ELCA Advocacy

Following are updates shared from submissions of the Lutheran Office for World Community and state public policy offices.

Lutheran Office for World Community, United Nations, New York, N.Y. ELCA.org/lowc

Dennis Frado, director

UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY: The UN General Assembly High Level week which ushers in the annual General Debate will take place from 22nd to 29th September 2020. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, there are limitations on holding large in-person meetings and for the first time since the founding of the UN, world leaders will not gather in person in New York. Heads of State and Government or Ministers representing Member States have been requested to address the General Debate via pre-recorded video statements. However, some may disregard this request and attend in person. The UN is otherwise limiting in person attendance to delegates and staff with a direct role in a given meeting. Attendees will be required to wear face masks except when directly addressing a meeting.

H.E. Mr. Volkan Bozkir (left), incoming President of the General Assembly, will preside over the 75th session. Mr. Bozkir is a former Member of the Turkish Parliament where he served as chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee for several years. He also served as Turkey’s Permanent Representative to the European Union.

There are several high-level meetings scheduled to take place virtually:

High-level meeting to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the UN: Monday, 21st September 2020. The declaration that will be adopted at the high-level meeting on 21 September was agreed in July 2020.
Biodiversity Summit: Wednesday, 30th September 2020. The theme of the event is “Urgent action on biodiversity for sustainable development”.
High-level meeting on the 25th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women: Thursday, 1st October 2020. Under the theme “Accelerating the realization of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls.” More information on Accelerating Gender Equality by 2030 can be found on the Generation Equality Forum. In addition, here are remarks of the Secretary General’s virtual townhall meeting with women’s civil society organizations held on 31st August 2020.
High-level plenary meeting to commemorate and promote the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons: Friday, 2nd October 2020.

LWF APPEAL FOR DR. DENIS MUKWEGE: In late August, the Rev. Dr. Martin Junge, General Secretary of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), sent an urgent appeal to the United Nations for the safety of Dr. Denis Mukwege. In a 25th August letter to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Junge said the LWF “is very concerned about the safety and wellbeing of Dr Denis Mukwege, 2018 Nobel Peace Prize laureate and Founder and Medical Director of Panzi Hospital in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).” Junge cited threats against Dr Mukwege and his family that are available in the public domain. Junge expressed alarm about “the risks posed by the withdrawal of the security service that was provided until recently by the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO).”

“Dr Mukwege’s work in defense of human rights and holistic care of women affected by sexual and gender-based violence is recognized globally. He is a beacon of hope for all, and especially the most vulnerable populations who have borne the brunt of violence and conflicts. He is a global leader and human rights defender. He has continued to speak out against impunity and demanded accountability, particularly through the implementation of the recommendations of the 2010 report: DRC: Mapping human rights violations.”

While welcoming the fact “that the Congolese government has offered to provide National Police services to protect Dr Mukwege”, Junge said he firmly believes “that this approach is inadequate because the capacity and the reliability of the Congolese police cannot be ascertained.”

LOWC conveyed the letter to the Secretary-General’s office on behalf of the LWF.

Arizona

Solveig Muus, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona https://lamaz.org/

ARIZONA ELECTIONS AND CENSUS: For the next 60 days, the 2020 election is a Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA) priority. We are partnering with other Arizona faith-based advocates to emphasize the importance of voting, particularly in low-income neighborhoods where statistics indicate both 2016 voter turnout was low, and 2020 Census reporting is low as well. We also are preparing a voting toolkit for congregations.

LAMA is continuing its survey of the 85 Lutheran congregations in Arizona and building our network. A common thread our church leaders have identified is a desire for education and resources to help them demonstrate in a visceral way the direct correlation between being people of faith and advocating for the common good. This is one way LAMA hopes to serve to our congregations.

LAMA SUMMIT: LAMA’s policy team is planning its LAMA SUMMIT, the first state-wide gathering of Lutheran advocates and friends since the LAMA office opened its doors in February. Keynote speaker for this 3-hour virtual event on November 7 is Dr. Ryan Cumming program director for hunger education at ELCA World Hunger.

Since we last reported, LAMA has launched the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona website at www.lamaz.org and also published a weekly newsletter, subscribers welcome!

Our heartfelt thanks to all our Lutheran state public policy offices for their help and counsel as the Arizona team gets up and running. We are blessed!

Colorado

Peter Severson, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-Colorado lam-co.org

FALL BALLOT QUESTIONS ARE SET: The Colorado Secretary of State has affirmed eleven – that’s right, eleven – questions for the November statewide ballot. All Coloradans will have the opportunity to weigh in on major issues impacting our state’s public policy. The LAM-CO Policy Committee will be meeting in early September to decide on the positions we will take, if any, on these measures.

One measure we are already supporting is Proposition 118, Paid Family & Medical Leave. This program would give workers across Colorado access to paid leave in the event of serious medical or family issues, ensuring that people are able to maintain some income and lessen the risk of losing their job. The Colorado Families First Coalition is supporting this measure – join us and learn more at http://www.coloradofamiliesfirst.org/.

Other issues on the ballot include state income tax, property tax, the National Popular Vote Compact, abortion, gray wolves, tobacco taxes, and gambling. Look for more information from Lutheran Advocacy in the next few weeks, including our annual Voter Guide!

LIVING FAITH: The Rocky Mountain Synod is pleased to offer a new curriculum, Living Faith: Church in Society, to help spark rich conversations about our Lutheran faith and social issues. ELCA Social Statements form the backbone of our policy advocacy. These deep resources are the springboard for reflections from voices around our Synod on timely issues, including scripture, prayer, and guided discussion questions. Check it out today!

Minnesota

Tammy Walhof, Lutheran Advocacy- Minnesota (LA-MN) lutheranadvocacymn.org

HEALTH EMERGENCY: Governor Walz extended the emergency allowing him executive powers impacting businesses, physical distancing, and mask-wearing. After each extension, the legislature must meet, but both chambers much vote to end the emergency. Legislators pushing to end the emergency are mostly rural and primarily see economic impacts of closed or modified business operations. Legislators from bigger communities (more COVID-19 victims) tend to vote to continue the emergency. [Having been diagnosed with presumptive COVID five months ago, I continue to experience long-term respiratory and fatigue issues despite no pre-existing conditions, and wish legislators better understood long-term health impacts on economics. -TW]

SPECIAL SESSION #3: Minnesota Management & Budget Agency (MMB) interprets SEC rules to discourage or prohibit enactments changing state financials (including appropriations/bonds/taxes) as Minnesota goes to bond markets to sell previously authorized bonds. So, bonding must wait until the end of September to pass. In the August session, the House gaveled in & out, allowing the emergency to continue. However, the Senate unexpectedly fired the governor’s commissioner of Labor & Industry (message to the governor regarding the emergency?).

Some LA-MN partners believe September’s special session will involve postponing until late September when bonding can again be considered. Others hope the governor and MMB will take another look at whether the law actually requires ongoing special sessions during the emergency.

HOUSING: We continue to work to pass bonding for affordable housing. See our website for current talking points.

RENEWABLE ENERGY/CLIMATE CHANGE: Environmental partners are generating the best project list for a 2021 bonding bill (assuming 2020 is lost). LA-MN (with various partners) will work to educate about Minnesotans impacted by climate, and how renewable energy is growing Minnesota’s economy. Watch ELCA Advocacy & LA-MN for upcoming trainings. Check with Tammy for specific action needed in your community.

[LA-MN Director: Tammy Walhof / 651-238-6506 (call/text) / tammy@lutheranadvocacymn.org. Website: www.lutheranadvocacymn.org]

NEW MEXICO

Kurt A. Rager, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM lutheranadvocacynm.org

State-wide and Diverse Coalitions are Crucial to our Work! LAM-NM has historically been an active part of a variety of state-wide coalitions which directly connect to the priorities of our annual policy agenda. During the months between legislative sessions, LAM-NM actively participates with coalitions focused on the issues of hunger, housing insecurity, criminal justice reform, ethics in government, healthcare, early childhood education, and immigrant justice, just to name a few. An example is LAM-NM’s participation with the Food, Hunger, Water, Agriculture Policy and Action Team convened by New Mexico First. This coalition, a bipartisan group of legislators, emergency food sector, farmers, ranchers, resilient agriculture advocates, faith communities, anti-hunger and anti-poverty advocates, human rights advocates, health providers and advocates, local food system advocates, researchers, philanthropy, and more has been meeting weekly to prioritize and coordinate policy efforts and put forward a policy agenda and legislation for the upcoming 2021 legislative session. Members of the policy and advocacy team, including LAM-NM director, Kurt Rager, have met weekly during the month of August. Our most recent meeting took place on August 27th.

OHIO

Deacon Nick Bates, Hunger Network in Ohio hungernetohio.com

ANTI-RACISM SUNDAY, SEPT. 20^th : On September 20th, HNO will join with the Ohio Council of Churches and faith communities throughout Ohio and participate in an Anti-racism Sunday. Racial injustice continues to hold our communities in bondage to sin. We encourage congregations to engage on Sept 20th (or another date that fits for your congregation) in a service to center our spiritual communities on how God is calling us to respond to racial injustice. You can access resources on the Ohio Council of Churches website and register your congregation’s participation! This builds on HNO’s advocacy work to advance racial justice throughout Ohio.

RACIAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC HEALTH: Declare racism a public health crisis in Ohio. Ohio’s legislature is looking into how racial injustice impacts public health. In Ohio, hunger, infant mortality, and covid-19 cases have hit the African American community hard. We need to break down systemic racism and understand how we can address these issues. Contact your state legislative leaders and tell them to hold hearings and begin to investigate these issues by clicking here

Pennsylvania

Tracey DePasquale, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry–Pennsylvania (LAMPa) lutheranadvocacypa.org

LAMPA CONSTITUENTS, FAITH-BASED PARTNERS SHARE CONVERSATION WITH SEN. ROBERT CASEY: More than 60 people participated in a virtual town hall on the federal response to COVID-19. Participants were invited to share questions for the senator. Topics discussed included COVID unemployment; the disproportionate impact of COVID on black and brown populations; childhood hunger and the extension of nutrition benefits, and concerns about the U.S. Postal Service.

CHILD NUTRITION ADVOCACY YIELDS SOME GOOD NEWS: As one in six children in PA experience food insecurity, we are pleased the USDA is extending free meals for children through Dec. 31, and will continue to allow summer meal program operators to serve free meals to all children into the fall months. LAMPa advocates had been petitioning for the waivers and will continue pressing for funding to ensure nutrition support for the entire school year.

