By Ruth Ivory-Moore

“We can’t grow by repeatedly following prescriptions. We can grow only by making new choices. We are the sum total of the choices we have made in the past. We can change what we are in the future through the choices we make today. Think about that. Who do you choose to become? What do you choose to accomplish?”¹

This quote from Nido Quebein (President of High Point University in High Point, NC where the slogan is to “Be Extraordinary”) resonated with me on October 7, 2016. I had just left a Care of Creation Retreat at the serene, peaceful setting of Luther Glen located in Yucaipa, CA.

What Choices were made?

After leaving the retreat, I was among a number of members of the Lutherans Restoring Creation group who visited the Lutheran Mission (henceforth Mission) in San Bernardino, CA. At the Mission, I was awestruck by the level of poverty, high unemployment, and crime rate in the area. This is a city rich in history and cultural diversity, with influences of Native Americans, Mexican settlers, Spanish missionaries, and Mormon migrants. President Lyndon B. Johnson was an elevator operator here. The Rolling Stones played their first U.S. concert here.

As we talked with staff at the Mission, I was very surprised to learn about what appears to be an apparent disparity in water quality among area residents. The Hispanic staffer spoke of the water in her faucet being cloudy in San Bernardino, while water in the home of the white staffer living in Riverside—was clear. I ask pointed questions to get answers regarding accountability, but no satisfactory answers could be given. How can this happen in the richest country in the world? What choices were or were not made in a place like San Bernardino. Notwithstanding these accounts, I learned later that San Bernardino is actually in a better position than others in the United States when it comes to clean water.

I also learned that an estimated 40% of residents living in the Navajo Nation (100 miles west of Albuquerque, NM) do not have access to running water. The area’s heroine is Darlene Arviso; she is known as the “Navajo Water Lady” because she uses her automobile to deliver water to other residents. I invite you to listen to her story: “Navajo Water Lady”. Ms. Arviso is a determined soul in this area of the country that is too often forgotten.

Let’s choose to not leave anyone behind

We are a nation of extraordinary people. But, obviously, much work is needed. We must make choices that leaves no one behind. We must remember that when poverty affects one of us, it affects us all. We must resolve to take care of all and to help positively change the future of those who live in places like San Bernardino or the Navajo Nation.

We must remember to seek God’s guidance in all our decisions and choices to ensure that all people are taken care of and have access to clean water. Let us begin by praying.

“Sovereign of the universe, your first covenant of mercy was with every living creature. When your beloved Son came among us, the waters of the river welcomed him, the heavens opened to greet his arrival, the animals of the wilderness drew near as his companions. With all the world’s people, may we who are washed into new life through baptism seek the way of your new creation, the way of justice and care, mercy and peace; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.” (ELW)

Nido R. Quebein, Daily Motivation (Simple Truths, Naperville, Il, 2016), p. 363
http://thesoutherncalifornian.blogspot.com/2015/12/15-fun-facts-about-san-bernardino.html

Lutherans are taking action across the country! Below you will find our monthly State Advocacy Newsletter. Share with your friends!

2017 ELCA Advocacy priorities

This year’s goals are evaluated for their potential to further racial and gender justice, fulfill our Lutheran social statements and messages, and address key policy concerns of ministries across the U.S.

CARING FOR GOD’S CREATION:

ELCA Advocacy is working to protect God’s creation from the impacts of climate change by encouraging policies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions while ensuring a just transition to renewable energy occurs and necessary steps are taken to make sure all Americans have access to clean water.

PROVIDING HOSPITALITY TO OUR NEIGHBORS:

ELCA Advocacy encourages Congress and the White House to address the urgent need for protection of vulnerable migrant children and families from Central America, while also focusing on long-term solutions that create safe, sufficient and sustainable livelihoods for all.

CONCERN FOR OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS LIVING IN POVERTY AND STRUGGLING WITH HUNGER:

ELCA Advocacy urges Congress to protect and reauthorize federal programs that help end hunger in the United States.

