – lam-co.org

Peter Severson, Director

VOTER GUIDE GOES LIVE: The 2023 edition of Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Colorado’s (LAM-CO) annual Voter Guide is now available online! Check out https://www.rmselca.org/ColoradoBallot2023 to see our position and analysis for each of Colorado’s statewide ballot measures, Prop HH and Prop II.

CHRISTIAN UNITY GATHERING: LAM-CO Director Peter Severson attended the 2023 Christian Unity Gathering of the National Council of Churches in Nashville, Tenn., representing the ELCA on the Joint Action and Advocacy for Justice and Peace Table. The program focused on addressing the role of the church in a public square that is increasingly besieged by extremism and nationalism. The ecumenical gathering was marked by spirited worship, thoughtful conversation and joyful reconnection.

Kansas

Kansas Interfaith Action (KIFA) – KIFA.org

Rabbi Moti Rieber, Executive Director

Kansas Interfaith Action (KIFA) is holding a series of panel discussions throughout the state in October and November to explore Christian nationalism: what it is, how it is affecting state and national politics and how people of faith can effectively stand against it.

Christian nationalism has been called by some “the single biggest threat to religious freedom in the United States today.” It holds that the United States is defined by Christianity, and that the nation is and must remain a “Christian nation.”

Called “Countering the Threat of White Christian Nationalism,” these conversations will include an academic to explain what Christian nationalism is and how it is affecting state and national politics; a pastor to talk about how it is a twisting of the teachings of Christianity and why it is important, particularly for white Christians, to stand against Christian nationalism; and Rabbi Moti Rieber, executive director of KIFA, who will explore how this tendency is being used to push regressive policies in a wide range of areas in Kansas and throughout the nation.

The events will take place in Emporia, Wichita, Salina, Fairway, Newton and Manhattan, Kan., throughout October and early November. Visit KansasInterfaithAction.org for more information and to register.

Minnesota

Lutheran Advocacy Minnesota (LA-MN) – lutheranadvocacymn.org

Tammy Walhof, Director

Energy Tax Credits & Rebates: As director of Lutheran Advocacy – Minnesota, I recently attended a full day event to learn more about the opportunities. State programs are just getting up and running, and guidance is still coming regarding federal options. There are exciting opportunities for churches and nonprofits (tax credits for entities that don’t pay taxes). Some homeowner options are geared toward lower and

lower-middle income households so they don’t get left out of energy transitions. I’ve been in touch with colleagues from a partner organization about jointly planning an event (or series of events) to help churches learn what is available. Even before that, it helps to assess if there are actions needed first (new roof or upgraded electric panel). There is some funding to help with preparation, too.

COP28 UN International Climate Conference: I am honored to be one of a few people representing the ELCA in Dubai for the upcoming conference. I plan to follow the Land Use track which includes agriculture, forestry, and food issues. Trainings and other preparations are ongoing in anticipation. 

Homes for All Planning: Our Homes for All Coalition is just beginning planning for the next session. We did get major legislation and funding in the last session, but our legislators and the public need to understand the housing/homelessness crisis was decades in the making, and will require significantly more commitments at the federal, state, and local levels. Please watch your email for federal action alerts this fall. If Congress cuts housing in budget actions, it could wipe out many of our state gains.

Pennsylvania

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania (LAMPa) – lutheranadvocacypa.org

Tracey DePasquale, Director

The legislature returned in September to the as-yet-unfinished work of passing code bills needed to enact the spending plan signed in August after a showdown over state-funded vouchers for students to attend private and religious schools.

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania (LAMPa) welcomed Hunger Advocacy Fellow Quentin Bernhard in September. Bernhard and Director Tracey DePasquale joined ELCA-affiliated state public policy office colleagues for a convening to share legislative updates and effective practices and explore the impacts of Christian nationalism. LAMPa also welcomed four new policy council members, just in time for the annual retreat, which focused on relationship building and understanding how they and LAMPa fit into the life of the wider church.

LAMPa Annual Retreat

LAMPa co-hosted a convening of the Pennsylvania Hunger Action Coalition. Teams presented their priorities for our common agenda for 2024.

DePasquale participated on state Emergency Food Assistance Advisory Council in making recommendations to the Department of Agriculture for the upcoming budget.

In other items, LAMPa staff:

Gathered reports from hunger ministries to issue an alert regarding WIC funding and collaborated with ELCA federal advocacy staff in preparing for Hill visits on the Farm Bill with Penn. synod bishops.
Organized depolarization training. Register here for the Nov. 8 interactive virtual event.
Engaged advocates in a social media campaign for Season of Creation.
Helped congregations add advocacy to “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday.