CREATION JUSTICE: LAMPa voiced opposition to state House and Senate bills aimed at stripping the power of the Department of Environmental Protection to enact a carbon reduction program such as the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.

PA EVICTION MORATORIUM ENDS: Gov. Wolf is urging the state legislature to improve rental and mortgage assistance programs. LAMPa and Lutheran Disaster Response have been warning officials of potential for a surge in homelessness based on the witness of our ministries in their communities.

PROMOTING SAFE, SECURE ELECTIONS: LAMPa is encouraging disciples who can safely do so to register as poll workers in PA, as many volunteers are older, and at higher-risk from COVID-19. LAMPa continues to remind constituents of the deadlines for mail-in and absentee ballot applications and oppose legislative attempts to create barriers to voter access and timely ballot counting.

HATE CRIME LEGISLATION: As incidents of hate crime increase throughout the Commonwealth, LAMPa continues to promote legislation as part of the Pa. Coalition Against Hate.

LAMPa is pleased to be part of ULS
Seminarian Margaret Folkemer-Leonard’s
learning community.

SEMINARIAN JOINS LAMPA: Margaret Folkemer-Leonard will be serving with LAMPa and St. Matthew, York, as part of her education at United Lutheran Seminary. She hopes to focus on educational advocacy as social justice related to the service of York area congregations. Learn more.

GOD’S WORK. OUR HANDS: LAMPa shared resources with congregations adding advocacy to their service on Sept. 13.

Texas

Bee Moorhead, Texas Interfaith Center for Public Policy texasimpact.org

TEXAS VOTING AND ELECTIONS: Texas Impact members have been busy this week participating in legislative meetings and preparing for safe, accountable voting in 2020.

In July, Texas Impact re-launched our Faith in Democracy series of local advocacy trainings online, and hosted an event August 23 in Dallas. The Northern Texas-Northern Louisiana Synod co-sponsored the event, and Bishop Gronberg was be a featured speaker at an event with 350 registrants. Two events are scheduled for September in Houston (September 13) featuring Bishop Michael Rinehart, and Corpus Christi (September27). Each event will include a faith and community leader panel and tools to equip congregations to be effective advocates and promote safe, accountable voting.

Texas Impact’s Legislative Engagement Groups are meeting with members of the Texas House’s district offices this month about the moral nature of the budget, discussing possible revenue options to fund important state priorities.

Texas Impact is continuing to promote the “Texas Faith Votes” campaign, encouraging congregations to promote four components: completing the safe and accountable voting checklist, encouraging mail in voting and signing the accountable Pledge to Vote prioritizing health, immigration, climate and a rejection of discrimination and recruiting election workers.

RACIAL JUSTICE AND ADVOCACY: Texas Impact continued the Weekly Witness podcast series featuring speakers from the Washington Interfaith Staff Community and has added a racial justice series featuring clergy of different races discussing racial justice and advocacy.

CLIMATE AND OTHER ADVOCACY: Climate advocacy was a priority in August with advocates meeting with members of Congress during the August recess. Texas Impact is also partnering with Texas Interfaith Power and Light to map Houston-area congregations engaged in environmental justice work.

Texans of faith are mobilizing and engaging for a busy fall of civic engagement, and Lutheran leaders are playing a key role.

Washington

The Rev. Paul Benz and Elise DeGooyer, Faith Action Network fanwa.org

REFERENDUM 90: The Faith Action Network Governing Board has unanimously endorsed Referendum 90 for Safe and Healthy Youth. This will appear on the November ballot in Washington State as a comprehensive sexuality education measure which is age-appropriate and inclusive. During the 2020 legislative session, a coalition of parents, educators, medical professionals, and advocates passed SB 5395 (Sen. Claire Wilson) in Washington State that mandates sex education in our public schools. Those opposed to the bill, sometimes citing religious reasons, have launched a misinformation campaign and gathered enough signatures to put that law up for a public vote this November, so FAN is working in coalition to show strong support from interfaith communities around the state. See more at the campaign’s website approve90wa.org and our Faith Leaders Statement.

INDIGENOUS FILM FESTIVAL: FAN coordinates the Interfaith Network for Indigenous Communities (INIC), a coalition of interfaith leaders seeking solidarity between first nations peoples and allied people of faith as we confront the urgent issues of our time. INIC is co-sponsoring the first online Indigenous Film Festival from August 31 – October 5, celebrating American Indian, Alaska Native, and worldwide Indigenous films, featuring new films each week and opportunities for discussion with filmmakers. Check out this amazing opportunity here: visionmakermedia.org/online-filmfest/

STATE AND BUDGET COALITIONS: Washington State is anticipating a $9B budget deficit into the next biennium. FAN is encouraging advocates to urge their legislators not to cut vital programs, to protect those already impacted by the economic recession and COVID-19, and to pass significant revenue solutions such as eliminating the capital gains tax loophole and adding other wealth taxes. Co-Director Paul Benz is working on multiple coalitions to influence this goal, including pushing for the now-approved $40M Undocumented Worker Relief Fund, funding the Working Families Tax Credit, and working on policing reforms through the Governor’s taskforce and the Washington Coalition for Police Accountability (WCPA).

Wisconsin

The Rev. Cindy Crane, Lutheran Office for Public Policy in Wisconsin (LOPPW) loppw.org

RACIAL JUSTICE: We sent out an action alert about supporting police reform in response to the shooting of Jacob Blake and an Executive Order from Governor Evers. https://support.elca.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=1292&fbclid=IwAR2C5b1rRiUxcMVngDLCTNvuG-HCwxQawzDl5wOOiBAMKe7q1Cyz9PzveRg

THE PANDEMIC AND OUR HEALTH: For Wednesday Noon Live, we interviewed Madison’s Reverend Blake Rohrer, who gave a theological perspective on the state mask mandate; Green Bay Alderwoman Barbara Dorff, who discussed the death threats to the City Council after issuing a local mandate (before the state mandate) and future hopes; LOPPW Council Member Mr. William Mattson of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Rhinelander, who responded to local issues with masks. https://www.facebook.com/LOPPW/videos/303241814223287

IMMIGRATION AND DETENTION: We taped Wednesday Noon Live for Sept (it is usually live). We interviewed Attorney Mary Campbell, AMMPARO; Ms. Marisol Fuentes de Dubon, GMS Task Force & Detained Migrant Project; and Dr. Stephanie Mitchell, Professor of Latin American History at Carthage College & Emmaus Lutheran Church (Racine) member. They shared practical ideas about what congregations can do.

CARE FOR GOD’S CREATION: Our LOPPW statewide climate task force met for the second time after the listening sessions to strategize. The director participated in a briefing on a Climate Action Plan convened by the Dane County Executive.

VOTING: Created a video on Caring for God’s Creation and voting with Intern Kyle. Contacted Brookfield’s clerk to ask questions about absentee ballots as part of our voting coalition’s effort to survey municipalities. Participated in a panel for a webinar on voting organized by Ms. Kelly Marciales and Rev. Amy Reumann.

As we approach the end of the federal government’s fiscal year on Sept. 30, the Administration is considering how many refugees to welcome in 2021. Although refugee admissions have gone down each year of the current Administration, we know refugee admissions have not been eliminated due to strong advocacy – particularly from the faith community. Reflections from our summer intern give us background and conclude with an opportunity for us to again respond with impactful advocacy as the calculation is being made.

RAISING THE REFUGEE CEILING

By Jenn Werth, summer intern with ELCA advocacy

According to the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, the number of refugees on the African continent has nearly tripled over the past decade, yet the number of refugees the United States admits every year has continually fallen. As a church dedicated to supporting compassionate survival assistance and vigorous international protection for refugees*, it is essential that we hold our country responsible to increase the number of refugees it admits**.

Lutherans have a strong history of providing hospitality to refugees resettling 57,000 refugees in the United States post World War II, resettling 50,000 refugees from Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos after the fall of Saigon in 1975, and providing sanctuary for refugees endangered by wars in Central America in the 1980s***. Today the ELCA remains active in many ways, including through its AMMPARO program, Accompanying Migrant Minors with Protection, Advocacy, Representation and Opportunities. AMMPARO helps ensure basic human rights and safety of migrant children from El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala.

With such a deep focus on the accompaniment of immigrants and refugees in one small part of the world, it can be easy to lose sight of the international expanse of refugee populations. In 2019 alone, the Lutheran World Federation supported 1.3 million refugees and internally displaced persons, most of whom reside in African countries including but not limited to Uganda, South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Cameroon. We as a church can be a strong voice for both the refugees we work with close to home and the refugees we support from countries across the globe. As it is written in Leviticus 19:34, “The alien who resides with you shall be to you as the citizen among you; you shall love the alien as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt”.”

Immigration, refugee and asylum policies not only can be evaluated against who we are as a church, but also express our character as a nation. As the United States commits to receiving fewer and fewer refugees every year, dropping from 45,000 in 2018 to 30,000 in 2019 to 18,000 in 2020, our country is not meeting the expectations we as a church have for a generous policy of welcome. The Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) calls on Congress and the current Administration to raise that ceiling to 95,000 refugees. As advocates for generous immigration and refugee policies, we can use our voices to support the efforts to raise our refugee ceiling rather than allow further reduction.

* ELCA social statement For Peace In God’s World, pg. 20
** ELCA social message on “Immigration,” pg. 9.
*** “Immigration,” pg. 3

TO LEARN MORE

See “Frequently Asked Questions: Refugee Ceiling and the Presidential Determination” prepared by LIRS.

ACTION OPPORTUNITY FOR ROSTERED MINISTERS:

Over 240 rostered ministers urged the president and Secretary Pompeo to commit to resettling 95,000 refugees in fiscal year 2021 by signing a Sept. 24 letter prepared by the ELCA AMMPARO and Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) advocacy teams.

TWO OTHER OPPORTUNITIES FOR FAITH-BASED ACTION organized with the Interfaith Immigration Coalition in which the ELCA participates:

Join the #RefugeesWelcome2021 Campaign. Encourage your state and local elected leaders to express support for welcoming refugees by signing onto this letter.

Write letters-to-the-editor (LTEs) for your local media outlets. Here is a sample LTE that you can use/adapt for your message, as well as step-by-step instructions for how to draft, pitch, and place an LTE. Please contact media@interfaithimmigration.org if you have any questions or need help.

by Tessa Comnick, Hunger Advocacy Fellow

Like many people, I have spent the last several months living out of my house. While that may not seem like a significant statement—I mean, houses are where we live—living out of my house has taken on new meaning. It’s now where I socialize (virtually), where I work, where I sleep, where I eat… and soon it will be where I vote in the 2020 election.