Through the fiscal year 2017 federal budget, ELCA Advocacy urges Congress to:

Responsibly act to ensure all people have access to affordable health care by protecting expanded access to affordable health insurance coverage in the U.S.;
Increase support for programs that seek to end homelessness and focus on uplifting community members who are most heavily affected, including seniors, rural residents, LGBTQ youth, ex-offenders seeking re-entry, and low-income families; and
Continue to fund humanitarian relief and development programs that address extreme hunger and poverty around the globe.

SEEKING JUSTICE AND PEACE FOR ALL PEOPLE:

ELCA Advocacy continues to work toward the elimination of gender-based violence around the world by supporting the International Violence Against Women Act and educating Congress on the importance of addressing this problem in the U.S. and globally.

As part of our commitment to challenge systems of racial and economic injustice, ELCA Advocacy urges Congress to pass sentencing reform that shifts our nation’s model of criminal justice from one that criminalizes addiction for the benefit of the prison industry to one that focuses on treatment and support for our communities.

ELCA Advocacy, through the Peace Not Walls Network, continues to call for a peaceful and lasting negotiated resolution to the Palestinian Israeli conflict.

ELCA Advocacy Office, Washington, D.C.

The Rev. Amy Reumann, director

ELCA.org/advocacy

MIGRATION POLICY: President Donald Trump signed several executive actions on immigration enforcement and refugee policy restrictions last week, in a move that received critical backlash from the faith community. In addition to highly publicized orders to begin construction of a wall along the border with Mexico and ending federal grants to so-called ‘sanctuary cities,’ the Executive Order also calls for an increase of the detention of migrants and implements measures that cripple the asylum system. Subsequent executive actions included halting migration from seven predominantly Muslim countries and pausing the refugee resettlement program for 120 days.

ELCA Advocacy sent an action alert Thursday encouraging our network to contact their Members of Congress to support compassionate policies that provide safety for vulnerable people. Congress will be able to impact the outcomes of the Executive Orders by allocating or restricting funds to agencies that will implement them. Our faith partner, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services and P residing Bishop Eaton likewise shared statements voicing concern on weakening refugee protection policies. With details and the future of refugee resettlement and protections still unclear, ELCA Advocacy will continue to monitor and share details on the evolving situation. More executive actions impacting migrants are expected in the coming weeks.

PRESIDENT ACTION ON HEALTHCARE: At the start of the 115^th Congress, lawmakers formally adopted a budget resolution, completing the first procedural step toward repealing the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Legislators did so without offering a plan for a replacement, an action that could possibly leave millions of Americans without health insurance and significantly raise taxes on middle and low income families. ELCA Advocacy and Lutheran Services in America encouraged people of faith to speak out in favor of responsible action for health care. Prior to the passage of the Budget Resolution, ELCA Advocacy sent out an action alert urging Congress to not repeal the 2010 healthcare law without first implementing a replacement that actively promotes the wellbeing of those experiencing poverty or illness in the U.S.

U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT SUPPORTS THE GREEN CLIMATE FUND: On Jan. 18^th, just prior to the start of the Trump Administration, the U.S. State Department announced that it had provided an additional $500 million grant to support the Green Climate Fund (GCF). This brings the total U.S. contribution to the GCF to $1 billion—reinforcing our national commitment to challenging climate change.

The Green Climate Fund is dedicated to protecting the most vulnerable among us from the impacts of climate change. It provides funding to foster developing nations’ efforts to adapt to a changing climate, and will help communities build technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This latest decision came after thousands of Lutherans and other faith advocates voiced their support for the investment last year. As an ELCA Advocacy issue priority for 2015 and 2016, we celebrate the additional funding that the U.S. will contribute to the GCF, as it builds solidarity in our shared responsibility to care for creation.

Lutheran Office for World Community, United Nations, New York, N.Y.

Dennis Frado, director

SECRETARY GENERAL FIRST ADDRESS: On Jan. 10, U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres, delivered his first address to the Security Council. In an open debate organized by Sweden, which currently holds the Security Council’s presidency, he outlined his partnership priority with the Security Council, emphasizing the need for increased conflict-prevention measures.