Joined Lutheran advocates rallying in support of safe schools for trans youth.

Worked with partners around upcoming events on gun violence and on drivers’ licenses for all, regardless of immigration status.

Washington

Faith Action Network (FANWA) – fanwa.org

Elise DeGooyer, Executive Director

This month we welcomed Tomo Duke as our ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellow for an internship year funded by ELCA World Hunger

with our ELCA Witness in Society partners. Duke brings ecumenical and interfaith experiences to our work to address root causes of hunger. We also welcomed a new Faith Action Network (FAN) Network Events Manager, Alex Robinson, who brings a background in theater and event production for faith communities.

As we work on our state legislative agenda, we focused our advocacy attention on food justice this past month. We invited our network to our annual Food Week of Action (October 15-22). Leading up to the week, we compiled and shared this resource of advocacy opportunities for individuals and communities of faith and conscience to plan an action or raise awareness in their time of worship or gatherings. During the week, we also offered an Anti-Hunger Advocacy webinar where we covered anti-hunger policy efforts and the next legislative priorities. We addressed the importance of advocating for federal legislation like the Farm Bill and the WIC program for nutrition access for marginalized populations and state legislation like Free School Meals for All Students. We have earnestly invited and encouraged our network to equip their faith-driven compassion and social services for hungry communities with policy advocacy.

FAN staff have been setting up regional cluster meetings for our network, from Spokane to Wenatchee, from the Puget Sound region to Vancouver, and listened to their concerns during this interim time between legislative sessions. It is a valuable opportunity for us to hear more about local organizing efforts and how FAN can be supportive.

FAN Staff joined hundreds of Windmill mushroom workers, UFW, and supporters to demand the workers’ union rights.

Wisconsin

The Lutheran Office for Public Policy in Wisconsin (LOPPW) – loppw.org

The Rev. Cindy Crane, Director

Wednesday Noon Live

Lutheran Office of Public Policy – Wisconsin (LOPPW) interviewed Christine Moffett who is the ELCA Program Director for Environment and Energy. She discussed her work on climate change, water, and different federal efforts she is working on. She also told us about the hope she has for the future as a young adult. Learn more about the 2023 Senate Bill 312 through this action alert: Hold Polluters Responsible for Contaminants they Produce. It would adjust Senate Bill 312 to help the Department of Natural Resources to thrive in doing their work to address the insidious problem of PFAS (forever chemicals) in our water. To learn more about PFAS, please see our issue paper from our spring advocacy day: PFAS Issue Paper

As was intended, there is a bill to define how the $125 million will be spent. Senate Bill 312 unfortunately includes limiting the Department of Natural Resources’ ability to hold polluters responsible for the contaminants they produce in our water. Learn more here:

Expand Voting Access

Senate Bill 39 and Assembly Bill 38 expand voting access by allowing people to opt-in through email to receive updates via text about their absentee ballots as well as request their absentee ballots this way. Support this bipartisan effort! Read the bill here: (23-1550/1) (wisconsin.gov). Learn more here.

Young Adult Leaders Serving with ELCA Witness in Society

by William Milner, ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellow

Advocacy is driven by perseverance and connection building. The Hunger Advocacy Fellows, now in its seventh year, is made achievable through the support of ELCA World Hunger. This program spans a year and offers a transformative experience that encompasses leadership growth, spiritual development and impactful advocacy efforts aimed at advancing a just world #untilallarefed.

In the 2023-24 cycle, Hunger Advocacy Fellows are placed with the ELCA D.C.-based advocacy team, with the Lutheran Office for World Community, and in four ELCA-affiliated state public policy offices. This positioning enables them to actively participate in addressing issues that impact both local and national policies and communities. We are pleased to introduce the 2023-2024 Hunger Advocacy Fellows below.

Quentin Bernhard (he/him)

Quentin Bernhard is placed with Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Pennsylvania. He comes to the work with Pennsylvania roots and global perspective. He grew up in the Lehigh Valley, graduated from Muhlenberg College and just returned from a year in Yeumbeul Bene Baraque, Senegal, where he served with ELCA Young Adults in Global Mission. A 2020 Muhlenberg graduate, Bernhard majored in history and political science and minored in Spanish. He was active with the Student Government Association, orientation, peer tutoring, writing tutoring, and campus chapel and spent a semester studying in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He has worked with community and advocacy organizations including the Allentown School District Foundation, the Lehigh Valley Zoo, the Climate Action Campaign, Conservation Voters of PA, Common Energy, and Action Together NEPA.  He is currently a member of New Life Evangelical Lutheran Church in New Tripoli, Pennsylvania.