I have actually voted by mail for the past several years, coming from a state with no-excuse absentee ballots (that means you don’t need a reason why you cannot physically be present at a polling place to use a mail-in ballot). When I decided to work at my local polling place one year, this habit ended up being very fortuitous. I voted from the comfort of my own home so that I wouldn’t have to think about it during my long (but rewarding) fifteen-hour-day as a volunteer. As that day dragged on, I even thought: “Why doesn’t everyone vote by mail?”

But there are reasons everyone doesn’t vote by mail. It’s different for me than it is for others. I have no disabilities that keep me from being able to send in a paper ballot, requiring a voting machine to confidently and privately vote. I have a home address, one that didn’t change even when I was at school or completing fellowships. I don’t come from a socially marginalized and/or oppressed group that has learned not to trust certain systems because they have continually failed me. The question that flew through my head never took into account experiences that weren’t exclusively mine.

We as a country cannot operate in a one-size-fits-all paradigm, especially with something as crucial as our right to vote. We need to prepare ourselves for a 2020 election that enfranchises everyone’s vote. Mail in voting should be expanded during the current global pandemic crisis, but it should not be the only option.

SUPPORT MAIL-IN ACCESS – Currently there are 16 states that still require specific reasons or excuses to request an absentee ballot. A nation-wide no-excuse absentee ballot system could help keep lines down, keep the system from getting overwhelmed, and allow high-risk individuals to continue saying home, all while still providing the opportunity for in-person voting for those who need it.
LIMIT MAILED BALLOT REJECTIONS – Read and share local voting by mail information so that mistakes, such as a missing signature, do not result in ballot rejections. This information should be available in multiple languages and in multiple forms, so as not to exclude anyone without access to internet.
GET SPACES READY – Polling places should be available for those who will not vote otherwise. Some voters with disabilities, voters with language access needs and American Indian and Alaska Native voters among others need safe, in-person options for fair access. Buildings that are currently sitting closed, like churches, could be used as polling places. Guidelines to minimize the risk of transmitting COVID-19 at the polls can be followed, such as those jointly issued by The Brennan Center and the Infectious Diseases Society of America.
IS BEING A POLLING WORKER FOR YOU? – Over half of U.S. poll workers were 61 years of age or older in the 2018 general election. In 2020 we could face a shortage. Youth and young adults should consider working on election day (hello to making it a National Holiday!) to help keep those at higher risk safe. When I did it, the day was long, but I heard an endless supply of “thank yous” showing appreciation for an open, accessible system from which to vote. I did not know what faith traditions voters followed, if any, but love for our community connected us in a way that was intrinsically divine. For me, I feel God’s presence strongest when I am among my community, expressing my love for every single member. God’s love is for us all, indiscriminately.

For you and your neighbor, what’s your plan? Learn what qualifies for an absentee ballot in your state. Instructions on how to register and vote-by-mail need to be effectively planned and widely distributed months before an election, to ensure equal access to those who may choose to mail-in their vote. Learn about becoming a poll worker if that sounds right for you. And contact your county Board of Elections to find out how to designate a place you’re connected with as a polling site.

And if you want to encourage election considerations in the next COVID-19 stimulus legislation, write to your lawmakers using the Action Alert “Take Action on the Next Coronavirus Supplemental Bill” at ELCA.org/advocacy/actioncenter. And learn more about the ELCAvotes initiative at ELCA.org/votes.

Every vote counts, and so does every decision on how to vote.

from the ELCA Advocacy office in Washington, D.C. – the Rev. Amy E. Reumann, director

Partial expanded content from Advocacy Connections: August 2020

COVID-19 STIMULUS PACKAGE | HUD HOUSING RULES | INTERNATIONAL INTERSECTIONS | ENVIRONMENT CONSERVATION BILL SIGNED | DACA MEMORANDUM

COVID-19 STIMULUS PACKAGE The next federal stimulus package to address COVID-19 impacts remains in negotiation. While Congress is presently in the traditional period of a recess, scheduled to end September 7, lawmakers are aiming to reconcile differences. A temporary 15% increase in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits has been a continuing interfaith advocacy effort in this new round of COVID-19 legislation. Use the Action Alert to urge this and other considerations in the far-reaching package.

We are grateful for the engagement of ELCA bishops and network members who reached out to key leaders about advancing the temporary SNAP increase. House, Senate and Administration leaders are making steady progress over a compromise economic spending bill. However, resolving widespread differences between the Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions Act (HEROES) passed in the House and the proposed Health, Economic Assistance, Liability Protection and Schools Act (HEALS) introduced in the Senate before taking the break could stall the process deep into the traditional summer recess.

HUD HOUSING RULES In a busy month, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced in early July that they would be advancing an initiative to weaken implementation of the 2016 Equal Access Rule, which would undermine transgender and non-binary protections for people seeking shelter. Also, HUD Sec. Ben Carson announced that the administration would take steps to roll back key racial housing protections in the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) Rule.

Since 2016, homelessness among transgender people increased 88% and could face greater challenges and barriers to shelter access if the rule is further weakened. Reconciling Works and ELCA Advocacy shared a joint Action Alert in opposition of the new changes which facilitates action during HUD’s open public-comment period through September 22.

Discriminatory housing practices have been at the core of systemic racism in the U.S. for generations – right up to present day. The changes to the AFFH rule will water-down enforcement of the civil-rights era Fair Housing Act, stopping requirements for localities to take steps to report and address patterns of segregation in their communities. Hundreds of Lutherans issued opposition to the rule through the ELCA Action Center in the spring when the comment period was open. The ELCA Advocacy office will continue to push for policies that promote racial justice in housing as the proposal likely moves through litigation.

INTERNATIONAL INTERSECTIONS ELCA Advocacy is working in partnership with Jubilee USA Network members urging the U.S. government to support expansion of debt relief for highly indebted poor countries. We are asking for the U.S. to support provision of low interest grants called Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) through the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which will provide funds to countries to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The House passed the NO BAN Act July 22 which would repeal the travel ban on citizens of 13 countries. Our Action Alert remains live to facilitate contacting senators who next will consider the legislation. Additionally, for a long time the international community failed to effectively prevent and respond to gender-based violence at the onset of humanitarian emergencies. Initiatives such as Safe from the Start have moved this issue at the forefront of humanitarian work. Our Action Alert can be used to urge your senators to co-sponsor the Keeping Women and Girls Safe from the Start Act.

ENVIRONMENT CONSERVATION BILL SIGNED On August 4, President Trump signed the bipartisan Great American Outdoors Act of 2020 into law offering more federal resources for national parks, wildlife refuges, Indigenous public lands and our crumbling public land infrastructure. Lutheran advocates have collaborated with many in a slow-building movement for years to promote better stewardship principles for our nation’s public lands.

In addition to helping address the great backlog of infrastructure projects at the Department of Interior, the bill will permanently authorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund, allowing more resources for the federal government to acquire “lands, waters, and interests therein necessary to achieve the natural, cultural, wildlife, and recreation management objectives of federal land management agencies.”

DACA MEMORANDUM A July 28 memorandum on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) from the acting secretary of the Dept. of Homeland Security may begin the process of dismantling this needed form of protection. Even as suffering and sacrifice in this time of pandemic require national focus, the administration is prioritizing taking away protections and setting the stage for further disbanding of DACA.

Our advocacy focus remains a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers. DACA recipients are members of our communities and churches who have grown up in and contribute to the U.S. An Action Alert is available to urge lawmakers to codify protection before it is further eroded.

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

Following are updates shared from submissions of the Lutheran Office for World Community and state public policy offices.

Lutheran Office for World Community, United Nations, New York, N.Y. ELCA.org/lowc

Dennis Frado, director

WOMEN, PEACE, AND SECURITY: The UN Security Council held its annual debate on Women, Peace and Security on July 17, 2020. This high-level debate theme was on “conflict-related sexual violence: turning commitments into compliance.” Briefing the Council was Pramila Patten, Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict; Angelina Jolie, Special Envoy to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees; Khin Ohmar, Founder and Chairperson of the Advisory Board of Progressive Voice; and Nadia Carine Therese Fornel-Poutou, Executive President of the Association des femmes Juristes de Centrafrique. The debate focused on ensuring accountability and access to justice, implementation of existing commitments and ensuring a survivor-centered approach. LOWC’s Program Director Christine Mangale attended the meeting virtually. Learn more about the landmark resolution 1325 and the women, peace and security agenda here and here. The webcast of the debate can be found here.

MAINTENANCE OF INTERNATIONAL PEACE AND SECUIRTIY—CLIMATE AND SECURITY: The United Nations Security Council held a virtual open debate on “climate and security” on July 24, 2020. Briefing the council were Miroslav Jenča — Assistant Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia and the Americas, Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs; Colonel Mamadou Seydou Magagi – Director, Centre National d’Etudes Stratégiques et de Sécurité (CNESS); and Coral Pasisi – Director, Sustainable Pacific Consultancy. German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas chaired the meeting.

It was emphasized that climate change is a threat multiplier, disproportionately affecting already vulnerable communities. Most speakers specifically referenced the need for countries to follow-through with implementing their commitments under the Paris Agreement. There was a call for the UN to address climate change better systematically. Almost unanimously, this sentiment included a call for the Security Council to further integrate a climate lens into their work, recognizing the real threats posed by climate change to peace and security. LOWC’s Intern Kirsti Ruud attended the meeting virtually. Learn more on how the Security Council has addressed this issue here . A summary of the open debate can be found here.

California

Regina Q. Banks, Lutheran Office of Public Policy- California (LOPP-CA) lutheranpublicpolicyca.org

LEGISLATIVE SESSION RESUMES: The Legislature returned to session on Monday, July 27 after an extended recess due to a COVID-19 outbreak among staff. Priority bills scheduled for upcoming committee hearings include AB 2043: Farmworker Protection, AB 3121: Reparations Task Force, AB 3070: Antidiscrimination in Jury Selection, and AB 3073: CalFresh Prison Preenrollment. The Legislature has a quick push to the hard stop of this two-year bill cycle; many bills are effectively dead because they are not on the agendas put forth for upcoming hearings. Legislators may also engage in negotiations for a ‘junior budget’ during this final session. Many aspects of California’s 2020-2021 budget hinge on stalled federal funding to assist states and local governments; austerity measures will kick in if funding is not approved by the US Senate ASAP.