Guterres highlighted the need for an integrated approach toward conflict prevention and lasting peace, emphasizing his desire to integrate differing U.N. pillars toward this goal. He commended civil society in its role of raising an alarm and saw the need for the U.N. to partner with all sectors of society. All delegations welcomed his remarks and highlighted the need for multilateral action, strong institutions, and political solutions to conflicts.

COMBATING MUSLIM DISCRIMINATION: The Permanent Missions of Canada, the United States, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the delegation of the European Union sponsored a forum on combatting anti-Muslim discrimination and hatred. The forum highlighted the growing challenges of anti-Muslim discrimination and hatred in various regional and national contexts. The event cited examples of local collaboration in Dallas and Tennessee, as well as coordinated advocacy following attacks on mosques.

Noteworthy was the panel on positive narratives to promote pluralism and inclusion. It raised the importance of telling stories (personally and via various media such as television, film, radio and social media) which often are more effective than a recitation of statistics.

PACIFISM AND WEST AFRICAN ISLAM: The Council on Foreign Relations hosted an interactive dialogue with Dr. Lamin Sanneh, discussing his new book, “Beyond Jihad: The Pacifist Tradition in West African Islam.” Professor Sanneh began by commenting that Africans converted to Islam peacefully. Much of his analysis drew from the American experience, comparing the role of religion as a catalyst for civil society – an important actor in nurturing and bolstering civil society. He argued that there is a peaceful impulse of Islam, often corrupted when mixed with politics.

THE THIRD-ANNUAL SYMPOSIUM: THE ROLE OF RELIGION AND FAITH-BASED ORGANIZATIONS IN INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS:

On Jan. 23, the World Council of Churches, the United Methodist Church and the Seventh-day Adventist Church organized the Third-Annual Symposium on the Role of Religion and Faith-Based Organizations in International Affairs, in partnership with the U. N. Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect, the U. N. Inter-Agency Task Force for Engagement with Faith-based Organizations and the Committee of Religious NGOs at the United Nations. The symposium addressed cooperation among faith-based organizations, member states, civil society and international and regional organizations, including the United Nations, in fostering just, inclusive and sustainable peace.

California

Mark Carlson, Lutheran Office of Public Policy

loppca.org

HUMAN AND CIVIL RIGHTS: LOPP-CA Director Mark Carlson was in the Assembly gallery for the opening invocations by a prominent Muslim cleric for the floor sessions before and after the presidential inauguration, a symbolic statement by the Assembly leadership. (See picture)

Gov. Jerry Brown, facing a round of prostate cancer treatments, delivered a stemwinder State of the State address, defending California’s leadership on immigration, health care, and climate change, issues in which LOPP-CA is engaged. The Legislature ratified the appointment of U.S. Rep. Xavier Becerra, of immigrant roots, as the state attorney general, after extensive questioning and debate on the First and Second Amendments. LOPP-CA has organized an ELCA table for the annual MLK Gala, with a program ad that links Martin Luther’s 95 theses with the Rev. Dr. King’s “Letter from the Birmingham Jail” (from Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton’s statement).

CARE FOR CREATION: Mark will be attending the initial 2017 policy briefing by the CA Environmental Justice Alliance, and plans are firming up for LOPP-CA to be a host site, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, for the Trinity Institute, March 22-24: “Water Justice.” At the California Climate Change Symposium, state Food and Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross, a Lutheran, got the loudest applause on a panel that included the secretaries of the Resources Agency and CalEPA and the president of the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), when she called on the hundreds gathered to defend science, and for scientists to stand up (the PUC chair said he feared a “federal lobotomy). LOPP-CA is promoting the March 11 annual Yolo Interfaith Climate Justice conference, keynoted by professor Cynthia Moe-Lobeda.

Colorado

Peter Severson, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry–Colorado

Lam-co.org

LEGISLATIVE SESSION BEGINS: The Colorado General Assembly began its 2017 session on Jan. 11. Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-Colorado will advocate on its anti-poverty, pro-dignity agenda throughout the 120-day session.

