by Emily Ahern, ELCA Advocacy [About the Author]

As a young person, I am more than familiar with the concept of living in unprecedented times. In fact, I yearn for times which are precedented. As the prior U.S. presidential administration has left, and the new administration takes hold, the future feels uncertain.

In my personal life, I am blessed to live in what I lovingly call a bubble – a pocket of peace and wholehearted acceptance.

In my public life, such peace and acceptance feel wavering, and can feel like a precipice of something foreboding. In the past few weeks alone, we’ve seen mounting fear among a number of marginalized groups – trans Americans, immigrants, women and so many more.

It has been so easy to doom scroll, to get stuck thinking and imagining the worst possible outcomes for our future. I feel fear for my friends and neighbors. I feel fear for the people I love who are trans or queer, the people I love who are immigrants, and all friends and neighbors who are constantly subjected to scrutiny and attacks. It is so easy to lean into this fear.

It is easy to become isolated, cut off from that very same bubble I hold so dear. However, in the face of adversity, I find comfort in the concept of community.

 

COMMUNITY AND MATTHEW 25

In reflecting upon the idea of community, I’ve felt called to the words of Matthew 25. This is a text which emphasizes exactly this – community. In a passage referenced as the Judgement of the Nations, we hear a warning:

“Then he will say to those at his left hand, ‘You who are accursed, depart from me into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels, for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not give me clothing, sick and in prison and you did not visit me’” (v. 41-43).

The passage then says,

“Then he will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me’” (v. 45).

This passage emphasizes the sheer importance of community and mutual aid. We are called to love and care for one another, to uplift one another and ensure one another’s safety, security and happiness. In the face of discrimination, we are called to love each other – to form our own little bubbles of peace and wholehearted acceptance. This passage serves as a reminder to me that we are not powerless–there is strength in love and comradery.

 

IMPLEMENTING COMMUNITY

Times may be unprecedented, but we have precedence to rely on. To support ourselves and those around us and fight against discrimination, we must work together in love and power.

Though large-scale community organizing, protesting, etc. may come to mind when thinking of combatting discrimination and injustice – it is important to remember advocacy happens on the small-scale, too. We can engage in mutual aid – ensuring neighbors have enough to eat or a safe place to return to. Look after and stand up for friends and neighbors who may be subject to discrimination or violence. These expressions of community are just as important as other actions of advocacy.

In the coming days, join me in reflecting upon Matthew 25 and discerning the importance and impact of community in our own lives, challenging ourselves to extend community to those in need for the common good.

 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Emily Ahern (she/her) is the Hunger Advocacy Fellow – Federal Policy with ELCA Advocacy. She is originally from Allentown, Pennsylvania, and a lifelong member of congregations of the ELCA. She graduated from American University this past spring with a degree in Political Science, and is on track to graduate (once again) from American University this upcoming spring with a Master’s in Public Administration. Ahern is so excited to research and lobby for policy which will alleviate the effects of hunger and poverty for all Americans! In her free time, she can be found collecting vinyl, going to concerts, and watching Star Wars.

by Sagi Rudnick, Kansas Interfaith Action [About the Author]

I am a Jewish progressive young adult who immigrated to the United States from the Holy Land as a child. Since my teenage years, I have felt a particular draw to political activism as a path for goodness to prevail. I also knew from that point that I wanted to build my career around that path. Since then, I have been fortunate to be able to lend my talents to a variety of causes.

Last summer, about a year after graduating from undergrad, I found myself looking for an opportunity where I could grow professionally as well as spiritually. That’s when I learned of the ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellowship with Kansas Interfaith Action (KIFA) on social media, and I knew this was a unique opportunity that I wanted. What drew me was the emphasis on being rooted in the values that drive us to champion the common good, and equally, the encouragement of my personal spiritual development.

At the core of my ongoing personal passion, and my philosophy regarding the theory of change, is the juxtaposition of two realities: the whole community is greater than the sum total of its individuals, and every person is a whole world unto themselves. This interplay is explored and celebrated in numerous elements of Jewish tradition, as well as other faith traditions. In this reflection, I seek to lay out the importance of both realities in tandem as a path for collective liberation and dignity for all of God’s creation.

 

ONE OF VALUE

While celebrating the power of the common good, it is important as well to hold space and reconcile the fact that on some days, in the face of great adversity, community activism for the common good can feel truly futile. Looking to the Tanach, aka the Hebrew Bible, I find that the Book of Ecclesiastes provides apt inspiration in this regard. This text, traditionally read during the Jewish fall holiday of Sukkot, aka the Festival of Booths, takes a hard look at our temporary existence, authentically recognizing our mortality and at the same time empowering us to make the most of our lives, precisely because our time on this Earth is limited.

The labor of each and every child of God, in moving us all towards a more equitable world, renders each of us as valuable as the whole world. Piecemeal progress cannot be discounted. Indeed, “Better is a handful of quietness than two hands full of toil and a striving after wind” (Ecclesiastes 4:6).

 

TWO STRONGER THAN ONE

With that being said, to achieve positive change on a macro level, it is imperative to work beyond the individual level, and to build a better world harnessing diverse stakeholders to achieve results for the common good.

I do my best to live this out in my own activism, which has included lobbying for hundreds of millions in public dollars for public universities and working with faith communities and organized labor to raise the minimum wage and enact paid sick leave. I also recognize that I have a lifetime of learning from fellow activists, who all bring unique experiences and contexts to the table. Indeed, “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up the other; but woe to one who is alone and falls and does not have another to help. Again, if two lie together, they keep warm; but how can one keep warm alone?” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-11).

 

STRENGTH IN NUMBERS

As a child, I remember being struck by the reality of how easy it is to snap a single wood pencil or two into pieces, but how three or more pencils together were impossible to break, and remained unified. To truly achieve common good in and for the community, it is critical not only to work with a fellow activist, but to scale up and use our collective labor in broad, diverse coalitions.

There is great strength in numbers paired with authentic community organizing. Indeed, “And though one might prevail against another, two will withstand one. A threefold cord is not quickly broken!” (Ecclesiastes 4:12).

 

THE WHOLE EQUATION

At the end of the day, for me, it comes down to the following. In 50 years, when our grandchildren ask us how we made the most of life, what will we say to them? Did we harness our individual God given gifts? Did we work in solidarity to strengthen the fabric of our society? Did we do our best to achieve liberation for all of God’s creation?

 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Sagi Rudnick (he/him) is a political organizer, strategist, and activist with over half a decade of experience fostering community in Kansas and Missouri with over a dozen campaigns and organizations. Rudnick graduated with Honors from the University of Missouri – Kansas City in 2023 with Bachelor’s degrees in Political Science and Professional Communications, and a Minor in International Studies.

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

Partial expanded content from Advocacy Connections: January 2025

CONTINUING RESOLUTION IMPACTS | COP29 CONCLUDES | PREVENTING ARMS SALES TO SUDAN | H.R.9495 AND NONPROFIT TAX-EXEMPTION | FY25 BUDGET AND THE HOMELAND SECURITY BILL

 

CONTINUING RESOLUTION IMPACTS: In December 2024, Congress passed a three-month Continuing Resolution (CR) to keep the government temporarily funded through March 14, 2025, while additionally providing about $110 billion in emergency disaster relief and farm aid. The measure also extended the lapsed authorization of the Farm Bill through Sept. 30, 2025. Lawmakers will be working to address at the end of January an expiring debt ceiling limit, while needing to quickly pivot to resolve the federal budget under new Republican majorities in the House and Senate.