SNAP ADVOCACY CONTINUES: In California, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) applications have doubled and even tripled in some counties. SNAP provides dignified food assistance which allows people to buy what they want to eat and to choose where they will shop. SNAP stimulates local economies and supports local farmers. Food banks and donation-based programs see themselves as a supplement to vital federal programs. Along with both state and national partners in the California Food and Farming Network, we continue to push Congress to approve a 15% increase in SNAP benefits.

CHURCH OUTREACH ON ANTI-RACISM: Many pastors throughout the state have come to LOPP-CA with questions following the consciousness-raising protests of George Floyd’s murder and of the 400-year pandemic of anti-Black violence in America. What can we do in California to build anti-racist policies and systems? What is the next faithful step? LOPP-CA has responded with a forum for pastors to dig into one particular policy – a ballot measure that would reinstate affirmative action in state agencies and universities. After a pilot run with the Racial Justice Ministry at St. John’s Lutheran in Sacramento, our first open forum is scheduled for late August.

BALLOT MEASURES: California has a robust initiative system, whereby voters have direct power to make laws and approve constitutional amendments. Ballot measures for November 2020 include reinstating affirmative action, expanding the right to vote, updating property tax and eliminating cash bail. The Policy Council has determined its positions on each measure in accordance with the social statements of the ELCA. LOPP-CA will soon release a voter guide to help congregation members throughout the state vote in light of the faith we profess. Additional public forums will be held, including one focused on engaging youth in the church.

ADVOCACY IN QUARANTINE: We continue to host our weekly Wednesdays at Noon briefing on state and federal legislation and call to action. This month, we supported affirmative action, SNAP increases, senior nutrition, and we called in to support LOPP-CA priority bills.

LOOKING FORWARD TO GOD’S WORK, OUR HANDS, OUR VOICES: Our 2020 Lobby Day has been reimagined to focus on the upcoming ballot measures in the November election. Look for updates later this month!

Colorado

Peter Severson, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-Colorado lam-co.org

SECOND SESSION ADJOURNS: The Colorado Legislature returned to work from its pandemic-induced recess on May 27 and formally adjourned for the year on June 15. During the “second session,” legislators faced an uphill climb to balance the state budget in the face of major revenue shortfalls. We advocated with a broad coalition called Recover Colorado to ask the legislature to raise new revenue, rather than focus exclusively on making cuts. You can read our letter to lawmakers and Governor Jared Polis here.

We supported the successful passage of House Bill 20-1420, The Fair Tax Act. Section 4 of the bill eliminates a corporate tax loophole that will fund part of the estimated $84 million in supplemental funds for state education in the next fiscal year. Additionally, we signed on to support and advocate for Senate Bill 20-217, Enhance Law Enforcement Integrity, a bill to make significant changes to policing practices in our communities statewide. Most of the provisions in the bill will go into effect this year.

BALLOT MEASURES: We are supporting two initiatives that are attempting to make the statewide ballot in the fall:

Initiative #271, also known as Fair Tax Colorado, would give 95% of Coloradans a tax cut while raising significant funds for education through a more progressive state income tax
Initiative #283, Paid Family Leave, supported by the Colorado Families First coalition, would create up to 12 weeks of paid leave for Colorado workers

Minnesota

Tammy Walhof, Lutheran Advocacy- Minnesota (LA-MN) lutheranadvocacymn.org

SPECIAL SESSION #2: A carefully negotiated $1.8 billion bipartisan bonding/tax bill failed the supermajority needed by six votes in the state House of Representatives.

House Minority Leader Kurt Daudt has been holding bonding as leverage to force an end to the governor’s COVID-19 emergency powers. House & Senate leaders hoped that a bipartisan bill would have momentum. However, the bill went down on a House party-line vote despite Senate passage with broad bipartisan support.

Watch for mid-August’s Special Session when we get to do this all over again!

AFFORDABLE HOUSING: Given the bonding bill defeat, housing infrastructure bonds and public housing bonds were unable to move forward. Although amounts never made it to the levels we were advocating, $100 million was included for housing infrastructure and $16 million for public housing (significantly higher than where the Senate had been).

We appreciate our advocates’ efforts to increase housing bonds, push leaders to bipartisan agreement, and thank several leaders from both parties for their diligent work.

COVID EMERGENCY & HOUSING: Gov. Walz announced $100 million of CARES Act federal funding will be used for housing assistance. Nevertheless, if Congress does not reinstate extra unemployment funding, many Minnesotans will default on rent. (Please see ELCA Advocacy’s alerts on those federal negotiations!)

CLEAN ENERGY: Several small(ish) projects that could help the transition to clean renewable energy also won’t pass without bonding.

POLICE REFORM: A bill banning most chokeholds, requiring intervention to prevent excessive force by fellow officers, and outlawing “warrior training” passed despite huge differences in positions. Various legislators want to come back to deeper racism dismantling within policing structures, and we hope to engage these concerns.

OHIO

Deacon Nick Bates, Hunger Network in Ohio hungernetohio.com

OHIO STATEHOUSE DYNAMICS ARE TURNED ON THEIR HEAD: Speaker Larry Householder (R-Glenford) was indicted on charges of corruption and racketeering in July, and Rep. Bob Cupp (R-Lima) has been elected to the position to lead Ohio’s House for the remainder of the calendar year. The $60 million Generation Now related scandal involves a bailout of Ohio’s two nuclear power plants owned by First Energy (referenced in the indictment as Company A).

The reality of this scandal is that most of the unethical activity is well known, because big money creates Goliaths in Ohio politics. We are David, and when the faith community unites, we can still succeed in advancing the voices of hungry and marginalized Ohioans – even with the odds heavily stacked against us. You can read our reflection here on the David and Goliath battle.

HNO MOURNS THE LOSS OF OUR BOARD PRESIDENT, JOHN WALLACE: Rev. John Wallace is a retired pastor from the United Methodist tradition. He passed away suddenly Sunday night at his home in Dayton, Ohio. John has served on HNO’s board for many years and was recently elected by the board to serve as president. We have lost a strong and passionate advocate for hungry Ohioans and others forced by oppressive policies to live on the margins. Further details and arrangements are yet to be announced. And the angels sing, Faithful servant, well done.

Pennsylvania

Tracey DePasquale, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry–Pennsylvania (LAMPa) lutheranadvocacypa.org

LAMPA WELCOMES POLICY COUNCIL MEMBERS: Three new Policy Council members will begin their service in September. Representing the Lower Susquehanna Synod (LSS) the Rev. Carla Wilson; representing the Southwestern PA Synod (SWPA) the Rev. Jim Engel; and representing the United Lutheran Seminary (ULS) Dr. Crystal L. Hall.

LAMPA WORKING TO ENSURE SAFE ACCESS TO VOTING: LAMPa is working with policymakers to ensure safe access to voting in November. Just announced: PA will pay postage for all mail-in votes cast.

GOV. ANNOUNCES EXTENSION OF EVICTION MORATORIUM AND THE AWARD OF NEARLY $19 MILLION FOR HOMELESSNESS ASSISTANCE AND PREVENTION: LAMPa constituents expressed their thanks to Gov. Wolf for extending the rental eviction and foreclosure moratorium. Due to expire on July 10, the extension protects renters and homeowners from eviction proceedings until August 31. The governor also announced nearly $19 million in funding awards to assist in mitigating the impacts of the coronavirus on homeless families and individuals, and to prevent future homelessness across the commonwealth.

TWO POLICING AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE BILLS SIGNED WITH ONE MORE ON DECK: Gov. Wolf signed two police reform bills, one requiring police officers to disclose their employment history and the other requiring officers to undergo regular mental health evaluations and training. Legislators continued to meet in July. Two additional police reform bills are headed to the state House for action. Senate Bill 459 would require all police departments to report any use-of-force incidents to the state police. Senate Bill 1205 would require police departments to publish their use of force policies and limits the use of chokeholds to instances where deadly force is needed.

ADVOCATE ENGAGEMENT: Five action and information alerts were shared with LAMPa constituents in July. Federal Issues included: Public Comment on HUD Discrimination; Protection for Women and Children; and Protecting the Asylum System. At the state level advocates were asked to encourage lawmakers to prioritize health over profits by rejecting HB 732 and share their thanks with Gov. Wolf for the extension of the eviction moratorium.

Texas

Bee Moorhead, Texas Interfaith Center for Public Policy texasimpact.org

In July, Texas Impact re-launched our Faith in Democracy series of local advocacy trainings online with an event in Huntsville. The next event will be in Dallas August 23. The Northern Texas-Northern Louisiana Synod is co-sponsoring the event, where Bishop Gronberg will be a featured speaker. Each event will include a faith and community leader panel and tools to equip congregations to be effective advocates and promote safe, accountable voting.

Texas Impact continued the Weekly Witness podcast series featuring speakers from the Washington Interfaith Staff Community and has added a racial justice series featuring clergy of different races discussing racial justice and advocacy.

Climate advocacy was a priority in July with advocates preparing to meet with members of Congress during the August recess. Texas Impact is also partnering with Texas Interfaith Power and Light to map Houston-area congregations engaged in environmental justice work.

The news can be discouraging, but we find hope in the leadership of Texas faith leaders and the level of engagement of Texans of faith.

Washington

The Rev. Paul Benz and Elise DeGooyer, Faith Action Network fanwa.org

POLICE REFORM: FAN is very involved in police reform efforts in our state, primarily through the newly established Washington Coalition for Police Accountability (WCPA). This group, many of whom were leaders in the Initiative 940 De-escalate WA effort, is made up of impacted family members who have lost loved ones at the hands of police. It has four policy subgroups: independent investigations, use of deadly force, police oversight, and collective bargaining, along with a ten-member lobbyist group that is engaging with a group of eight legislators, led by the African American and Members of Color Caucuses. The WCPA is coordinating with the 21-member governor’s Task Force on Policing Reforms to come up with bills for the next legislative session that will begin on January 11.

RECOVERING TOGETHER: FAN has also been advocating for statewide cash assistance to help our most-impacted and lowest-income neighbors recover during COVID-19. This effort seeks to fill the gaps that federal assistance left in relief packages, such as unemployment benefits for undocumented workers. We signed onto a WA Budget & Policy Center letter with 70 other organizations across the state to advocate for progressive revenue solutions.

CONGRESSIONAL RELIEF PACKAGES: As Congress considers what to include in the next COVID-19 relief package, FAN is encouraging our advocates to urge their elected officials to include SNAP, housing and unemployment protections. Episcopal Bishops Rickel and Rehberg created videos to promote SNAP in the final package. Our asks are:

Expand and increase SNAP by 15%, increase the minimum SNAP monthly benefit from $16 to $30, and suspend all administrative SNAP rule changes indefinitely during this time of economic distress.
Ensure that the housing priorities in the House HEROES bill stay in the final bill, such as $100 billion for emergency rental assistance and $11.5 billion for homeless emergency grants, and establish a nationwide uniform moratorium on evictions and foreclosures.
Extend the Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (PUC) beyond July 31st and the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) beyond Dec. 31st.