Erin Brown (she/her)

Before becoming a Fellow at the Lutheran Office for World Community (LOWC), Erin Brown worked at Saint Peter’s Church in Manhattan as a fellow in cross-cultural ministry. She is passionate about multicultural exchange, language, and the power of storytelling. Brown is a diaconal student at the Lutheran Diaconal Association and completed her diaconal internship as a youth and family minister at Iglesia Sola Fe in San Sebastian, Costa Rica. She holds a BA in Spanish & Global Service from Valparaiso University and an MA in Latin American & Caribbean Studies from Indiana University. In her free time, she loves dancing salsa. Brown speaks English, Spanish and Haitian Creole!

Autumn Byars (she/her)

Autumn Byars is the first Hunger Advocacy Fellow placed with Lutheran Advocacy Ministry of Arizona! She is a life-long Lutheran from the southwest. Her parents taught her that civic engagement, advocacy, and the democratic process are tools that can and should be used to further Christ’s directive to love and protect our neighbors. In high school, Byars took this philosophy as her own, and began participating in small-scale advocacy and grassroots activism. She attended Arizona State University, earning her Bachelor of Fine Arts in the Spring of 2023, while working at Maricopa County Voting Centers, sewing masks during the pandemic, and organizing protests and civic engagement with her peers. After college, she sought work that would allow her to serve her community and dedicate her time and energy to improving people’s lives. She discovered the Fellowship through the Grand Canyon Synod and joined the LAMA team, excited to pursue her long-held passion for advocacy engagement within the professional sphere.

Frances Dobbs (she/her)

Frances Dobbs is the Hunger Advocacy Fellow placed with the Lutheran Office for Public Policy in Wisconsin. She is a recent graduate from Marquette University with a B.A. in Political Science, a B.A. of International Affairs, and a minor in Theology. She is a Melkite Catholic which is an Eastern Catholic Church in communion with the Roman Catholic Church. She lives in Milwaukee and commutes to Madison for work. She has engaged in a variety of volunteer opportunities including receiving her Girl Scout Gold Award in which she started a library for Amahoro Children’s School in Musanze, Rwanda. She is looking forward to this year.

Tomo Duke (she/her)

Tomo Duke 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. As a Hunger Advocacy Fellow, Duke is passionate to continue living out her faith in advocacy for marginalized populations facing food insecurity. Through this position, she hopes to gain more skills to mobilize communities of faith and conscience on the path toward systemic changes.

William Milner (he/him)

William Milner is serving with the ELCA advocacy staff in Washington, D.C. and is a passionate graduate student pursuing a Master’s in public policy at George Mason University. Raised as an African Methodist Episcopalian, Milner brings a unique perspective and a deep sense of community to the ELCA. Milner formerly taught in both private and public schools and takes the skills he learned there with him everywhere. His academic pursuit is driven by a deep-seated desire to bring about meaningful societal change and empower marginalized communities. A native northern Virginian and baseball player, Milner loves all things D.C. sports, but has a soft spot for the Nationals. Milner’s favorite things include, but are not limited to, the beach, bacon cheeseburgers and fog.

____________________________________________

We also welcome an intern this year with LOWC in New York City.

Naomi Mbise (she/her)

LOWC intern Naomi Mbise is a graduate of California Lutheran University with dual degrees in Political Science and Theology and Christian Leadership. She is from Tanzania and has been a part of the ELCA International Women Leaders Program for the past four years. She is looking forward to serving in a global church through her internship with this Lutheran representation to the United Nations.

Peace Beyond the Backyard

By Alex Parker, ELCA Federal Policy Intern

The people of the Central African Republic (CAR) are in a period of unrest, currently facing a disastrous humanitarian crisis. Part of my job as the Federal Policy Intern with D.C.-based ELCA advocacy staff has been to advance our international policy priorities, including tracking ongoing developments in this nation. The more I learn, the more I ask: What can we do to support and accompany the people of CAR who seek peace?

Adopted in 1995, the ELCA social statement For Peace in God’s World notes “we share with people everywhere hope for a more peaceful and just world.” Defining a word, we may take for granted, it “understands earthly peace to mean relationships among and within nations that are just, harmonious, and free from war. It offers direction as we act to keep and to build earthly peace…” (p. 1).

To be peace-directed is both direct and simultaneously unclear. We are drawn to action – to do something when we recognize harm being done to others. We are also called to pray – “In praying for peace in the world, in interceding for all who suffer from war and injustice and for those in authority, the Church acts for peace” (p. 3). But sometimes it is hard to feel like you can do something when conflict is so far away.