Why It Matters to the ELCA

Within the budget, housing and homeless advocates are concerned that continued flat-level funding for Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) programs after many CR delays will start to put constraints on critical affordability and shelter programs, which are seeing increased housing costs and need extra funding to renew existing efforts. Federal agencies may soon need to stop renewing some vouchers and shelter contracts each week if a full budget isn’t reached – which could impact our wider ministries active in serving those of us who are displaced and in need of a home.

Many of our congregants and churches, and neighbors we serve, are dependent on the critical policies passed in the Farm Bill – including clarity on agriculture policy, farm disaster relief, rural development and support for emergency food assistance such as SNAP. Continued delays and lack of certainty could pose critical challenges to our communities, especially for those of us jeopardized by absence of clear policy and support.

What’s Next

The ELCA has an active Action Alert urging Congress to support critically underfunded housing and homeless programs, and is working with relevant lawmakers to ensure a disaster supplemental is passed for people displaced by recent hurricanes. As activity on the Farm Bill moves to the 119th Congress, look to the ELCA Farm Bill Updates page on the ELCA Advocacy Blog as our advocacy staff monitors developments.

 

COP29 CONCLUDES: After two weeks of negotiations in Baku, Azerbaijan, during the UN Climate Summit (COP29), world leaders reached agreement about an updated commitment to deliver urgently needed climate finance to developing countries for greenhouse gas mitigation and climate adaptation and resilience. ELCA leaders in-person and virtually participated in a faith delegation. COP29 output also included agreement on the final structural elements of the Paris Agreement provisions concerning carbon markets (Article 6). On finance, negotiators adopted language that requires developed countries to contribute $300 billion each year by 2035 for climate action in the developing world, and at the same time for all countries to work together to scale up financing from all sources to $1.3 trillion per year by that same date.

Why It Matters in the ELCA:

The ELCA staff members present at COP29 engaged across governments, the United Nations and alongside other faith communities to call for increased climate action. The faith community had a strong presence at COP29 in several ways: hosting a Faith Pavilion, official UN side events and some demonstrations to highlight the call to action. There was collaboration between the faith community and the negotiators that highlighted the importance of the faith voice and presence here considering reluctance from countries toward taking action.

What’s Next:

The outlook for continued U.S. federal participation in international climate action looks bleak, but states and local governments in attendance were clear and steadfast in their commitment to continue delivering on the goals of the Paris Agreement using all means available to them. The private sector was also fully engaged and made similar statements about climate action not being solely, or even primarily, determined by how the next U.S. administration proceeds.

 

PREVENTING ARMS SALES TO SUDAN: Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) has introduced legislation and a joint resolution of disapproval in response to the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) material support for the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The joint resolution of disapproval (S.J. Res.118) is a companion to legislation (H.R.8501) already introduced by Rep. Sara Jacobs (D-CA), Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Africa. Jacobs’ bill would prohibit U.S. arms sales to the UAE until the Biden administration can certify that the UAE is no longer providing material support to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan. The Joint Resolution of Disapproval would block a specific $1.2 billion arms sale to the UAE due to its role in arming the RSF.

Why It Matters in the ELCA:

Commitment to peacemaking “in all times and places” is a core Lutheran value expressed in For Peace in God’s World (p. 1). In April 2023, fighting between rival Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary RSF erupted, resulting in the displacement of more than 11 million people. Successive U.S.-led peace negotiations have failed to stop the ongoing war. There have been multiple reports indicating that the UAE is providing weapons to the paramilitary group RSF. The war has led to catastrophic humanitarian crisis, leaving half of the Sudanese population in need of humanitarian assistance and protection.

What’s Next:

Sen. Van Hollen and Rep. Jacobs are seeking additional co-sponsors of the bills to generate support for it in Congress. Advocacy staff will work to generate congressional support and push for change of U.S. policy that turns a blind eye to the flow of weapons from abroad into Sudan.

 

H.R.9495 AND NONPROFIT TAX-EXEMPTION: On Nov. 21, H.R.9495, the “Stop Terror Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act” passed in the House of Representatives. H.R.9495 would give the secretary of the Treasury unilateral power to designate nonprofits as suspected “Terrorist Supporting Organizations,” taking away their tax-exempt status unless they are able to prove they are not terrorist supporting. Originally on Nov. 12 this bill had been brought to the floor of the House under a different set of rules requiring a two-thirds majority but failed. The vote on Nov. 21 required only a simple majority. ELCA advocacy staff along with numerous other non-profit organizations have forcefully advocated against the passage of this bill which is seen as extremely dangerous to any organization with non-profit status.

Why It Matters in the ELCA:

Due to the ELCA’s non-profit status and its work and relationships in the Middle East, and specifically with the Palestinian community, the passage of this bill in the House is extremely concerning. It is concerning to give unilateral authority to the IRS, which carries out the responsibilities of the secretary of the Treasury, to be able to strip a non-profit of its legal status without due process or providing clear evidence of material support to terrorism. Such legal authority could easily be misused for political and/or ideological reasons.

What’s Next:

This bill will likely be brought up in the Senate of the 119th Congress in January/February 2025. Our ELCA advocacy staff will continue to build and work with a faith-based coalition to push against this bill’s passage.

 

FY25 BUDGET AND THE HOMELAND SECURITY BILL: In mid-November, Senate Democrats released the FY25 Homeland Security bill. This bill is one of the most polarizing in Congress, touching on border security, immigration, disaster funding and more. The released bill includes funding to Custom and Border Protection’s (CBP) Shelter and Service Program and immigration backlog reduction, and an increase in overall funding for CBP detection and border security.

Why It Matters in the ELCA:

Decisions around the budget have a profound impact on policy. The ELCA supports a generous policy of welcome for refugees and immigrants. Providing these important resources through the budget make our system fairer and more efficient, for those currently navigating it such as DACA, TPS, permanent residents, temporary workers and others as well as people are arriving to seek safety in the United States such as refugees and asylum-seekers.

What’s Next:

Action is still needed to pass robust funding in migration related federal accounts. This includes the Homeland Security bill, but also Health and Human Services and State and Foreign Operations. An Action Alert has been recently updated, encouraging constituents to voice their support for robust funding in 2025.

 

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by Joey Chin, Hunger Advocacy Fellow – ELCA Advocacy Communications [About the Author]

A remarkably powerful windstorm known as a bomb cyclone devastated parts of the Pacific Northwest and Northern California about a week before Thanksgiving this past year. As I saw videos on the news of trees falling and power lines collapsing in the area I call home, I contacted family and friends to see if they were safe. Many people I knew were without power for almost a week but thankfully did not experience anything worse. Nevertheless, many homes, families and communities had to contend with the irreversible damage of the powerful storm.

Hearing about this weather-related event drew my thoughts to a passage in Isaiah [43:1-3].

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.”

In the book of Isaiah, the prophet mentions such storms when writing about the rivers, waters and flames of life. For individuals in our communities and across the globe, these storms are not metaphorical troubles but literal disasters. For the region I grew up in, the bomb cyclone was just one of many unexpected weather-related incidents that have occurred over the last few years.