CENSUS 2020: FAN worked with Pyramid Communications and the WA Complete Count Committee to create a Census 2020 “We Have the Power” video featuring interfaith leaders from around the state!

Wisconsin

The Rev. Cindy Crane, Lutheran Office for Public Policy in Wisconsin (LOPPW) loppw.org

THE PANDEMIC AND OUR HEALTH: After Governor Evers issued the Executive Order: Public Health Emergency and Requiring Face Coverings Statewide, LOPPW learned that legislators were being flooded with negative feedback. In response, we sent out an Action Alert.

CARE FOR GOD’S CREATION: Between all of our LOPPW Climate Team members, we attended all six of the Governor’s Task Force on Climate Change’s listening sessions, each of which had different speakers discussing what’s working in Wisconsin. With input from the LOPPW Climate Team and final suggestions from our bishops, we for the first time created a list of asks related to climate change that were not exclusively in response to proposed legislation. We sent the asks to the Task Force. We also used them as examples for feedback that our members could use for their submissions and as a Press Release.

LOPPW also participated in a briefing on a cutting-edge Climate Action Plan convened by the Dane County Executive.

VOTING: LOPPW participated in our All Voting is Local coalition meeting, and received a small grant to encourage voting.

HUMAN TRAFFICKING: LOPPW participated in our quarterly Wisconsin Anti-human Trafficking Consortium meeting. Sex trafficking has not decreased during the pandemic and ways of exploitation have become more severe.

ADDITIONAL EFFORTS: LOPPW worked with the ELCA on preparing for the Hunger Advocacy Fellow position that Wisconsin is fortunate enough to be a site for in the fall!

We also participated in the NWSW justice team meeting, and organized Wednesday Noon Live: Video

Congress traditionally takes a recess during the month of August, allowing lawmakers time to return to their home states and congressional districts to connect with constituents. That may look a bit different this year, but the month still holds meaningful potential for local advocates to advance relationships and engage with elected officials, ask questions and share concerns.

New to help you connect with lawmakers in 2020 is a Virtual Visits resource with tips on how to utilize digital communications options more widely in use this year. Our August Recess Guide also contains ideas for communicating with your elected officials and candidates in–district this month.

Here are some timely questions and talking points based upon ELCA Advocacy priorities.

THIS MOMENT IN TIME: Hunger

“Because of sin we fall short of these obligations in this world, but we live in light of God’s promised future that ultimately there will be no hunger and injustice. This promise makes us restless with less than what God intends for the world.” – from ELCA social statement Sufficient Sustainable Livelihood for All

REMARKS

As impacts of the coronavirus pandemic cascade, ministry demands expand and more workers are left without employment. Our role to care for our community and each other is more valuable than ever. Hunger and lack of access to healthy and nutritious food are devasting and can also make communities even more vulnerable to COVID-19.

With unemployment at a record high and schools closed, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) needs to be expanded so that individuals and households can get enough to eat. This includes increasing SNAP benefits by 15%, increasing the minimum monthly SNAP benefit from $16 to $30 and suspending all administrative SNAP rule changes indefinitely, during this time of economic distress and long-term recovery.  

QUESTIONS

What exactly do you support in additional federal response for the U.S. to stop the virus and the health and economic disparities that are so present in our communities?
Will you support a temporary increase in SNAP benefits to provide food to hungry people?

THIS MOMENT IN TIME: Police Reform

“As persons called to love one another as God has loved us, we therefore proclaim our commitment to speak with one voice against racism and white supremacy. We stand with those who are targets of racist ideologies and actions. With them, we demand and will advocate for a more just, loving, and peaceful world where the gifts of all people are appreciated, and the lives of all people are treasured.” – From ELCA social policy resolution “Condemnation of White Supremacy and Racist Rhetoric”

REMARKS

The discrimination and violence experienced by black and brown Americans at the hands of law enforcement is again at the forefront of our nation’s awareness and concern. We need Congress to advance meaningful legislation to protect Black communities from the systemic perils of over-policing, police brutality, misconduct, and harassment, and end the impunity with which officers operate in taking the lives of Black people. Congress must act with bipartisan urgency toward a just society that treasures the lives of all, including changes in policing policy and practices.

Eight legislative measures “to ensure that police officers live up to their oath to protect and serve” were identified by over 400 organizations including the ELCA in a June 1 letter to congressional leaders. There are federal actions that could have impact.

QUESTIONS

What are you hearing from constituents about the need for policing reform?
What policing reform policies do you support and why?

THIS MOMENT IN TIME: Housing and Homelessness

“God’s love in Jesus Christ does, however, move us to care for homeless people as God cares for all. Christians who have shelter are called to care, called to walk with homeless people in their struggle for a more fulfilling life and for adequate, affordable, and sustainable housing.” – From ELCA social message “Homelessness: A Renewal of Commitment“

REMARKS

The COVID-19 pandemic and its economic repercussions has exacerbated many inequalities in our communities, including access to housing, the risk of eviction and homelessness. Many houses of worship and religious service agencies are involved in sheltering and lifting up our neighbors without homes and would like to see greater investment in and focus on affordable housing.

Exorbitant housing costs have been a growing crisis long before the pandemic, with nearly 71% of extremely low-income renters paying over half their incomes on housing needs. Black and brown individuals are more likely to be renters or at risk of housing insecurity than their white counterparts, making an equitable housing response a significant matter of racial justice as well. Skyrocketing housing costs force many to decide between paying for food or settling their other bills, leaving many with the constant threat of eviction and losing their home.

QUESTION

With enough resolve, we have the means to end homelessness and close racial housing divisions in our communities. As a national leader, how will you work to make access to housing programs a top priority in Congress and in our national responses to crisis?

THIS MOMENT IN TIME: Migration

“Concern for the well-being of others lies at the very heart of Christian faith. Christians have a variety of social identifications through their nation of origin, race, ethnicity or political affiliation, but all Christians have a common identity as children of a loving creator…” – From ELCA social message “Human Rights“

REMARKS

In June, the Administration issued a new rule that would severely restrict access to asylum to the U.S. In addition, the Administration is also in the middle of litigation to keep asylum-seeking mothers in detention. We know community-based alternatives to detention is humane and keep everyone’s health as a top priority and that making efforts to address the issues that force many to flee is a better long-term strategy. All of these efforts are putting the wellbeing of people seeking protection at risk. The U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees reported that a blanket measure to restrict asylum seekers and refugees on the basis of public health does not meet international standards and many public health experts also report that there is no public health rationale for effectively ending asylum. Welcoming people seeking safety in our country is faithful work for me and my community.

QUESTIONS

As a member of an influential member of our leadership, how are you making sure the U.S. is honoring international laws and standards in our asylum policy?
How are you supporting legislation that makes our asylum system both safer and more accessible for those seeking protection?
How are you ensuring that families are not kept in detention or separated in the process of seeking safety in the U.S.?

THIS MOMENT IN TIME: International Aid

“Healing is restoration of wholeness and unity of body, mind, and spirit. Healing addresses the suffering caused by the disruption of relationships with God, with our neighbors, and with ourselves.” Lutherans can “inform themselves of global health concerns and support global ministries of health.” – from the ELCA social statement Caring for Health: Our Shared Endeavor

REMARKS

The U.S. has a rich history of providing humanitarian and development assistance to countries that are

experiencing humanitarian emergencies and extreme poverty. For example, through these programs the U.S. government is able to provide treatment for HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, address issues of food insecurity and malnutrition, and provide care for mothers and children. Millions of lives have been saved over the years because of U.S. support. But we cannot stop here now. This work must continue, especially because more people need assistance due to global instability and ever-increasing humanitarian crises.

The International Affairs budget constitutes just one percent of the federal budget. With so many diverse and complex challenges, we must protect and sustain our development and humanitarian programs to avoid more costly interventions in the future.

We know that even short bouts of hunger and malnutrition in the critical 1,000 days between a woman’s pregnancy and her child’s second birthday can lead to needless death and can have devastating lifelong consequences for children who survive – reducing their overall health, learning ability and earning potential.

QUESTIONS

How important do you think it is to provide foreign assistance to low-income countries?
What would you do to address global health challenges such as Ebola, TB, HIV/AIDS and malaria?

THIS MOMENT IN TIME: Interconnectivity and inequality when promoting next steps

“We will examine how environmental damage is influenced by racism, sexism, and classism, and how the environmental crisis in turn exacerbates racial, gender, and class discrimination.” – From ELCA social statement Caring for Creation

REMARKS

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the weaknesses in the U.S. economic, health, and food systems. People of color and people with low wealth are more likely to contract COVID-19, with the death rate among the American Black population being greater than any other ethnic group within the United States. Though not conclusive, a recent American University study appears to make a connection between air pollution and increased rates of COVID-19. People of color are more likely to live in areas where air, water and soil pollutions are more prevalent. The CDC states: “Long-standing systemic health and social inequities have put many people from racial and ethnic minority groups at increased risk of getting sick and dying from COVID-19.”

The interconnectivity of race, environment, economic, health and food are particularly glaring currently. Numerous bills have been introduced separately in Congress including the most recent Economic Justice Act whose summary states: “Federal underinvestment in communities of color has created systemic disparities that cross nearly every sector…” 

QUESTIONS

How does Congress come together in a bipartisan manner in these most challenging times to make concrete steps to pass bipartisan legislation to begin to address the injustices that have been perpetrated against people of color?
What actions do you need to see from constituents to make this a priority at the highest level?

Reach out to your ELCA state public policy offices in more than 19 states or to the ELCA Advocacy national office at washingtonoffice@elca.org. We are available to answer your questions and aid you in the process. Please send an In-district Activity Form if you meet with policy makers locally to help us build upon and strengthen one another’s efforts.

Your question can spark an important conversation and provides an opportunity to hold your elected official publicly accountable. Thank you for your advocacy in service to your neighbor!

by Kirsti Ruud, Intern, Lutheran Office for World Community

In response to the United Nations’ Human Rights Council (UNHRC) urgent debate regarding racially inspired human rights violations, racism, police brutality and violence against peaceful protesters, an ecumenical call was issued. The ELCA joined the call on June 18 to establish an international commission of inquiry “into the on-going human rights violations of African descendant people in the United States and globally.”