REFUGEE ADVOCACY: Our partners at Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains have led an advocacy effort to encourage members of Congress to not halt or severely curtail refugee resettlement efforts in the United States. We join their call to our elected leaders to live up to the United States’ proud heritage of being a place of welcome and refuge for those fleeing violence and discord.

DEATH PENALTY REPEAL: The Colorado Legislature will take up the question of repealing the state’s death penalty statue in February. Senate Bill 17-095, sponsored by Sen. Lucia Guzman and Rep. Alec Garnett, would eliminate capital punishment. The bill is supported by a broad coalition of faith leaders and other criminal justice advocacy groups.

OTHER ENDORSEMENTS: LAM-CO has endorsed several measures so far this session, including HB 17-1002, extending the state’s child-care expenses tax credit, and HB 17-1116, continuing an energy bill assistance program for low-income households.

FAITH ADVOCACY DAY: We encourage all local advocates to join us on Feb. 11 for Colorado Faith Advocacy Day! Register at www.lam-co.org.

New Mexico

Ruth Hoffman, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry–New Mexico

Lutheranadvocacynm.org

The 2017 legislative session began with intensity since the current fiscal year’s state budget was out of balance by about $70 million and the state constitution prohibits the state from deficit spending. Consequently, the first eight days of the session were used to pass four solvency bills. LAM-NM is working with several groups to advocate that next year’s state budget not be balanced through further severe programmatic cuts but that increased revenue be sought.

LAM-NM Director Ruth Hoffman was one of about 400 people who recently met with New Mexico congressman Ben Ray Lujan to urge him to protect the Affordable Care Act and to particularly protect the Medicaid program, which covers almost 900,000 low-income New Mexicans.

LAM-NM joined other advocates to testify for an increase in the state minimum wage during a legislative hearing of the House Labor and Economic Development Committee. The bill passed that committee and now moves to another committee for consideration.

Ohio

Nick Bates, The Hunger Network

hungernetohio.org

The budget is here!

The Ohio budget was released on the 30^th during the afternoon and hearings began on the 1^st of February in the Ohio Legislature. (See the budget process here).

Again this year, Gov. John Kasich has proposed tax shifts that will reduce resources available instead of investing to solve problems. The budget is a moral document, and the faith community issued a letter to Ohio public officials asking that they do the following three things in the budget this year:

Protect health care

Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there?
Why then has the health of my poor people not been restored?
Jeremiah 8:22

Create stability in the home

My people will abide in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.
Isaiah 32:18

Create food security

If a brother or sister is naked and lacks daily food, and one of you says to them,
“Go in peace; keep warm and eat your fill,”
and yet you do not supply their bodily needs, what is the good of that?
James 2:15-16

If you would like to see the full letter (AND SIGN ON YOURSELF!), please click here!

Pennsylvania

Tracey DePasquale, Lutheran Advocacy–Pennsylvania

Lutheranadvocacypa.org

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania has seen a spike in requests to engage in faith-based advocacy this month – from Lutherans and others whose church bodies have no advocacy offices. Through our network and social media, LAMPa invited disciples to engage on a more personal level in the hours right after the presidential inauguration, and our advocates have been directing others to connect

LAMPa Policy Council member the Rev. Titus Clarke and LAMPa Director Tracey DePasquale participated in a joint meeting of York Conference Lutherans and members of the York Black Ministerium shortly before Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The meeting, hosted by SpiriTrust Lutheran, focused on commonalities and how the faith leaders and their congregations could work together to serve the community, including addressing racism. Re-entry for returning citizens was named as one possible area of joint service and advocacy. The faith leaders will continue to build relationships, with a goal of worshiping, serving and advocating together on MLK Day 2018 (See picture).

LAMPa also partnered with Pennsylvania Power & Light to promote vigils for climate change around the first 100 hours of the new administration. Among the congregations participating was St. Mark’s Lutheran in York (see picture).

As part of InsurePA, LAMPa attended a rally in defense of health care for all Pennsylvanians on Jan. 23 to highlight the risks to Pennsylvanians of repealing the Affordable Care Act (see picture).

In February, Tracey will meet with First Lady Frances Wolf to work on school breakfast expansion. LAMPa is also preparing for the Feb. 7 budget address.