 

PROMISES IN STORMS

Isaiah offers us a guide for how to approach these issues as people informed and guided by faith. To begin, Isaiah names that there are waters, rivers and flames to pass through. We cannot confront the most pressing problems of our time if we fail to acknowledge they exist.

Secondly, Isaiah says that as we enter into a season of taking on such challenges, God will be with us. This is a promise that should ground our work and keep us rooted in an abiding ethic of love and justice. It is a promise that provides comfort and hope while propelling us into meaningful action and change-making.

 

EXPERIENCES AND VALUES SHARED WITH ELECTED LEADERS

Two weeks after the bomb cyclone subsided, a group of young adults taking part in an ELCA organized climate summit visited a series of federal congressional offices to discuss the importance of addressing climate change. I had the privilege of getting to sit in at one of the meetings with a staffer from Washington state. During our time together, a few of us discussed the recent effects of the cyclone. The staffer asked how our families were doing and listened to us describe the ways in which climate change has affected our local and global communities. Everyone shared their invaluable insights, and we ended the meeting in prayer.

The experience was incredibly refreshing as I watched the foundation for further work being built and established by young adult activists of faith.

 

SEEKING THE COMMON GOOD FOR COMMUNITIES

Last month as I flew home to Seattle to be with family for the holidays, I looked out the window of my plane amazed at the vast ocean of greenery covering the sacred ground we call home. As we enter into a new year with new changes, may we consider how our advocacy can contribute to the common good of our communities while remaining firmly rooted in the promise of a God who is with us always.

 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Joey Chin (he/him) is the Hunger Advocacy Fellow – Advocacy Communications with the ELCA advocacy staff in Washington, D.C. He grew up in the greater Seattle area and earned a degree from The University of Washington in communication and political science. Most recently Chin began pursuing Master of Divinity at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C.

STATUS ON CAPITOL HILL | ACTION ALERTS | RESOURCES AND WEBINARS | OUR COLLECTIVE VOICE

The Farm Bill, which guides much of U.S. agriculture, rural and food policy, is currently being debated in Congress. The ELCA urges Congress to pass a 2024 Farm Bill that promotes:

• food for hungry neighbors at home and abroad,
• healthy rural and farming communities,
• inclusion of people of all backgrounds,
• care of creation to feed future generations

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

Our social statements call for policies that provide adequate nutrition for all and create livelihood opportunities that are genuinely sustainable. We urge lawmakers to pass a 2024 Farm Bill that reflects these faith-based values.

 

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Status on Capitol Hill

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Action Alerts

UPDATE 1/15/25 – As the 119th Congress begins their work, Action Alert opportunities will be assessed to help you express your priorities to lawmakers as this vital bill advances. It is critical that lawmakers hear from us.

Future Farm Bill Action Alerts will be added to this page – but you can be notified directly by signing up for the ELCA Advocacy Network. New Action Alerts and monthly updates are sent to the network, which you sign up for here.

 

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Resources & Webinars

From the ELCA Witness in Society advocacy team

ELCA advocacy has produced resources stemming from ELCA Farm Bill Listening Sessions held last year.

Farm Bill Leave Behind – This summation of themes heard in listening sessions groups important priorities. Our ELCA advocacy staff has been sharing this with lawmakers, and you can too.

• It reads in part: “We heard from hundreds of Lutherans across the country who asked that their voices reach policy makers in the farm bill reauthorization process. Members brought their vocational, ministerial and civic experiences from varied parts of this country to ELCA listening sessions. They emphasized their deep concern for neighbors at home and abroad — especially the most vulnerable — and for faithful stewardship of God’s good creation.“

Farm Bill Reauthorization – Invitation to Action – At the request of state partners, this overview of the Farm Bill and template letter was prepared and can be used in various settings.

From other sources

• WEBINAR | Why is the Farm Bill Important to Us?
  • Thu. June 13, 6-7:30 p.m. PT
  • Presented by Faith Action Network, an ELCA-affiliated state public policy office in Washington state, with the ELCA.
  • This presentation was recorded and uploaded to YouTube, where it can be viewed in its entirety at this link.

 

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Our Collective Voice

By raising our collective voice, we can help enact a more just Farm Bill that leaves no one hungry. In your location and federally, let’s act boldly to end hunger and poverty in our time and ensuring healthy creation to feed future generations.

Here are some other ideas for making your voice heard.

• Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper on the importance of anti-hunger and pro-farmer policies in the Farm Bill.
• Attend town halls or public events this August Recess with your members of Congress to ask questions about their Farm Bill priorities.
• Pray for those experiencing hunger and for our elected officials to have wisdom and compassion.

 

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

Partial expanded content from Advocacy Connections: November/December 2024

CHILD HUNGER | COP29 | ACT ALLIANCE | UNITED STATES – ISRAEL RELATIONS  | CHALLENGES TO DACA

 

CHILD HUNGER: The Food Research & Action Center (FRAC), of which the ELCA is a supporter, released a new report last month highlighting modest increases to participation in after-school meal programs, but the anti-hunger programs are still widely under-utilized by eligible children in need. According to the FRAC report, 1.23 million children received an afterschool supper on an average school day in October 2023, and 1.25 million children received an afterschool snack.

Why It Matters in the ELCA:

Though after school meals are a critical tool to reduce childhood hunger, participation decreased after 2022 when many program expansions expired. The ELCA World Hunger Backpack Buddies Guide relates that may children in the United States depend on public programs like the School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program and Summer Food Service Program. National nutrition programs ensure that kids get the food they need to fuel their brains for learning and their bodies for proper development and health..

What’s Next:

There are considerable uncertainties in this transition period prior to establishment of the new administration. ELCA staff will be working with the next administration to continue work to expand awareness of school meals, and with Congress to ensure eligibility and access are available to children in the greatest need.

COP29: The 29th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) is being held Nov. 11-22, 2024, in Baku, Azerbaijan. Two ELCA staff are attending in-person, and six others online, to advocate to global leaders for increased ambition and climate action. ELCA Young Adults with a D.C.-based ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellow created an explanatory socials post, noting strong young adult representation in our delegation. Faith partners came together for a Prayer Vigil ahead of COP29 on Oct. 22 in Washington, D.C., which the ELCA co-sponsored. At the Prayer Vigil, a petition was delivered to officials from the U.S. Department of State that calls on the U.S. government to accelerate ambition on nationally determined contributions (NDCs), increase climate finance commitments, support loss and damage finance, and include climate and environmental justice in adaptation and mitigation.

Why It Matters in the ELCA:

The ELCA engages in climate advocacy year-round, but especially during the Conference of Parties for the UNFCCC every year. It is an opportunity for Lutherans to gather with faith partners across the globe to care for God’s Creation through climate action. Of the Prayer Vigil, our ELCA Program Director for Environment and Energy who is a COP29 in-person attendee said, “It was a meaningful time together as we shared music, as well as prayers of lament and hope.”

What’s Next:

ELCA staff, along with interfaith partners, will join with Lutheran World Federation colleagues during COP29. Lutheran World Federation COP29 engagement is centered on the theme “Creation Not For Sale.”

 

ACT ALLIANCE: ACT Alliance is a global faith-based coalition organized in national and regional forums operating in more than 120 countries, including the ELCA. Witness in Society staff travelled to Yogyakarta, Indonesia to attend the ACT 2024 General Assembly, which took place Oct. 28-Nov. 1. The theme was “Hope in Action.”