Daily Affronts to Peace

There are many examples in our daily lives that force us to face this responsibility to be peace-directed. We may witness violations of peace in our communities or current environments, and our commitment to peace encourages us to act through a variety of outreach programs, church groups and more.

And news filters to us from outside of our immediate community. How can we be active in confronting such conflict? What if abscissions of peace are having impact on communities that we may know little about?

Harms in the Central African Republic

Since independence, CAR has experienced continuing episodes of violence amongst armed group rivalries and competing government forces. As a result, most of the harm has been inflicted on the civilian population. According to ReliefWeb International, the period between October 2022 and January 2023 saw more than 600 documented and verified human rights violations, as well as estimates of over 1.1 million people currently displaced (over a quarter of the population).

While the United Nations (U.N.) has deployed a peacekeeping force (MINUSCA) to CAR, the continued efforts have sustained ongoing challenges in fulfilling its goal of protecting civilians and disarming mobilized paramilitary forces. Lack of sufficient funding, unfulfilled infrastructure needs and religiously polarized violence have continued to plague ongoing international stabilization efforts.

This is further compounded by the Russian paramilitary Wagner group. President of CAR, Faustin-Archange Touadera, first elected in 2016, has worked with Wagner to make advances against various armed groups. With Wagner operating in several neighboring African countries that have followed autocratic trends, political opposition in CAR is fearful of a Russian-backed leadership imposition. Wagner increased their presence before a contentious referendum, which would allow Touadera to amend the constitution and prevent him from having to obey the two-term rule when his Presidency ends in 2024. On July 30th, the referendum was held with a supposed 95% of voters approving of the constitutional change amidst cries of corruption.

Current U.S. Response

Considering both the ongoing need for U.N. presence and the negative impact of foreign influences, it is critical that the U.S continue its support for humanitarian efforts in CAR. But, as Congress reconciles the differences between their budgetary operating bills, a lingering threat remains.

In the House version of the foreign affairs budget at this writing, humanitarian support, State Department funding and beneficial social programs that contribute to stabilization efforts in CAR are massively underfunded, and in some instances eliminated entirely. For example, the House version states that CAR is one of 28 countries which are not eligible for many of the programs it would fund (p. 90). As the FCNL notes, these slashed funds include the complete elimination of crucial programs such as the Atrocities Prevention Program, which provides funding for CAR communities to “form local peace committees that devise solutions to local and regional challenges.” The House proposal also eliminates U.S. funding – entirely – for the U.N. regular budget as well as several U.N. departments that would aid the people of CAR.

Present Church Activity

“The Church is a disturbing presence when it refuses to be silent and instead speaks the truth in times when people shout out ‘Peace, peace,’ when there is no peace,” (p. 5) declares the ELCA social statement on Peace referencing Jeremiah 6:14. So, when the people of CAR shout out “peace” amid violent turmoil and humanitarian need, we as church must be present, even when the conflict seems so distant and complicated to address. We affirm the biblical insight of the “unity and goodness of created existence, the oneness of humanity, and the dignity of every person” (p. 7).

The Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Central African Republic (EEL-RCA) has, according to data from the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), 120,000 members. LWF has multiple programs that train EEL-RCA leaders in peace values and conflict management skills. LWF also has used donations to support over 88,000 people in CAR, especially those who have been displaced, lack clean sources of water or are at risk of gender-based violence.

The ELCA Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod is a great model for how one might support the EEL-RCA. “It is our hope that every congregation will find some way of supporting the Lutheran Church of the Central African Republic (EEL-RCA),” it writes of this partnership “in hope.” They have a variety of programs supported through monetary contributions that prioritize medical clinics, women’s health, educational materials and more.

Continued Advocacy Efforts

As federal lawmakers begin to reconcile their versions of the foreign policy budget, we can pressure our representatives to pursue funding of humanitarian efforts, support for U.N. entities and ensure that our U.S. direct stabilization programs are not erased. Our Action Alert, “Support Humanitarian and Peacebuilding Programs in the International Affairs Budget,” is an opportunity to make your voice heard right now in this federal process.

Through faith-based advocacy, social media, engagement with interfaith coalitions and using your voice, we can stive toward ending a conflict that damages the oneness and dignity of humanity. We cannot let this humanitarian issue fall to the wayside.