Southeastern Synod

Hilton Austin

It has been an exciting and busy month. We had our first Policy Council meeting at Lutheranch. It was very productive and invigorating. Our Policy Council is made up of two people from each state, as well as Bishop Julian Gordy, a liaison from synod council, and myself. While we have been quite active in Georgia and Tennessee, we now have the ability to organize in Alabama and Mississippi. We continue to work on improving communication between the four states.

We are currently preparing for our annual advocacy gathering to be held at St John’s Atlanta on Feb. 11. Sherry Boston, Dekalb County district attorney, will be one of our morning speakers. There will be five workshops to choose from in the afternoon: Criminal Justice Reform, How to Write an Op-ed, Care for Creation, Advocacy 101, and Immigration/Refugee Resettlement; the topic of the immigration workshop is still to be determined depending on the new administration’s actions.

Texas

Samuel Brannon, Texas Impact

Texasimpact.org

Mark your calendars and register for the third-annual Tri-Synodical Lutheran Legislative Event in Austin, Feb. 12-14. The event sponsored by the NT-NL Public Witness Team, the Southwestern Texas Synod‘s Poverty and Justice Task Force, will be at Gethsemane Lutheran Church and include a series of informative speakers and workshops all geared to prepare attendees for their important role in faith-based advocacy. Keynote speakers include author and advocacy trainer the Rev. Alexia Salvatierra, and the Rev. Amy Reumann, director of the ELCA Advocacy Office in Washington D.C. (See poster below.)

In late January, Texas Impact sponsored the eighth- annual United Methodist Women’s Legislative Event in Austin. The Lutheran and Methodist events are similar in scope and content. The Methodist event had a great number of “first timers,” more than ever before. Staff members at Texas Impact are thrilled at the level of congregational enthusiasm toward Methodist advocacy and see similar determination as they watch the number of Lutheran registrations increase daily.

Staff at Texas Impact are noticing a significant increase in activity from Lutheran synods, congregations and individuals. It appears that more people of faith are developing an interest in faith-based advocacy as we advocate for gospel principles and lift the voices of the poor and the disenfranchised.

Washington

Paul Benz, Faith Acton Network

fanwa.org

2017 LEGISLATIVE SESSION: Washington’s legislative session is now in its third week, and FAN’s lobby team is visiting with legislators and testifying in support of many of the issues on FAN’s Legislative Agenda, in particular, a solar tax incentive bill and a package of wage theft prevention bills. This year, many of those issues could be addressed by the biennial state budget, including funding for K-12 education, Washington’s mental health system, an office of civil legal aid, small-farm direct marketing and farm to school programs, and youth homelessness prevention.

WOMEN’S MARCH: FAN advocates gathered on Jan. 21 to participate in the Washington State Women’s March. They joined an estimated 175,000 marchers in Seattle and 10,000 in our capital city, Olympia. FAN advocates marched for a variety of causes, including racial and gender equity, sexual assault awareness, access to health care, and protecting the environment (see photo).

INTERFAITH ADVOCACY DAY: On Feb. 9, FAN will be bringing hundreds of advocates from all over the state to our annual Interfaith Advocacy Day. We’re excited to bring people of many different faith traditions to engage with interfaith and legislative speakers, workshops, and caucuses by legislative district. Advocates will meet with their legislators and/or their staff and hear key legislators speak about current, critical issues in the Legislature. FAN is also very involved in our two other advocacy days in Yakima (central Washington) and Spokane (eastern Washington).

Wisconsin

Cindy Crane, Lutheran Office for Public Policy in Wisconsin

Loppw.org

CARE FOR GOD’S CREATION: LOPPW’s director recently joined the leadership team for the Wisconsin Climate Table, which is made up of 28 organizations aligned behind four campaigns to diminish carbon dioxide emissions. LOPPW is part of the Clean Power Plan campaign.

One of the members of the South-Central Synod/LOPPW Care for God’s Creation Team has become a regular speaker on climate change via the synod’s speaker’s bureau. We have begun strategizing approaching local municipalities about their policies on renewable energies.