Why It Matters in the ELCA:

Advocacy is one of ACT Alliance’s three pillars of operation, in addition to humanitarian and sustainable development. As a member of the Alliance, ELCA contributes financial resources and staff time to advance priorities of the church. ELCA staff contributed content for statements and future agenda, and used this opportunity to build relations with other Lutheran and ecumenical members. In between assemblies, ELCA advocacy staff work in collaboration with other members of the ACT Alliance to advance mutual policy priorities.

What’s Next:

Witness in Society international policy staff will continue to work with other ACT Alliance members as we advocate for just global systems and structures.

UNITED STATES – ISRAEL RELATIONS: [Editor’s Note: This message was compiled days ago and does not reflect recent developments which ELCA staff is monitoring.] ELCA Middle On Oct. 16, a letter from U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III was delivered to Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, which demanded that Israel allow essential humanitarian aid into Gaza and gave a 30-day deadline to comply with U.S. law or face potential consequences, such as potential stoppage of U.S. weapons transfer. The letter, dated Oct. 13, means that potential action taken by the U.S. government – or at least a legal review of Israel’s adherence to U.S. law – would take place starting Nov. 13, 2024, after the National Election. ELCA advocacy staff have been working on numerous advocacy efforts to support clarion calls for unfettered humanitarian aid access to Gaza and will continue to do so.

Why It Matters in the ELCA:

As the introduction to the ELCA social statement For Peace in God’s World relays, the church’s vocation is peacemaking. “God’s final peace, the peace of God’s eternal reign” serves as the basis of this calling, which has two main expressions: 1) proclaiming the gospel of God’s final peace; and 2) working for earthly peace—that is, “relationships among and with nations that are just, harmonious, and free from war.”

What’s Next:

The ELCA Work continues on spearheading a letter pushing the White House to allow for unfettered humanitarian aid access into Gaza and conduct major advocacy in coalition to push for the suspension of offensive weapons and weapons financing to Israel until humanitarian access to Gaza restored and a ceasefire is signed.

 

CHALLENGES TO DACA: On Oct. 10, a federal court heard arguments over the Biden administration’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) regulation, which has returned to the courts after several states challenged its legality. The case will almost certainly end up at the Supreme Court.

Why It Matters in the ELCA:

Nearly 600,000 young people are covered by DACA, and many remain locked out because of the ongoing litigation. If DACA is found unlawful, thousands stand to lose protection from deportation, work permits and driver’s licenses. Around 750,000 U.S. citizen children have a parent who is a Dreamer, which is an undocumented immigrant who arrived in the United States as a child, who may benefit from immigration reform. Advocating for protection for Dreamers and DACA-recipients is part of a long-standing commitment by the ELCA.

What’s Next:

The federal court may rule any day that DACA is unlawful, and renewals may either be stopped or be continued.

 

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

UN | COLORADO | OHIO | PENNSYLVANIA | TEXAS | WISCONSIN

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

UN General Assembly Third Committee: The UN General Assembly Third Committee, which focuses on Social, Humanitarian and Cultural issues, meets Oct. 3 through Nov. 22. Recently, the LOWC Director hosted a small delegation in advance of their attending meetings from LWF Action for Justice and Witness in Society staff. These participants attended an event titled “Comics and Human Rights,” which featured Dr. Michael Fakhri, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food, who presented his report “Starvation and the right to food, with an emphasis on the Palestinian people’s food sovereignty,” and worked with renowned artist Omar Khouri to produce the first UN human rights report that uses graphic reportage. It utilized the power of comics to convey communities’ horrors and hopes, focusing on the Palestinian struggle for liberation.

Many of the topics discussed in the Third Committee focus on the advancement of women, the rights of children, racism and self-determination, and the protection and promotion of human rights. LOWC has also connected with other ELCA teams by sharing notes from the meetings related to regional and thematic work, including from the Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Migrants and from the Special Envoy of Myanmar. LOWC will continue to connect ELCA and LWF to relevant meetings at the United Nations Headquarters to ensure that Lutheran voices are heard in these multilateral decision-making and review meetings.

Diakonia Overcoming Violence Exchange: From Oct. 14-19, the Hunger Advocacy Fellow placed with LOWC attended Diakonia Overcoming Violence Exchange (DOVE) organized, by Diakonia of the Americas and Caribbean (DOTAC), an ecumenical group of 12 diaconal communities/associations. The meeting focused on migration in the context of the United States/Mexico border. Participants lived in community for a week at La Posada Provincia, a shelter for migrants who have recently arrived in the United States.

Throughout the week, participants learned about the work done by ELCA AMMPARO, Texas Impact in the ELCA-affiliated state public policy office network, and Catholic Charities, and listened to presentations from U.S. Border Patrol and immigration attorneys. The group also physically crossed the United States/Mexico border between Brownsville and Matamoros. The experiential learning and relationship building strengthens advocacy accompaniment. Our LOWC Hunger Advocacy Fellow will continue to forge meaningful connections linking LWF migration policy conversations with AMPPARO and other Lutheran networks seeking migration justice.

LOWC Presence Shares Expertise and Advances Relationships: In the United States this year as coordinated through ELCA Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, the LOWC Director with several Witness in Society D.C.-based staff hosted and resourced Branches of Peace in D.C. on Oct. 21 and intersected at other points in their Oct. 20-25 meeting. It is part of an initiative launched in 2022 by the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Mission (FELM), bringing together peace and reconciliation theologians and practitioners from around the world to engage in peer-to-peer contextual learning. This year, participants from nine countries explored the role of advocacy and the importance of being a public church, as well as surveyed the rise of religious extremism and tribalism globally with a particular focus on the rise of religious extremism and tribalism globally.

At the annual Women’s Human Rights Advocacy Training in Geneva Oct. 14-18, the LOWC Program Director co-led the training of women and men gender champions to engage with UN Human Rights processes and built capacity of feminist communities of Christians that are tackling delineated challenges in their own communities.

When the bi-annual Sexual Violence Research Initiative (SVRI) conference took place in Cape Town, South Africa on Oct. 21-25, the LOWC Program Director took part. LWF and LOWC co-facilitated several events, and shared evidence from our programs. Work of Faith-Based Organizations (FBOs) is moving to evidence-based models, and the conference built the capacity of our advocacy staff to learn to better engage in research spaces and to build networks with researchers investigating violence against women and girls around the world. A delegation hosted by LOWC from Lutheran churches and country programs in Jamaica, Hong Kong, South Africa, Switzerland and Uganda in addition to the United States also took part.

Presence at these events reflects common priorities between ELCA and LWF members and partners. Accompaniment is defined as walking together in a solidarity that practices interdependence and mutuality. The ELCA lives out accompaniment in relationships with global companions, striving to share God’s love and participate in God’s mission together.

The United States is up for review in the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), a UN human rights process along with Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), and the ELCA is participating in an ecumenical exercise to draft a common faith-based shadow report. ELCA staff and members that have attended the Women’s Human Rights Advocacy Training will be contacted to make contributions. Our advocacy will include urging the U.S. Congress to push for ratification of the CEDAW and other UN human rights conventions rather than be absent in these spaces.