“As Christians believing in the love of God and the call for justice in the Judeo-Christian scriptures,” the joint statement proclaims, “we join with organizations around the world in calling for change and to the upholding of the human rights of African descent people.”

As an intern with the Lutheran Office for World Community, I have the incredible opportunity to “sit-in” on virtual meetings to observe the UN and civil society members actively wrestle with the world’s greatest challenges. An intersectional lens is largely maintained in conversations, making it clear that existing inequalities like racism and xenophobia create differentiated experiences within a crisis. Be the agenda refugee displacement, climate change, and/or COVID-19, existing inequalities too often lead to further oppression of the most marginalized. During the June 18 debate, all speakers condemned racism in all its forms as a scourge on society.

THE URGENT DEBATE

While recent world-wide demonstrations speak to the global nature of discrimination against and oppression of Africans and people of African descent, the African countries who collectively requested this specific urgent debate identified the murder of George Floyd by police and other human rights abuses within the U.S. as cause for international investigation. Condolences were expressed to George Floyd’s brother, Philonise, who had appealed to the Council at the onset: “I’m asking you to help me. I’m asking you to help us Black people in America.” There was also consensus regarding the need for international, national, and individual responsibility in order to eliminate the scourge.

Here, paths diverged. Supporters of the Africa group’s call for an international commission of inquiry highlighted the systemic nature of the problem and thus the failure of existing systems to successfully dismantle racism rooted in the U.S.’ long legacy of slavery and imperialism. Tendayi Achiume, the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, highlighted the ways in which existing UN mechanisms aimed at eliminating racism on a global scale are already over-burdened. “Failure to establish an international commission of inquiry,” she says, “would signal that Black lives do not matter, or that if they do, they do not matter enough to mobilize the Human Rights Council to intervene where it should.” Delegations expressing their opposition to creating a commission of inquiry emphasized the need to address racism globally rather than single-out a particular country. Historically imperial powers themselves and/or allies of the U.S., largely expressed confidence in the U.S. and its justice system to dismantle racism.

In the end, Council members compromised by adopting a resolution calling for the High Commissioner for Human Rights to “prepare a report on systemic racism, violations of international human rights law against Africans and people of African descent by law enforcement agencies, especially those incidents that resulted in the death of George Floyd and other Africans and of people of African descent, to contribute to accountability and redress for victims.” While this resolution falls short of the level of accountability many were calling for, it is a significant moment. As noted by Human Rights Watch in a Washington Post article, the resolution “nonetheless set the stage for an unprecedented look at racism and police violence in the United States — over the efforts of U.S. officials to avoid the council’s attention — and showed even the most powerful countries could be held to account.”

FROM GLOBAL TO INTERNAL

As I listened to the debate happening on the floor of the UNHRC in Geneva condemning institutionalized racism, I thought about the institutions of which I am part in the United States and the ways in which racism and anti-blackness permeate and fester in all areas of society, even within our houses of worship. Just June 17, the ELCA observed the five year Commemoration of the Emanuel Nine who were horribly murdered during a Bible study at the hands of an ELCA member and self-proclaimed white supremacist. Racism isn’t just everywhere, it’s right here.

My faith proclaims that Jesus not only stood in solidarity with the most marginalized, portraying an inclusive vision of the Kingdom of God, but he challenged, called-out, and was perceived as a threat by powers with a vested interest in maintaining the status quo. Too often, people like me (white, middle-class Christians) read Scripture and identify only with those in Jesus’ good favor and not with empire. Can we acknowledge that racism exists and that we benefit from white privilege? Can we face our comfort and really put ourselves out there, really confront the systems from which we benefit economically, socially and legally at the expense of Black, Indigenous and people of color? Acknowledging that we are a diverse community but still the whitest denomination in the U.S., what would it mean for me, for you, for the ELCA to truly be in solidarity with those in our community who black liberation theologian James Cone names in his book In his book The Cross and the Lynching Tree “the crucified people in our midst?”

CALLS BEYOND WORDS TO ACTIONS

I am proud that the ELCA stood in solidarity with the 54 African countries and over 600 human rights organizations calling for the UNHRC to strongly investigate racially inspired human rights abuses in the U.S. I am also heartened that the statement we signed includes asking members as individuals, churches, and communities to:

Call for an end to militarization, police violence, the killings, and all other forms of violence against African descendant people;
Commit to dismantling racism and discrimination in all forms;
Embrace and encourage an anti-racist environment within communities with commitment to accountability; and
Commit to reflection and introspection that will increase personal awareness and ways to be engaged in solving this global problem.

As several speakers noted in the urgent debate, it is critical that such statements do not remain in word alone. We must muster courage to put faith into action and follow the lead of Black, Indigenous and people of color in our community who have been taking action all along.

Creating God, we pray that you stir within us a courage to embrace your call for justice. Comfort those who are grieving. Help us to name racism as systemic sin and to challenge it boldly, even where it dwells in our own hearts. To those of us with the unearned privilege to ignore the pain, grief, and anger, may we feel implicated, connected, and transformed into action by the Gospel call to love our neighbor and challenge the powers that crucify. Amen

Following are updates shared from submissions of the Lutheran Office for World Community and state public policy offices.

Lutheran Office for World Community, United Nations, New York, N.Y. ELCA.org/lowc

Dennis Frado, director

UN HIGH LEVEL POLITICAL FORUM ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: The UN High Level Political Forum (HLPF) for Sustainable Development was held virtually from 7-16 July 2020. The theme this year was “Accelerated action and transformative pathways: realizing the decade of action and delivery for sustainable development.” This year also ushers in the decade of action and delivery which was launched at the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Summit in September 2019. The decade is geared towards stepping up progress towards the SDGs in order to realize their targets by 2030. The HLPF will also examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the progress in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs.

Several countries will share their Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs). In addition to the main programme, there are side events being held daily including some hosted by faith-based organizations. You can follow the sessions and watch live at http://webtv.un.org/live/.

LWF SUPPORTS UN CALL FOR GLOBAL CEASEFIRE TO CURB SPREAD OF COVID-19: On July 6, the Rev. Dr. Martin Junge, General Secretary of The Lutheran World Federation, called on the five permanent members of the UN Security Council to strengthen the Council’s efforts to implement a global ceasefire. On July 1, the Security Council adopted a resolution of support for UN Secretary General António Guterres’ appeal for a ceasefire to help efforts to fight COVID-19 in the most vulnerable countries. Junge said the LWF is “painfully aware how on-going armed conflicts and hostilities in different parts of the world represent a significant impediment to stopping the spread of the virus.” The letter to the permanent members — China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States — was conveyed to their permanent missions in New York by LOWC. More detailed information is here.

California

Regina Q. Banks, Lutheran Office of Public Policy- California (LOPP-CA) lutheranpublicpolicyca.org

BUDGET ADVOCACY WIN: California’s Governor Gavin Newsom signed the Budget Act into law with funding to expand the California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) to undocumented tax filers with children under age six. We celebrate and thank the legislature and the governor for this step forward but also acknowledge that so many people are still excluded from this essential anti-poverty policy. Along with coalition partners, we have been pushing over the last months and years to expand the CalEITC to all tax filers. Immigrant tax filers contribute $3.2 billion to state and local taxes every year, yet they are ineligible to receive aspects of the safety net proving so essential in the midst of COVID-19.

OVERARCHING ANTI-RACISM VALUE: The LOPP-CA Policy Council unanimously affirmed a move to center an anti-racist lens to fuel and undergird our advocacy priorities as an organization. An anti-racist approach confronts and dismantles systems, structures, and policies which promote racism and white supremacy. White supremacy and policymaking go hand-in-hand, whether explicitly through historically segregated beaches along California’s coast, or implicitly through access to state programs such as clean vehicle rebates and tax credits. An anti-racist approach centers voices, experiences, and solutions of Black people, Indigenous people, and all people of color. The board will work in conjunction with the director to develop protocols and guidance for how this value will be implemented and measured.

NEW BOARD MEMBER: The LOPP-CA Policy Council welcomes a new ex officio board member, Dr. LaSharnda Beckwith, CEO of Lutheran Social Services of Southern California. Dr. Beckwith oversees the strategic direction and execution of the agency’s core mission and leads a diverse team of 150+ employees across 18 offices in eight counties to improve conditions for underserved and marginalized communities.

LOCAL PARTNERSHIP: The board also voted to participate as a placement for a local young adult discernment organization, Lutheran Episcopal Volunteer Network (LEVN). LEVN is located in Davis, Calif. and provides spiritual formation, vocational discernment, financial support, and meaningful work at a non-profit placement site. The LEVN volunteer at LOPP-CA will work remotely doing communications, social media, and administrative duties as assigned to support advocacy in the Capitol and engagement in our churches.

ADVOCACY IN QUARANTINE: We continue to host our weekly Wednesdays at Noon briefing on state and federal legislation and call to action. This month, we supported affirmative action, SNAP increases, democratic integrity, and we thanked legislators for the much-needed CalEITC expansion.

Kansas

Rabbi Moti Rieber, Kansas Interfaith Action (KIFA) kansasinterfaithaction.org

RENTERS RELIEF: KIFA is very concerned about the threat to stable housing due to the pandemic and recession, particularly for renters, who tend to be lower-income. Gov. Kelly’s moratorium on evictions expired at the end of May, meaning that thousands of Kansans who are in arrears on their rent are left without any protection, forced to choose between housing costs and other necessary expenses such as food, transportation, medical care and prescriptions, or utilities.

KIFA has been trying to find a way to address this in the absence of a meaningful affordable housing movement in Kansas or, frankly, much concern for poor and working people being demonstrated by legislative leadership. We proposed an amendment to extend the moratorium to the omnibus COVID-19 response bill at the end of the special legislative session in early June, but it didn’t pass.

Since then we’ve been working to get the governor’s COVID-19 response task force, known as the “SPARK Committee,” to take an interest in the issue. We are asking them to designate money from the CARES Act for rental relief and homelessness protection, which is included as a stated purpose in the legislation. Other states have done so.

The issue points out that affordable housing has never been an area of policy focus (or movement energy) in Kansas. It needs to be an integral part of a comprehensive anti-poverty/anti-inequality platform and will require legislative action over the medium to longer term.

Minnesota

Tammy Walhof, Lutheran Advocacy- Minnesota (LA-MN) lutheranadvocacymn.org

LEGISLATIVE ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Legislators have little to show for their regular session and the first special session, except for some COVID-19 Emergency Bills! However, we should not discount the challenges they’ve overcome with Zoom & Facebook Live committee meetings and floor sessions physically distanced by video to different places in the Capitol.