LOPPW is staying alert for bills that would weaken regulations on Wisconsin wells that, according to a state senator, are expected to be proposed this legislative session. LOPPW’s environmental focus is on climate change and clean water.

ADVOCACY MINISTRY: LOPPW’s director recently led a workshop on Martin Luther and economic justice and spoke on a panel of advocates and community organizers at the La Crosse Area Synod’s event, ACT: Action for Community Transformation. One person so far has volunteered to create a synod team that will help give congregations guidance in the area of advocacy ministries.

IMMIGRATION: Along with staying alert for proposed bills related to immigration, A LOPPW council member and staff are networking with a statewide group that promotes workers’ rights, immigration reform and sanctuary.

ANTI-HUMAN TRAFFICKING: LOPPW’s director was a keynote speaker at a community-wide forum on anti-human trafficking at an ELCA congregation in Janesville and encouraged participants to respond to proposed legislation in the Legislative Reference Bureau (see photo).

On January 20, our nation marked the peaceful transition of power from one president to the next. As this new era begins, the ELCA Advocacy network is already engaging with our nation’s elected leaders on important issues affecting our communities.

The ELCA ministry of advocacy is rooted in faith that is active in love; love calls for justice in the relationships and structures of society. (The Church in Society: A Lutheran Perspective, 1991) This affirmation grounds the ELCA Advocacy priorities for engagement with the 115^thCongress and Trump administration. Look for upcoming alerts and opportunities to participate in faithful witness and action to advance greater justice, peace, and care of creation.

ELCA ADVOCACY’S MAJOR PRIORITIES IN 2017:

CARING FOR GOD’S CREATION

Protect God’s creation from the impacts of climate change, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions while ensuring a just transition to renewable energy occurs and all Americans have access to clean water.

PROVIDING HOSPITALITY TO OUR NEIGHBORS

Address the urgent need for protection of vulnerable migrant children and families from Central America while also focusing on long-term solutions that create safe, sufficient and sustainable livelihoods for all.

CONCERN FOR OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS LIVING IN POVERTY AND STRUGGLING WITH HUNGER

Maintain and expand federal programs that provide food assistance to children and families in need as a first step toward ending hunger in the United States.

Act to ensure all people have access to affordable, accessible and quality healthcare.

Increase support for programs that seek to end homelessness and focus on uplifting community members who are most heavily impacted, including seniors, rural residents, LGBTQ youth, ex-offenders seeking re-entry, and low-income families.

Ensure the U.S. government continues to fund humanitarian relief and development programs that address extreme hunger and poverty across the globe.

SEEKING JUSTICE AND PEACE FOR ALL PEOPLE

Prevent gender-based violence in the United States and around the world.

Address unjust systems of mass incarceration as part of our commitment to challenge systems of racial and economic injustice.

Call for a peaceful and lasting negotiated resolution to the Palestinian Israeli conflict.

ELCA Advocacy’s 2017 priorities reflect the ELCA’s deep commitment to act and speak for a hunger-free world where all God’s children can thrive. In addition to these primary areas of engagement, ELCA Advocacy will monitor and work on ongoing priorities and remain flexible in response to legislative opportunities as they arise.

In shepherding our 2017 priorities, your advocacy staff will initiate and steward relationships on Capitol Hill, provide education and timely opportunities for action through e-alerts, coordinate with interfaith and ecumenical partner organizations and work with ELCA ministries and Bishops to maximize their voices for impact in the new session of Congress.

How does ELCA Advocacy determine our priority issues?

ELCA Advocacy priorities are grounded in the experience and concerns of ministries and synods and are framed by our social teaching documents and theological commitments. Top tier issues are evaluated for their connection to the goals of ELCA World Hunger, examined for potential to further racial and gender justice and assessed according for the potential for action by the ELCA Advocacy Network, Bishops’ Ready Benches.

Visit our ELCA Advocacy Action Center or follow us on Facebook and Twitter to stay up to date on all our advocacy priorities.

Lutherans are taking action across the country! Below you will find our monthly State Advocacy Newsletter. Share with your friends!