A November report-back webinar is shaping with participants in the Sexual Violence Research Initiative (SVRI) during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign observed Nov. 25-Dec. 10.

 

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

ELECTION RESULTS: Coloradans voted on 14 statewide ballot measures on Election Day. We were pleased to see the passage of three measures we supported:

• YES on Prop JJ: Colorado will keep the revenue it’s collected from sports betting to support water infrastructure and projects.

• YES on Amendment I: The bail exemption for persons arrested on suspicion of first-degree murder with evident proof and/or a greater degree of presumption is restored.

• YES on Amendment J: Old language banning same-sex marriage was removed from Colorado’s constitution.

We were advocating for the defeat of Prop 128 as well, but that measure passed. It will extend the length of time some offenders must be incarcerated before being eligible for parole while removing incentives like earned time for good behavior. It’s overly punitive, expensive, and offers no net public safety benefit.

GOODBYE AND FAREWELL: Peter Severson, the director of Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Colorado (LAM-CO) for over 10 years, will end his service as director on November 30. In his own words: “I am grateful for the opportunity to lead this organization for such a long and eventful term, I appreciate my excellent colleagues in this work, and I am very proud of all we’ve accomplished with our faithful advocacy over the years. Advocacy is central to our baptismal covenant and is a critical witness of our church. I pray that our God of love and grace will continue to lift up all those who lead and support this work moving forward. Peace be with you.

 

Hunger Network in Ohio – hungernetohio.com
Deacon Nick Bates, Director

On Nov. 10, Hunger Network in Ohio (HNO) hosted our second annual celebration. After the defeat of our redistricting amendment and other shortcomings at the ballot box across Ohio, many weren’t in the mood for a celebration. But we gathered to remind ourselves that the struggle for justice in our world is a constant struggle and we celebrate our community and hope in Christ.

During our time together we celebrated the great work of Kim Collum of Lutheran Community Services in Bellefontaine and Catherine Turcer of Common Cause Ohio for their faithful service to their communities.

We also heard from movement expert James Hayes (Ohio Voice) and policy expert Sarah Hudacek (Advocates for Ohio’s Future) about what is coming in Ohio and opportunities to end hunger.

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONGRATULATIONS!

HNO is also pleased to celebrate the 10-year ordination anniversary of our director, Deacon Nick Bates who was ordained in November 2014 in Columbus, Ohio. If you would like to send congratulations to Deacon Bates for 10 years of word and service ministry, CLICK HERE.

 

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry – Pennsylvania – lutheranadvocacypa.org
Tracey DePasquale, Director

In November, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Pennsylvania (LAMPa) continued its work of recruiting poll workers and equipping Lutherans participating in an interfaith election protection network. For many Lutherans this month, discipleship took the form of civic engagement as nonpartisan observers of their county’s official post-election ballot count. For others, it was showing up as a nonpartisan, non-anxious presence at polls– helping to lower stress and reporting and responding to (thankfully limited) acts of violence.

LAMPa used a grant from Interfaith America to seed more Love Anyway Feasts – including one at Van Kirk Lutheran Church in Beaver County, Pennsylvania. The church shares a parking lot with the local fire department which acted as a polling place on election day.

“This made Van Kirk an ideal location to host a Love Anyway Feast but in a unique way,” said Vicar Amy Kelly. “The church set up a fancy coffee bar and treats station outside the church to serve, connect, and unite the community until the polls closed. This space allowed people to talk about what they were passionate about – like dogs, health, and education, and they knew they would be heard and not demeaned for their opinions. It was a beautiful experience to watch people from all parts of the political spectrum be in community with each other. We left feeling hopeful that after such a divisive political season, we could come together and remember that we are all made in the image of God.”

 

Texas Impact – texasimpact.org
Scott Atnip, Director of Public Witness

Texas Impact is coordinating a Houston Faith Votes cohort to engage in civic engagement work to demonstrate the impact congregations can have in engaging voters. The 22 congregations engaged in civic engagement and data collection work to evaluate their impact post elections. Those fifteen are joining with many other congregations using Texas Faith Votes resources.

Post-election, many congregations are asking what they can do. An increasing number are signing up to participate in Texas Impact’s Courts and Ports program, traveling to the Texas-Mexico Border to experience public policy issues being lived out on the border.

Members of Texas Impact’s Public School Defenders team organized to provide testimony and meet with State Board of Education Members as they consider a new school curriculum that heavily references religion and uses religious stories as part of the reading and language arts curriculum.

Texas Impact staff in October are preparing to attend the Conference of the Parties (COP) climate negotiations with ELCA colleagues in Baku, Azerbaijan in November.

Post-election planning is now underway as staff prepares for the biennial legislative session to convene in January.

 

Lutheran Office for Public Policy – Wisconsin – loppw.org
Rev. Cindy Crane, Director

Wednesday Noon Live

Interview with Rev. Amy Reumann, Senior Director of ELCA, Witness in Society (WiS)
Amy shared her experience with Lutherans’ involvement in this election cycle and thoughts about some of the challenges we face.

Additional Efforts Post-election: Lutheran Office for Public Policy Wisconsin (LOPPW) sent out a special email addressing the elections. The director also preached with a focus on the election at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Solon Springs.

The Farm Bill

LOPPW was invited to be one of the speakers at the Community Food Conversations’ gathering at Lutheran Church of the Great Spirit, organized by Greater Milwaukee Synod (GMS) hunger leaders. Rev. Crane discussed advocacy and the Farm Bill. Several people signed a letter to Congress. LOPPW also addressed the Farm Bill at Hope Lutheran Church in River Falls and online.

 

Training on Money in Politics

Two synods included LOPPW in their resolutions about money in politics during their 2024 assemblies. In response, LOPPW’s director met with representatives from the East-Central Synod of Wisconsin (ECSW) and GMS to discuss next steps. Everyone agreed to organizing a training for trainers. LOPPW contacted Wisconsin United to Amend, also mentioned in the resolutions. We now have a power point, created by Wisconsin United to Amend with faith-based components from LOPPW and a handful of people who have signed up for the training on Nov. 22 via Zoom.

LOPPW received many invitations for presentations in October and November. I will now focus more on completing succession planning for this ministry that I have been so blessed to steward.

by the Rev. Amy E. Reumann, Senior Director, ELCA Witness in Society

High anxiety around the possibility of political violence has been with us before, during, and likely following the 2024 National Election. The images of the Jan. 6, 2021, assault on the Capitol are fresh in our minds, making calls by public figures for violence against political opponents or disruption of election processes even more worrisome. Election activities that used to go largely unnoticed, such as election certification or routine actions by poll workers, could now be targeted as high-risk moments. Polling reveals that two-thirds of Americans fear violence following the election. Many municipalities and communities have prepared for disruptions pre- and post-election.

 

THE CALLING OF THE CHURCH

The church has a “calling to proclaim the Gospel of God’s final peace and to work for earthly peace” (ELCA social statement For Peace in God’s World, p. 1). We witness to God’s resolve for peace rooted in the cross and resurrection of Christ and by incarnating in our lives and actions Jesus’ command to love one’s enemies and Paul’s instructions to be ambassadors of reconciliation. The Church breathes life into this calling when we share responsibility for the wellbeing of our neighbors and nation. Informed by Christ’s gift of peace, ELCA ministries and faith leaders have a unique opportunity to promote reconciliation, model peace and respond to violence. Much of this can and will take place at the local level. These resources can equip us for faithful reflection and action.