SPECIAL SESSION #1 DERAILED: June’s Special Session was slated to finish leftover bills from regular session, pass a bonding bill, and provide legislative oversite over Gov. Walz & emergency declarations. The death of George Floyd (by Minneapolis police), resulting protests, and renewed spotlights on racism/policing diverted them.

The House POCI Caucus (People of Color & Indigenous legislators) created a transformative plan for policing with emphasis on systemic/institutional issues, while Republican senators created their own moderate proposals.

The policing issues, along with a House Minority threat to prevent bonding (needs 2/3 vote) unless governor emergency powers ended, individual legislators “gumming up” the process until their issues were heard, and the Senate refusing to allow the session to last longer than a week derailed most everything.

SPECIAL SESSION #2: This session began Monday, July 13. Senate leaders planned to only address bonding, and wanted it negotiated prior to session. The House POCI Caucus claims it won’t accept bonding bills unless a transformative policing bill is also passed. Meanwhile, leaders of both chambers and both parties are meeting out of the limelight, trying to come to some basic agreements.

We hope bonding will pass with affordable housing (bipartisan/bicameral support) but don’t expect much more than that. Even so, getting both chambers to agree to our lower, already compromised housing proposals will be an uphill push. PLEASE check our website regularly for Action Alerts (may change frequently).

[LA-MN Director: Tammy Walhof / 651-238-6506 (call/text) / tammy@lutheranadvocacymn.org. Website: www.lutheranadvocacymn.org]

New Mexico

Kurt A. Rager, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry—New Mexico (LAM-NM) lutheranadvocacynm.org

BUILDING CLOSED DURING SPECIAL SESSION: The New Mexico State Legislature was called into a Special Session by Governor Lujan Grisham that began on June 18^th and lasted for four days. The primary purpose of the session was to make spending adjustments to the state’s already approved spending plans for the fiscal years 2020 and 2021 due to the unprecedented fiscal crisis, which was created by the dramatic downturn in oil and gas revenue projected for state spending as well as the unforeseen economic decline and necessary relief caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Further making the special session extraordinary was the decision by the legislature to close the State Capitol Building, known as the “Roundhouse ,” to members of the public. Only legislators, limited legislative staff, law enforcement protection and select members of the press were allowed into the building. The House adopted temporary rule changes that enabled members of the House to participate off-site, from homes and offices, etc. Thus, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry – New Mexico participated and advocated entirely by digital platforms such as Zoom and FaceTime Live, in addition to phone call testimony during committee hearings. Despite being able to monitor multiple meetings and both floor sessions at the same time, public and advocate participation was significantly absent and limited due to the Capitol Building’s technology limitations. LAM-NM is currently working with other advocacy organizations, as well as members of the New Mexico Legislature, to ensure a better plan and preparations are in place for the 2021 60-day session that begins in January of 2021.

Pennsylvania

Tracey DePasquale, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry–Pennsylvania (LAMPa) lutheranadvocacypa.org

POLICING AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORMS PASS, ELECTIONS REFORMS ON HOLD AS LEGISLATURE RECESSES: The General Assembly unanimously passed two policing reform bills and a measure to remove barriers to professional licensing for individuals with certain unrelated prior convictions. However, they recessed for the summer while leaving work on elections reforms on the table, as the President’s re-election campaign sued the state over changes made to procedures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more.

JUDGE ORDERS ICE TO RELEASE MIGRANT CHILDREN FROM DETENTION: California’s Central District Court ruled that ICE should release children from the country’s three family detention centers, including one in Pennsylvania. Gov. Wolf lauded the decision, saying he “will work with federal and Berks County officials to ensure the safe release of people in custody and provide any assistance necessary.” LAMPa’s network has helped lead monthly vigils at the center and advocated for years to an end to family detention. LAMPa is working with partners in the Pa. Immigration and Citizenship Coalition to protect families from being separated during the ordered release.

RENTAL AND MORTGAGE COVID-19 RELIEF FUNDS AVAILABLE: LAMPa staff, along with Lutheran Disaster Response in Pennsylvania, continue to monitor the potential surge in homelessness and advocate for an extension of the state’s moratorium on evictions and foreclosures, set to end July 10. LAMPa is urging advocates to help spread the word about $175 million of state funding for rental and mortgage assistance. Funds will be distributed in counties on a first-come, first-serve basis. Read more.

PA. HOUSE LEADERSHIP TRANSITIONS: A new slate of leaders was elected in the House Republican Caucus following the resignation of former PA House Speaker Mike Turzai. The House unanimously elected Rep. Bryan Cutler of Lancaster County as the new Speaker of the House. House Republicans chose Rep. Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre/Mifflin) to serve as the next majority leader. LAMPa staff looks forward to working with the new leadership. Read more.

ADVOCACY ENGAGEMENT: Six alerts were shared with LAMPa constituents in June. Topics included state and federal policing reforms, DACA deportation and rental/mortgage assistance. In addition, advocates reached out to their federal lawmakers, securing signatures of the entire state delegation on a letter to U.S. Agriculture Secretary Perdue, requesting an extension of emergency food assistance waivers.

Texas

Bee Moorhead, Texas Interfaith Center for Public Policy texasimpact.org

Texas Impact members have been busy this week participating in legislative meetings and preparing for safe, accountable voting in 2020.

Texas Impact’s Legislative Engagement Group is meeting with members of the Texas House’s district offices this month about racial justice, and preparing for meetings next month to talk about the moral nature of the budget, stressing that decisions on priority spending are choices. It is not a foregone conclusion that budget cuts are required.

Texas Impact is continuing to promote the “Texas Faith Votes” campaign, organizing Texans of faith to pledge to vote based on four priorities (health, climate, immigration and non-discrimination) and organizing congregations to promote vote by mail options for eligible voters. All thirty-one districts have members who have signed the pledge.

In July, Texas Impact will re-launch our Faith in Democracy series of local advocacy trainings online. Each event will include a faith and community leader panel and tools to equip congregations to be effective advocates and promote safe, accountable voting.

The weekly e-news has continued to highlight denominational leaders, including all three Texas ELCA Bishops, who continue to recommend congregations listen to the advice of public health officials. Texas ELCA bishops have been leaders throughout the COVID-19 crisis, helping to resource other denominational leaders throughout the state.

The news can be discouraging, but we find hope in the leadership of Texas faith leaders and the level of engagement of Texans of faith.

Washington

The Rev. Paul Benz and Elise DeGooyer, Faith Action Network fan@fanwa.org

BLACK LIVES MATTER: As protests for Black Lives continue state- and nationwide, FAN has released a Statement Against Police Brutality and a Platform for Advocacy. The ongoing revelation of police brutality and white supremacist threats against Black people and People of Color has made it clear that we cannot continue the system of policing as it has been in our nation’s history, and we need to examine all of our institutions to root out racism and dehumanizing practices. FAN is part of the WA Coalition for Police Accountability, which is led by families impacted by police brutality. This coalition, as well as the Governor’s 21-member police reform taskforce, will bring legislative proposals to the 2021 legislative session to seek a way forward.

REGIONAL SPRING SUMMITS: We just completed our annual Spring Summits, hosting online events this year in SW WA, Spokane, Central WA, and two in Puget Sound. About 200 advocates joined us from across the state to discuss policy change around economic justice, criminal justice, housing and homelessness, environmental justice, racial equity, immigrant rights, and healthcare and mental health. This year we also highlighted Census 2020 and COVID-19. These discussions will inform our 2021 Legislative agenda as well as our advocacy efforts year-round.

SUMMER/FALL ADVOCACY: As we move into the summer and fall, FAN will be hosting interim meetings and candidate forums in collaboration with local advocates and faith communities. Interim meetings with legislators are a great opportunity to discuss policy issues outside the busy legislative session and build relationships with elected officials. 2020 is a big election year, so hosting candidate forums will be key to hearing how candidates align with our justice priorities. These events will likely be hosted online in light of COVID-19.

Wisconsin

The Rev. Cindy Crane, Lutheran Office for Public Policy in Wisconsin (LOPPW) loppw.org

As our experience with the COVID-19 pandemic continues, LOPP-Wisconsin is primarily sharing advocacy updates through video. Find great information in these areas from the previous month:

WEDNESDAY NOON LIVE (STIMULUS BILL AND SNAP): We interviewed special guest, John Johnson, ELCA Program Director of Domestic Policy: Video
STIMULUS BILL & IMMIGRATION: We sent a video message created by Bishop Paul Erickson, Greater Milwaukee Synod, to our D.C. office as part of a larger effort to contact Congress about caring for those most vulnerable during the pandemic: Video
HUNGER: LOPPW sent out its action alert on the stimulus bill again. We interviewed Lindsey Buekelman, All People’s Lutheran Church in Milwaukee—Food Truck Ministry: Filling a hole during the pandemic: Video
ANTI-RACISM: An advisory council member and the director interviewed former Madison Police Chief and Police Officer in Minneapolis, now an Episcopal priest, Father David Couper – Policing & the Use of Force: Video. LOPPW also participated in the Talanoa Dialogue process led by Ruth Ivory-Moore, ELCA Program Director, Environment and Corporate Social Responsibility.
VOTING: Participated in Wisconsin Voter Rights Coalition meetings and got a former intern involved. We shared one action alert from the group.
CARE FOR GOD’S CREATION: We made the Governor’s Task Force on Climate Change listening sessions known (LOPPW Press Release). We each attended one of the June sessions. We also held a webinar to help prepare interested members for the sessions: Video. LOPPW’s former advisory council member and director interviewed Chief Meteorologist Bob Lindmeier on Climate Change: Video
ADDRESSING SEX TRAFFICKING AND OTHER ABUSES: Webinar with experts – The Pandemic and Living on the Edges of Safety: Video

from the ELCA Advocacy office in Washington, D.C. – the Rev. Amy E. Reumann, director

Partial content expanded from* Advocacy Connections: July 2020

POLICING REFORM | DACA UPDATE | FOREIGN AID | CLIMATE CRISIS ACTION PLAN | CENSUS 2020

POLICING REFORM: In June, the House passed the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2020, including votes from three Republican members of Congress. This legislation included most of the recommendations suggested in a letter to Congress from the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, which the ELCA signed. The bill has currently stalled in the Senate, but advocates can still encourage lawmakers to pass important policies that would help improve just policing in our communities through the ELCA Action Center.

ELCA Advocacy staff will continue to monitor key social justice initiatives and intersectional opportunities in policy to address racism and discrimination. A webinar in late summer on faith values in policing reform hosted by the National Council of Churches is being planned with the ELCA along with several ELCA full communion partners.