In this January Advocacy Update we are focusing on the advocacy priorities of our state public policy offices. In future updates, we will return to the previous order of having the ELCA Advocacy Office in Washington, D.C., first followed by the state offices. Blessings!

California

Mark Carlson, Lutheran Office of Public Policy

loppca.org

LOPP-CA 2017 ADVOCACY PRIORITIES:

Health care: protection of gains made under the Affordable Care Act, more than 5 million more people with health insurance; disclosure and regulation of drug prices. LOPP-CA has been part of organizing and advocacy efforts focused on district work with California’s congressional delegation to protect progress made under the Affordable Care Act (covered California insurance exchange and Medicaid expansion). The pastor of Emmanuel Lutheran and six members joined a large group for a rally outside the Bakersfield office of House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (photo).

LOPP-CA was one of hundreds of organizations signing a letter to the delegation supporting health insurance for children and signed another coalition letter with a broader health focus. There was great energy when Health Access celebrated 30 years with a December symposium (LOPP-CA was an original founding group).

Immigration: support for California’s state laws providing services and supports for immigrants and new efforts such as provision of due process and legal resources in immigration proceedings, including for unaccompanied minors.

Care for creation/climate change: Implementing and strengthening California’s climate-change laws, with attention to environmental justice; water-justice issues including safety, access, affordability and tribal concerns. With the conviction that science matters, LOPP-CA Director Mark Carlson will participate in the state-sponsored California Climate Change Symposium 2017 and is pitching to faith leaders opportunities to engage with the World Congress of Science Journalists in Oct. in San Francisco, “Bridging Science & Societies.” On Jan. 10, LOPP-CA was the site host for a Drought and Equity Summit to release a report developed by the Environmental Justice Coalition for Water and the Pacific Institute.

Housing: addressing a critical need for permanent housing and services for homeless people, including advocacy for funding mechanisms, and addressing “not in my backyard” attitudes.

In anticipation of congressional and presidential challenges to California’s healthcare, climate-change, immigration and firearms regulation policies (most supported by LOPP-CA), among others, Gov. Jerry Brown has nominated former U.S. Rep. Xavier Becerra to replace now U.S. Sen.Kamala Harris as state attorney general, and the Legislature has retained former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder’s law firm as outside adviser on federal policy.

Colorado

Peter Severson, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry – Colorado

Lam-co.org

LEGISLATURE CONVENES: The Colorado General Assembly will convene on Wednesday, Jan. 11, to begin the legislative work of the people for 2017. The Assembly will be in session until Wednesday, May 10, for a total of 120 working days.

FAITH ADVOCACY DAY: Colorado Faith Advocacy Day will be Saturday, Feb. 11. Join other advocates for an illuminating day of learning and action!

“Luther at 500: Reclaiming Protest For Today’s Public Church” We’ll focus on the future of the church’s public witness and reclaiming Martin Luther’s legacy of activism and protest on the cusp of the Reformation’s 500th anniversary. What does it mean for us to be a “Protest”-ant church today?

Click here to register

Saturday, Feb. 11, 2017, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

Bethany Lutheran Church, 4500 E Hampden Ave, Denver, CO

$25 regular, $10 student/reduced rate

Breakfast, lunch, and all materials included!

2017 ADVOCACY PRIORITIES:

Ensure that assistance is available for people living in poverty, including anti-hunger programs, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Medicaid, low-income housing, and job and skills training

Address systemic issues that prevent people in poverty from earning a family-sustaining income, including low wages, lack of housing and lack of infrastructure (particularly in rural areas)

Undergird our work with love and concern for our neighbors, especially the outcast and the marginalized, through the lens of anti-racism.

Minnesota

Tammy Walhof, Lutheran Advocacy – Minnesota

lutheranadvocacymn.org

Minnesota’s legislative session: Jan. 3-May 22

PLEASE JOIN SOME UPCOMING IMPORTANT EVENTS!

Lutheran Leadership Day at the Capitol: Thursday Feb. 2, 12:30-5 p.m. (reception with legislators 4-5 p.m.)