 

REFLECTION AND GUIDANCE IN ELCA SOCIAL TEACHING

The ELCA social statement on Peace provides guidance for ministry and advocacy in global conflicts and everyday struggles. The church contributes to earthly peace by equipping the faithful to act for peace within the Christian community and the broader society. It presents four distinct ways for the church, in the power of the Holy Spirit, to be “a presence for peace that disturbs, reconciles, serves, and deliberates” (p. 5).

• The Church is a disturbing presence when it refuses to be silent and speaks the truth, names false idols and calls for repentance.
• The Church is a reconciling presence by countering religious movements – including ones claiming to be Christian –that preach, and practice hate and violence, by challenging stereotypes of the “the enemy” and by encouraging imaginative solutions to violence.
• As a serving presence the Church holds power accountable, advocates justice, provides sanctuary and meets human need.
• The Church’s deliberating presence creates opportunities for moral deliberation that promote freedom and respect.

 

The statement urges churches to nurture a culture of peace through actions to:

• Foster a dynamic vision of difference in unity. The hope for earthly peace challenges people to strengthen their local communities in ways that promote respect and appreciation for people in other communities, for all share a common humanity.
• Promote respect for human rights based on the image of God in every person, as reflected in the Preamble to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights [UN, 1948]: “Recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world.”
• Strengthen the will and ability to resolve conflicts peacefully. Disagreements, conflicts, and competition among nations, groups, and individuals are inevitable, but wars are not (ELCA social statement on Peace, pp. 13-15).

 

Additional social teaching on violence and non-violence offers guidance. The social message on “Community Violence” urges ELCA ministries to join with faith partners to “offer vital spiritual and moral resources for replacing fear and violence with hope and reconciliation in our homes, communities, and nation” (p. 6). It lays out three ways for the Church to act on our commitments to counter societal violence:

• As a Community of Worship – One place to guide our worship is the ELCA “Worship Resources for a National Election.”
• As a Community of Education and Service – The ELCA social statement on Peace is resourced with a Study Guide which can be a useful tool.
• As a Community of Advocacy – Encourage your faith community to get updates and Action Alerts when they are available through the ELCA Action Network from ELCA.org/advocacy/signup.

 

WHAT DOES THIS LOOK LIKE IN ACTION?

Affirm the vocation of civil servants and leaders through prayer and education. Lutherans recognize public service as a worthy calling and a means by which all individuals may serve the common good. Studies demonstrate that abuse leveled at public officials across the United States is negatively affecting how they do their jobs, making them less likely to engage with constituents, hold public events, advocate for policies that could lead to blowback, or run for re-election. Beyond the well-publicized attacks on high profile leaders in the news are reports from officials in local and state government who face harassment, intimidation or physical attacks.

Educate and equip members for nonviolent action and promote healing and reconciliation. ELCA social teaching recognizes that “citizens and residents also have an obligation to seek reform through the procedures of democratic self-rule, which may include nonviolent protest,” (ELCA social message “Government and Civic Engagement in the United States: Discipleship in a Democracy,” p. 12) particularly “in situations where it holds promise of being an appropriate and effective way to bring about greater justice” (ELCA social statement on Peace, p. 20). Local ministries are engaging through learning about violence interruption through active bystander and conflict de-escalation training and encouragement of civil discourse.

As centers of spiritual life, religious institutions are regarded as trusted messengers who offer reliable information and community guidance in an anxious time. Be informed about groups in your area who promote who promote violence, white supremacy and Christian Nationalism. The Episcopal Church Series on Deradicalization offers resources from two organizations known for doing this work on the largest scale – Life After Hate and the now retired Free Radicals Project. Much of the work done is through individuals who have disengaged from radical groups or ideologies and use their experience to work directly with radicalized individuals. The Southern Policy Leadership Center tracks hate and antigovernment groups. The Rev. Elizabeth Eaton, ELCA presiding bishop, has named Christian Nationalism as “a persistent threat to both our religious communities and our democracy.”

 

ADDING OUR WITNESS

In October 2024, ELCA bishops jointly issued a statement emphasizing the need to be speakers of truth. It reads, “Emboldened by the Holy Spirit, may we resist deception and lift up the truth that all members of humanity are created in the image of God.” The Dignity Index is an interesting tool to draw our attention away from the biases of partisan politics and toward, what they call, the power we each have to heal our country and each other. It invites reflection on elements of speech, not the speaker, on a scale of communicating contempt to dignity. Our ELCA AMMPARO colleagues have refreshed a resource called “Words Create Worlds,” an exploration of the power of language in shaping perceptions on migration.

In her statement addressing political violence in July 2024, Bishop Eaton wrote: “Our inevitable future belongs to God. In this certainty and bound together in Christian hope, consider how you can join me in ongoing prayer and actions for our nation, a peaceful election season, the safety of candidates for office, and a bold and life-giving witness of our church in the time ahead.”

 

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Even as National Election Day on Nov. 5, 2024, approaches and beyond, our congregations, synods, rostered leaders, ELCA-affiliated state public policy offices and members are guided by faith to acts of non-partisan civic engagement. Thank you for sharing your local activity in previous months with others through this ELCA Advocacy Blog post.

There are still new things to highlight and refresh.

RESOURCE HIGHLIGHTS | HEIGHTENED CONCERNS | FAITHFUL INSISTENCE | ACTIVATORS

 

RESOURCE HIGHLIGHTS

📌 “Sacred Crossroads: The Intersection of Faith and Immigration in the 2024 Election” was made available by ELCA AMMPARO in October 2024. Use this nonpartisan resource to explore key facts about immigration (one of the most important issues informing the upcoming U.S. national election) and reflect on how Christian values compel us to pursue justice, help the oppressed, promote human dignity and human flourishing, and pray for a government that serves all neighbors.

📌 The ELCA maintains a new resource page at ELCA.org/civicengagement, “Faith in Action: Our Call to Civic Engagement During the 2024 Election,” which includes videos from the Rev. Elizabeth Eaton, ELCA presiding bishop; Living Lutheran articles; ELCA advocacy resources and more.

📌 “Guía de compromiso cívico de la ELCA” is available – the “ELCA Civic Engagement Guide” in Spanish.

 

HEIGHTENED CONCERNS

In the closing days of the election season through the presidential inauguration, anxiety surfaces frequently around possible reactions to the presidential election outcome. As spoken in the video ELCA Advocacy: Set free to do justice, “Our commitment to every human being and [creation] that Jesus cared about doesn’t sway with one election or another. Those values remain constant.” Yet facing concerns may be happening in your locality.

📌 The Episcopal Church has prepared an “Addressing Political Violence” page, which encourages: “we can prepare by being familiar with the threats of political violence, practicing de-escalation in tense moments, and having a response ready to share with your community if political violence continues.”

📌 An “Elections Dashboard” is maintained by the organization National Task Force on Election Crises which compiles election-related developments. Clicking on your state or searching other keywords can be a helpful, sourced current information.

📌 LifeAfterHate.org offers resources affiliated with envisioning a safer society in which compassion and accountability enable change.

📌 In multiple languages, Election Protection hotlines are staffed through the national, nonpartisan Election Protection coalition information and assistance at all stages of voting – from registration to absentee and early voting, to casting a vote at the polls, to overcoming obstacles to their participation.