Peace is Presence Not Absence

As I have worked on understanding what is happening in CAR and thought about what peace means from a Lutheran perspective, I’ve found myself constantly going back to Martin Luther’s Small Catechism. In that work, Luther breaks down petitions of the Lord’s prayer and asks, “What then does ‘daily bread’ mean?” Answer: “Everything included in the necessities and nourishment for our bodies, such as food, drink, clothing, shoes, house, farm, fields, livestock, money, property, an upright spouse, upright children, upright members of the household, upright and faithful rulers, good government, good weather, peace, health, decency, honor, good friends, faithful neighbors and the like.”

The people of CAR need a daily bread that provides nourishment, safety and everything that culminates in a life of dignity. Peace is much more than the absence of physical violence, but the continued efforts to uplift those who suffer economically, politically, socially and more. We can share this bread with those who “shout out ‘Peace, peace’ when there is no peace,” no matter where in the world we are.

ELCA Advocacy

June/July Updates – U.N. and State Edition

New York

Lutheran Office for World Community (LOWC), U.N. – ELCA.org/lowc

Christine Mangale, Director

Colorado

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Colorado (LAMCo) – Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-Colorado (lam-co.org)

Peter Severson, Director

Pennsylvania

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania (LAMPa) – lutheranadvocacypa.org

Tracey DePasquale, Director

Texas

Texas Impact (TI) – www.texasimpact.org

Scott Atnip, Director

Washington

Faith Action Network (FANWA) – Home – Faith Action Network (fanwa.org)

Elise DeGooyer

Wisconsin

Lutheran Office for Public Policy (LOPPW) – The Lutheran Office for Public Policy in Wisconsin (loppw.org)

Cindy Crane, Director

May Updates – U.N. and State Edition

New York

Lutheran Office for World Community (LOWC), U.N. – ELCA.org/lowc

Christine Mangale, Director

California

Lutheran Office of Public Policy (LOPPCA) – lutheranpublicpolicyca.org

Regina Banks, Director

Colorado

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Colorado (LAM-CO) – Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-Colorado (lam-co.org)

Peter Severson, Director

Ohio

Hunger Network Ohio (HNO) – Hunger Network in Ohio (hungernetohio.com)

Deacon Nick Bates, Director

Pennsylvania

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania (LAMPa) – lutheranadvocacypa.org

Tracey DePasquale, Director

Washington

Faith Action Network (FANWA)- Home – Faith Action Network (fanwa.org)

Elise DeGooyer, Director

April Updates – U.N. and State Edition

New York

Lutheran Office for World Community (LOWC), U.N. – ELCA.org/lowc

Christine Mangale, Director

California

Lutheran Office of Public Policy (LOPPCA) – lutheranpublicpolicyca.org

Regina Banks, Director

Colorado

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Colorado (LAM-CO) – lam-co.org

Peter Severson, Director

Minnesota

Lutheran Advocacy Minnesota (LA-MN) – lutheranadvocacymn.org

Tammy Walhof, Director

Pennsylvania

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania (LAMPa) – lutheranadvocacypa.org

Tracey DePasquale, Director

Washington

Faith Action Network (FANWA) – fanwa.org

Elise DeGooyer, Executive Director

Wisconsin

The Lutheran Office for Public Policy in Wisconsin (LOPPW) – loppw.org

The Rev. Cindy Crane, Director

March Updates – U.N. and State Edition

New York

Lutheran Office for World Community (LOWC), U.N. – ELCA.org/lowc

Christine Mangale, Director

Arizona

LUTHERAN ADVOCACY MINISTRY ARIZONA (LAMA) lamaz.org

Solveig Muus, Director

California

Lutheran Office of Public Policy (LOPPCA) – lutheranpublicpolicyca.org

Regina Banks, Director

Minnesota

Lutheran Advocacy Minnesota (LA-MN) – lutheranadvocacymn.org

Tammy Walhof, Director

Ohio

Hunger Network in Ohio (HNO) – www.hungernetohio.com

Deacon Nick Bates, Director

Pennsylvania

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania (LAMPa) – lutheranadvocacypa.org

Tracey DePasquale, Director

Lutheran Office for World Community (LOWC), U.N. – ELCA.org/lowc

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Colorado (LAMCo) – Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-Colorado (lam-co.org)

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania (LAMPa) – lutheranadvocacypa.org

Texas Impact (TI) – www.texasimpact.org

Lutheran Office for Public Policy (LOPPW) – The Lutheran Office for Public Policy in Wisconsin (loppw.org)

Lutheran Office for World Community (LOWC), U.N. – ELCA.org/lowc

Lutheran Office of Public Policy (LOPPCA) – lutheranpublicpolicyca.org

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Colorado (LAM-CO) – Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-Colorado (lam-co.org)