DACA UPDATE: The Supreme Court in June rejected the Trump administration’s push to end the Deferred Action on Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program that gives nearly 700,000 recipients the ability to work in the U.S. and avoid deportation. Congressional action is still needed to provide permanent legal protection to DACA recipients and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Enforcement Departure (DED) holders who are living in a state of uncertainty.

Roughly 74% of Americans support legal status for Dreamers, according to a recent Pew Research Center survey. The White House still has the ability to rescind the DACA program and can try again after considering issues of forbearance from deportation and what to do about the imposed hardship applied to those affected. Use the ELCA Action Center to encourage action around a bill that would enhance protection for Dreamers.

FOREIGN AID: House appropriators have unveiled an international budget bill for Fiscal Year 2021, including $10 billion to respond to the pandemic through coronavirus preparedness, response and relief globally. ELCA Advocacy continues to push for inclusion of these fund expenditures to support developing countries.

Appropriation is a law of Congress that provides an agency with budget authority. The House and Senate Appropriations committees, through their 12 subcommittees, hold hearings to examine the budget requests and needs of federal spending programs. The House and Senate then produce appropriations bills to fund the federal government. These bills are “marked up,” amended as needed and approved by the Appropriations committees. Find more about the process at NSF.org.

CLIMATE CRISIS ACTION PLAN: The House of Representative’s Select Committee on Solving the Climate Crisis issued its long-awaited Climate Crisis Action Plan report on June 30 that recommends policies aimed at creating jobs and transitioning to renewable energy for fuels. Although not bipartisan, many of the report’s provisions appear to be mutually acceptable and are likely to be the basis for future legislation.

All through the plan are mechanisms for addressing environmental justice and racial inequities. The plan includes a National Climate Adaptation Program to help states, tribes and localities prepare for the effects of climate change. It would also create the Climate Resiliency Service Corps that would essentially build on the Depression-era Civilian Conservation Corps to create jobs by plugging old oil and gas wells and reclaiming abandoned coal mines.

CENSUS 2020: At this time, only around 62% of households have self-responded to the 2020 Census online, by mail or by phone. Census takers are scheduled to begin in-person interviewing of households that have not yet responded, starting July 16. Let’s help keep door-to-door visits minimal. Take the 2020 Census now and urge your community to do so too – for your neighbor and yourself.

The Census Bureau announced in spring a deadline extension for collecting census data from Aug. 15 to Oct. 31 due to challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic. An accurate count ensures that resources more justly go where they are most needed and is critical for representation in the political process. The ELCA is an official partner of the 2020 Census and will continue to encourage the most accurate count possible. Find resources at ELCA.org/resources/advocacy#CivicEngagement.

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

By guest blogger the Rev. Athena C. Thomasson-Bless, Social Justice and Advocacy Coordinator, ELCA North Carolina Synod

In a year where we are experiencing the COVID-19 pandemic and the Black Lives Matter Movement is gaining traction challenging police brutality and systemic racism, voting is both more important than ever and may look different this time around. An emphasis of the ELCA presiding bishop is that we are church for the sake of the world. Part of being the church for the sake of the world in 2020 is to encourage and advocate for fair elections and the right to vote.

North Carolina where I pastor and serve on synod staff is a state infamous nationwide for voter suppression controversies. These include gerrymandering, the manipulation of boundaries so as to favor one party or class; same-day registration regulation, which can allow eligible voters to register to vote and cast their ballots on the same day; and voter identification (ID) provisions, which were struck down for disproportionate affect on minority voters.

VOTER SUPPRESSION’S UNEVEN IMPACT

I have experienced some of the hoops that one must jump through to be able to vote in North Carolina and elsewhere as someone who was a student for the past nine years and has moved over six times in that span. I’ve waited in lines and driven over an hour to my polling place on one occasion. What I experienced was inconvenience. For many black and indigenous people of color, voter suppression can be a be a vote-prohibitive experience. For example, in the Kentucky primaries this week only 200 polling places were open for voters. And there was only one polling place in Jefferson County, the county with the most people and the largest black population in the state.

Projections this year indicate mail-in ballot use is on the rise. In the first half of this year, many states which do not already have a vote-by-mail election system are scrambling to reimagine the ways we can vote in the midst of COVID-19 realities. Projections by some experts of a second wave of the COVID-19 virus in the fall, and outbreak numbers rising as I write in states including North Carolina, add to the fear that voters may have going to polls. Looming pandemic realities are a real and tangible problem for our election system.

In North Carolina, usually less than 5% of votes are cast by mail in absentee ballot. However, this year, a surge of up to 40% more mail in absentee ballots according to state officials is anticipated. This is why a new bill, House Bill 1169, has been passed in the North Carolina Senate to provide more resources for voting by absentee ballot and to make it easier on voters to request and submit ballots. This bill had three votes against it, all coming from Black Representatives who did not like the bill’s mention of what they called misleading voter ID requirements. This opposition resonates with challenges in our country to white supremacy and systemic racism. Currently North Carolina does not have voter ID requirements in place due to court rulings that struck them down citing the possibility of motivation by racism. Even with this bill generated by bi-partisan support overall and providing more resources for voting by mail, the damage of voter suppression is evident.

Voter suppression has more often than not intentionally targeted the ability of black and Indigenous people of color to exercise the right to vote. This form of systemic racism is not just present in North Carolina, but across the nation. And as adaptation of voting methods to accommodate pandemic realities increases, myths about voter fraud may rise as well.

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

As Christians and as Lutherans, we have a responsibility to combat the sin of systemic racism and to advocate for fair and accessible elections. On a congregational level, congregations can provide resources and have Get Out the Vote drives.* The congregation I serve, Christ the King Lutheran Church in Cary, has a voting team that is encouraging as many people to vote by absentee ballot as possible this November We will have an informational town hall during the Sunday School hour with a guest speaker and ongoing events to make sure our community is educated, is registered and has a voting plan.

Our elections may look a little different this year, so please: educate yourself, your congregation and your community. Start now! November will be here before we know it. Check out your state’s Board of Elections website and our #ELCAVotes resources, stay informed – and make sure to register to vote. We have the opportunity and the responsibility to advocate for justice and peace and use our voice to vote this November.

* Tips for Get Out The Vote drives and more can be found in the ELCA Civic Engagement Guide.

September Update: UN and State Edition

Lutheran Office for World Community, United Nations, New York, N.Y. ELCA.org/lowc

Dennis Frado, director

Arizona

Solveig Muus, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona https://lamaz.org/

Colorado

Peter Severson, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-Colorado lam-co.org

Minnesota

Tammy Walhof, Lutheran Advocacy- Minnesota (LA-MN) lutheranadvocacymn.org

NEW MEXICO

Kurt A. Rager, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM lutheranadvocacynm.org

OHIO

Deacon Nick Bates, Hunger Network in Ohio hungernetohio.com

Pennsylvania

Tracey DePasquale, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry–Pennsylvania (LAMPa) lutheranadvocacypa.org

LAMPa is pleased to be part of ULS Seminarian Margaret Folkemer-Leonard’s learning community.

Texas

Bee Moorhead, Texas Interfaith Center for Public Policy texasimpact.org

Washington

The Rev. Paul Benz and Elise DeGooyer, Faith Action Network fanwa.org

Wisconsin

The Rev. Cindy Crane, Lutheran Office for Public Policy in Wisconsin (LOPPW) loppw.org

Raising the Refugee Ceiling

RAISING THE REFUGEE CEILING

TO LEARN MORE

ACTION OPPORTUNITY FOR ROSTERED MINISTERS:

TWO OTHER OPPORTUNITIES FOR FAITH-BASED ACTION organized with the Interfaith Immigration Coalition in which the ELCA participates:

Voting in 2020 takes personal and public planning

August Update: Advocacy Connections

Partial expanded content from Advocacy Connections: August 2020

August Update: U.N. and State Edition

Lutheran Office for World Community, United Nations, New York, N.Y. ELCA.org/lowc

Dennis Frado, director

California

Regina Q. Banks, Lutheran Office of Public Policy- California (LOPP-CA) lutheranpublicpolicyca.org

Colorado

Peter Severson, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-Colorado lam-co.org

Minnesota

Tammy Walhof, Lutheran Advocacy- Minnesota (LA-MN) lutheranadvocacymn.org

OHIO

Deacon Nick Bates, Hunger Network in Ohio hungernetohio.com

Pennsylvania

Tracey DePasquale, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry–Pennsylvania (LAMPa) lutheranadvocacypa.org

Texas

Bee Moorhead, Texas Interfaith Center for Public Policy texasimpact.org

Washington

The Rev. Paul Benz and Elise DeGooyer, Faith Action Network fanwa.org

Wisconsin

The Rev. Cindy Crane, Lutheran Office for Public Policy in Wisconsin (LOPPW) loppw.org

August recess opportunity

THIS MOMENT IN TIME: Hunger

THIS MOMENT IN TIME: Police Reform

THIS MOMENT IN TIME: Housing and Homelessness

THIS MOMENT IN TIME: Migration

THIS MOMENT IN TIME: International Aid

Accountable for racially-inspired human rights violations

THE URGENT DEBATE

FROM GLOBAL TO INTERNAL

CALLS BEYOND WORDS TO ACTIONS

July Update: U.N. and State Edition

Lutheran Office for World Community, United Nations, New York, N.Y. ELCA.org/lowc

Dennis Frado, director

California

Regina Q. Banks, Lutheran Office of Public Policy- California (LOPP-CA) lutheranpublicpolicyca.org

Kansas

Rabbi Moti Rieber, Kansas Interfaith Action (KIFA) kansasinterfaithaction.org

Minnesota

Tammy Walhof, Lutheran Advocacy- Minnesota (LA-MN) lutheranadvocacymn.org

New Mexico

Kurt A. Rager, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry—New Mexico (LAM-NM) lutheranadvocacynm.org

Pennsylvania

Tracey DePasquale, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry–Pennsylvania (LAMPa) lutheranadvocacypa.org

Texas

Bee Moorhead, Texas Interfaith Center for Public Policy texasimpact.org

Washington

The Rev. Paul Benz and Elise DeGooyer, Faith Action Network fan@fanwa.org

Wisconsin

The Rev. Cindy Crane, Lutheran Office for Public Policy in Wisconsin (LOPPW) loppw.org

July Update: Advocacy Connections

LAMPa is pleased to be part of ULS
Seminarian Margaret Folkemer-Leonard’s
learning community.

Partial content expanded from* Advocacy Connections: July 2020