 

FAITHFUL INSISTENCE

📌 “Worship Resources for a National Election” includes new elements from ELCA Worship.

📌 Ideas as we come together in prayer are available from many sources, including “Election Season Prayers” from the Kansas Interfaith Action in the ELCA-affiliated state public policy office network.

📌 With proximity to the Capitol in Washington, D.C. and a faithful focus, the ELCA Metro D.C. Synod held a Pre-election Prayer Service at Lutheran Church of the Reformation. Many ELCA congregations are hosting vigils and similar reflection times.

📌 Commitment to see one another as neighbors include member or faith community initiatives like Love Anyway Feasts and stepping forward with aims at “Addressing Polarization and Building Cohesion in Your Community” like those described in the blog post among others.

 

ACTIVATORS

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

🔎 Some of the resource which had previously been referenced include the “Resources & Reflections” below.

 

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RESOURCES & REFLECTIONS

“Creating Space for Conversations: Resources and Inspirations for Reaching Common Ground“ – ELCA Grand Canyon Synod (shared 5/21/24)

🔎In response to the turbulent times we face and the heartbreaking events that have transpired recently, we are creating this special section on our site devoted to promoting understanding, dialogue, and unit. Whether you are seeking guidance on how to approach sensitive topics, or looking for ways to connect with others across divides, this page will be your go-to source.

“Fair Wisconsin Maps“ – Lutheran Office for Public Policy in Wisconsin (recorded 4/6/24)

🔎 What the heck just happened with Wisconsin maps? was among questions posed in this “Wednesday Noon Live” interview in a state with maps WUWM reported were “recognized as among the most gerrymandered in the country.”

“Solveig’s Day as a Poll Monitor” – Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona – authored by Solveig Muus, director (originally posted 3/19/24)

🔎 “I was to observe whether the polls opened on time, whether there was adequate parking, adequate signage, easy access for voters with disabilities, ensure voters people are receiving provisional ballots if indicated, ensure any activists stayed outside the 75-foot perimeter, answer questions, etc. I received another quizzical look…”

“Autumn’s Day as a Greeter” – Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona – authored by Autumn Byars, ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellow (originally posted 3/19/24)

🔎“My job today was not to proselytize or advertise our services, but by volunteering at our welcome cart and offering refreshments to all our voters, I had the privilege of representing our congregation to the outside world— which is always a good opportunity.”

“In a pivotal state, ways to serve our neighbor in an election year“ – Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania (originally posted 2/29/24)

🔎Facing “overwhelmed or inexperienced county elections officials” in the state, through love of neighbors we can “step up… We encourage anyone of good will, but especially our eligible teens and young adults, to get trained and serve as official poll workers on Election Day.” Offering our facilities as polling sites if needed in its neighborhood also “can be a big service to our communities.”

 

 

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BLOG PAGE LAUNCH DATE: Mar. 15, 2024

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

UN | ARIZONA | COLORADO |MINNESOTA | OHIO | PENNSYLVANIA | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WISCONSIN

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

Summit of the Future/Pact for the Future: Lutheran Office for World Community (LOWC) was a strong presence at the Summit of the Future, which occurred in September, where a Pact for the Future was produced. The Pact for the Future outlines a roadmap for global collaboration in six key areas: Global Governance and Multilateralism Reform, Climate Action and Sustainability, Digital Governance and Innovation, Peace and Security, Equity and Social Justice, Financing for Development. LOWC hosted from the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) the General Secretary Rev. Dr. Anne Burghardt, Head of Advocacy Isaiah Toroitich, and Head of Communications Arni Danielsson, as well as from the ELCA the Executive for the Service and Justice Home Area Rev. Khader El-Yateem, Senior Director of Witness in Society Rev. Amy Reumann and a representative from the ELCA office of the Presiding Bishop Kristen Opalinski.

LOWC, LWF and other ELCA staff were well-represented at several events, including “Interfaith Youth Responses to the Century’s Biggest Challenges: Faith Based Contributions to the Summit of the Future” (Lutheran Delegate Speaker: Rev Amy Reumann), “Migration for the Future” ( Lutheran Delegate Speaker: Rev. Khader El-Yateem), ”Toward Transformative Peace: A Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue on Transformative Peace” (Lutheran Delegate Speakers: Rev. Dr. Anne Burghardt & Rev. Khader El-Yateem), as well as Jazz Vespers and more.

The ELCA has invested heavily in both programs and advocacy that work towards common aims that we share with the Pact. Faith based organizations, including the LWF and ELCA, have a critical role to play in this work, not the least of which is to inspire hope for a more dignified and right’s-based future. The Pact of the Future is a politically binding (non-legally binding) agreement. This means that it will take civil society, including LWF and ELCA, to hold states accountable to their commitments.

 

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona – lamaz.org
Solveig Muus, Director

Voter Engagement: As part of our congregational engagement work around voting, we’re promoting voter registration and tracking, election monitoring, early voting, and plenty of prayer. Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA) developed a Voter Guide to help faithful voters as they consider Arizona’s 13 ballot propositions.

In addition, LAMA produced a series of video clips featuring people of faith expressing their feelings about the upcoming election. Filmed at the ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans, these 90-second clips can be an excellent resource for congregations. For easy sharing in your own social media channels, you can find them on LAMA’s Facebook page or YouTube.

Video #1: Does your faith influence your political opinion?
• Taina Diaz-Reyes, Savannah Jorgensen, Dcn. Becca and Addison Graf.

Video #2: Is voting important to you?
• Rep. Lindsay James (D-Iowa), Pastor Khader El-Yateem, Rev. Ismael Calderón and Whitney Apel.

Video #3: How can people with differing opinions work together during election season?
• Silas Kulkarni, Giovana Oaxaca and Frances J. Dobbs.

Video #4: What is your advice for someone who is on the fence about voting?
• Rev. Evie Landrau, Rev. Amy Reumann and Cathy Jacobs.

Video #5: Why should Lutherans vote?
• Will Milner, Zaya Gilmer and Bishop Elizabeth Eaton

Video #6: Do you think you would vote differently if you weren’t a person of faith?
• Caroline Graff, Ethan Roberts and Autumn Byars.

Video #7: What are your hopes post-election?
• Kayla Zopfi, Maya Goehner, Alexandra Murcia and Samantha Boyer.

 

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

LAM-CO VOTER GUIDE RELEASED: Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Colorado (LAM-CO) has released our 2024 Voter Guide. This year, Coloradans have fourteen ballot measures to consider on their statewide ballot. That’s not even including any local measures! It’s a lot to take in, but our Voter Guide is here to help. We’ve distilled all the measures into an easy at-a-glance table, with brief analysis and summaries of everything you’ll see.

We also have taken positions on four of these ballot measures:

• NO on Prop 128, Parole Eligibility: This measure extends the length of time people must be incarcerated before being eligible for parole while removing incentives like earned time for good behavior. It’s overly punitive, expensive, and offers no net public safety benefit.

• YES on Prop JJ, Retain Sports Betting Revenue: Colorado should be able to keep the revenue it’s collected from sports betting to support water infrastructure and projects. If this measure fails, “excess” tax revenue will be refunded to casinos.

• YES on Amendment I, Bail Exemption: For public safety and with care and consideration for victim families, we should restore the bail exemption for persons arrested on suspicion of first-degree murder with evident proof and/or a greater degree of presumption.

• YES on Amendment J, Remove Ban on Same-Sex Marriage: Same-sex marriage became legal de facto in Colorado in 2014, and this would remove old constitutional language. The ELCA’s social statement Human Sexuality uplifts marriage as the highest context for trust and mutuality in human relationships, and nearly 15,000 married same-sex couples now reside in Colorado.

 

Lutheran Advocacy – Minnesota – lutheranadvocacymn.org
Tammy K. Walhof, Director

Hunger Advocacy Fellow: Lutheran Advocacy-MN (LA-MN) welcomed Jake Summerville in September. He is already a very valuable part of the LA-MN team, creating election materials (see below) and providing leadership in recruitment of Poll Workers. Jake comes to LA-MN with several years’ experience in youth ministry, a seminary degree (plans to be ordained as Deacon), and a background in communications.

Election Materials & Recruitment: LA-MN created election resources in the form of fliers/posters, postcards, and stickers for synods and congregations to use (available here). LA-MN also sent poll worker recruitment information to 169 churches in Greater Minnesota, and many more in the two Metro Area synods.

Graceful Conversations: A 1.5 hour workshop Tammy developed almost 10 years ago has been turned into a 5 session workshop series with videos, worksheets, and facilitator guide with the help of Rev. Emily Meyer (Director, Ministry Lab). Instead of teaching how to be and act, it now helps develop skills to make Graceful Conversation and Action part of our core being. This series doesn’t negate the value of other trainings (Braver Angels) but uses a faith lens and is meant to have a shelf life far beyond our current contentious election cycle. (Available here).

Out & About: In addition to finishing Graceful Conversations and welcoming Jake, Tammy attended a screening of the Plastic People documentary, participated in a Synod Theological Event (short presentation & display), and played a key role in a synod/region event celebrating the 50th Anniversary of ELCA World Hunger (Poverty Simulation, 2 workshops, & display).

 

Hunger Network in Ohio – hungernetohio.com
Deacon Nick Bates, Director

To End Hunger in Ohio, We Must End Gerrymandering:
The Hunger Network continues to talk with community groups and congregations on the importance of a YES VOTE on State Issue 1. State issue 1 will create a 15 member citizens commission – 5 democrats, 5 republicans, and 5 independents – to oversee the drawing of legislative maps. Sadly, our current process is marred and bi-partisan courts have declared our current maps are unconstitutional multiple times. The new process will create a way to avoid conflict of interest that hurts our democracy. When elected officials are accountable to the public, we can guide them towards prioritizing their communities and not special interests.

UPCOMING EVENTS
Annual Celebration: Nov. 10 3:30 All Saints Lutheran Church
Advocacy in Advent: Dec. 10 at the Ohio Statehouse

 

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry – Pennsylvania – lutheranadvocacypa.org 
Tracey DePasquale, Director

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania (LAMPa) continued equipping disciples for peacebuilding and faithful civic engagement in September-October. Working with Common Ground – USA, LAMPa offered webinars on digital peacebuilding, active listening , difficult conversations and managing conflict. Find recordings and links to resources. LAMPa activated our election support network to share accurate information, respond to needs of elections officials, and prepare to defend vulnerable communities or address attempts to undermine elections. Nearly 350 people received daily devotions through LAMPa’s 40-day Reflections Before an Election.

LAMPa Director Tracey DePasquale joined Southeastern Pennsylvania (SEPA) Synod in the launch of their Love Revolution initiative. We look forward to accompanying congregations as they live into God’s call to love our neighbors.

The Rev. Erin Jones, LAMPa Communications and Advocacy Engagement Manager, attended the annual In God’s Image gathering in Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod, helping to lead an advocacy workshop there and sharing LAMPa’s legislative efforts to advance equality and oppose discrimination and hate.

LAMPa was thrilled to announce recipients of the Isaiah 58:12 fellowship, supported by the inaugural Jackie Maddox Racial Justice Grant, as they began a year of transformative learning in their communities.

In the final weeks of the legislative session, LAMPa advocates pressed their senators to protect health care in Pennsylvania by strengthening reviews of proposed hospital and health system mergers.

DePasquale joined the task force working on the new social statement on civic life and faith in Chicago as they reviewed feedback on the draft statement.

 

Texas Impact – texasimpact.org 
Scott Atnip, Director of Public Witness

The Texas Impact Board of Directors recently released their biennial legislative agenda, entitled “Free, Safe, and Flourishing: A Faithful Agenda for Texas.”

Texas Impact is coordinating a Houston Faith Votes cohort to engage in civic engagement work to demonstrate the impact congregations can have in engaging voters. The fifteen congregations are joining with many other congregations using Texas Faith Votes resources.

Congregations are participating in the Vidas Robadas (Stolen Lives) displays, displaying the names of victims of gun violence on t-shirts.

An increasing number of congregations are signing up to participate in Texas Impact’s Courts and Ports program, traveling to the Texas-Mexico Border to experience public policy issues being lived out on the border.

Finally, the Weekly Witness podcast continues, and we were fortunate to have Robert Rivera, Vice President of the Synod Council of the Gulf Coast Synod, join the program to discuss immigration issues.

 

Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy – virginiainterfaithcenter.org
Kim Bobo, Co-Executive Director

October has been an especially busy month for the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy. The organization finished the last of five regional celebrations that honored legislators, volunteers, and congregations. It hosted three Faith and Housing workshops around the state helping congregations learn how they might use their buildings or land for affordable housing. The organization also held its first Interfaith Souls to the Polls event encouraging congregations to caravan to Sunday polling locations for early voting. Registration opened for the organization’s annual lobby day, which will be Jan. 15, 2025 in Richmond. Register here: https://virginiainterfaithcenter.org/day-for-all-people-2025/

 

Lutheran Office for Public Policy – Wisconsin – loppw.org
Rev. Cindy Crane, Director

Wednesday Noon Live: We had two interviews on the first Wednesday of October rather than our usual single interview for Wednesday Noon Live, because of the significance of the upcoming election.

 

We need poll workers! Hear from Delaney Zimmer, Voter Services Coordinator at the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin.

 

Watch for misinformation (intentional and unintentional), know where to check out the facts about the voting process. In addition, learn about important details about absentee ballots. Hear from Riley Vetterkind, Public Information Officer at the Wisconsin Elections Commission.

 

Congratulations to the La Crosse Area Synod on their ComFest for confirmation students! There were meaningful speakers and a lot of activities. Many took the advocacy quiz and posted their advocacy interests at the Lutheran Office for Public Policy – Wisconsin (LOPPW) table.

 

 

 

Additional Activities Engaging with the Church: Between mid-September and mid-October, LOPPW’s director also led three workshops on Dietrich Bonhoeffer and his context, one workshop on human trafficking, one workshop on advocacy, and one on the draft social statement on Civic Life and Faith. We also broadly advertised the showing of the film, “Bad Faith” about Christian Nationalism, which was attended by several ELCA members beyond and around the state.

LOPPW hosted the Raise the Age Coalition (returning 17-year-old youth to the juvenile justice system) annual strategy planning meeting in October. We will regroup after the elections as well as meet with the entire coalition soon.