Christ Lutheran on Capitol Hill and Minnesota Capitol: Bishops, pastors and other church leaders are invited to a day of learning and advocacy.

Breakout sessions include: Creation Care and Clean Energy; Sex Trafficking and Safe Harbor; Race, Refugees and Immigration; and Disability Policy. Plenaries will be focused on affordable housing in Minnesota, through various lenses including racial equity and workforce concerns (RSVP to JKeen@lssmn.org)

Region 3 ELCA Hunger Retreat (for Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota): Friday, Feb. 3, to Saturday, Feb. 4; Friday noon lunch through Saturday after lunch. Luther Crest Bible Camp, 8231 County Rd. 11 NE, Alexandria, MN 56308; Cost is $50.

It will be focused on care of creation, especially climate change and its impact on global poverty and hunger. You don’t need to be a hunger leader to attend! Great opportunity for youth and youth pastors! (Speakers include Dr. Ryan Cumming, program director for hunger education, ELCA World Hunger; and Tammy Walhof, director, Lutheran Advocacy-Minnesota, among others). Scholarship information – the Rev. Erika Lehmann, elehmann@santel.net; registration – Kari Bostrom, ; general questions – Ed Payne, edpayne01@gmail.com

JRLC Day on the Hill is Thursday, Feb. 23, 2017. This interfaith gathering and advocacy event brings together Lutherans and many other people of faith as we jointly work to address issues affecting low-income people!

New Mexico

Ruth Hoffman, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry – New Mexico

Lutheranadvocacynm.org

The LAM-NM Policy Committee gathered in person and via Skype in December for its fall meeting. The committee reviewed our recent Advocacy Conference and looked forward to our 2017 Bishop’s Legislative Luncheon and Issues Briefing on Jan. 31. The program budget for 2017 was adopted. The primary item on the meeting agenda was the review, discussion and adoption of the LAM-NM 2017 Advocacy Agenda.

2017 ADVOCACY PRIORITIES:

Affordable housing and homelessness.

Family-sustaining income.

Hunger.

Health care.

Tax policy.

Criminal justice.

Ohio

Nick Bates, The Faith Coalition for the Common Good

hungernetohio.org

THE END OF 2016 SHOWS THAT OUR ADVOCACY DOES MATTER!

It is easy to see the impact of our charity work compared to advocacy work as a church. With our charity work, we can measure the number of volunteers, meals fed or homes built. Advocacy work often takes more time to see the impact.

In 2014, the Ohio Legislature passed a freeze of Ohio’s renewable energy standards. This was a major setback for clean energy job growth, congregations receiving assistance with energy audits, and Ohio’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

The faith community fought this energy freeze. Retired Bishop Marcus Lohrmann and Trinity Seminary President Rick Barger wrote Legislature leadership, speeches were given, and rallies were held. Even after these efforts, the two-year energy freeze still passed. The Legislature attempted to extend the freeze by three more years, but Ohio Gov. John Kasich vetoed that legislation in the final hours of 2016! The advocacy work in 2014 – and continued since – laid the foundation for that veto. We rejoice! (Photo: Marcus Lohrmann)

2017 ADVOCACY PRIORITIES:

The Ohio budget (including housing and emergency food assistance).

Payday lending (We won in 2008, but a loophole in the law was discovered in 2009)

Protect Medicaid expansion (700,000 Ohioans are benefiting from this one portion of Obamacare.)

And much more!

Pennsylvania

Tracey DePasquale, Lutheran Advocacy – Pennsylvania

lutheranadvocacypa.org

The Pennsylvania General Assembly began its 2017-2018 term on Jan. 3 with ceremonial swearing-in of newly elected lawmakers and election of leadership.

Allegheny County state Rep. Mike Turzai was elected to a second term as speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, while the Pennsylvania Senate re-elected Sen. Joe Scarnati, R-Jefferson County, to serve as the chamber’s president pro tempore. There was no action on legislation.

The resignation of one Democratic representative on Tuesday gave Republicans the largest majority held by either party since the 1950s. The current House makeup is 121 Republicans, 81 Democrats.

In the Senate, the Republican caucus also grew to 34 of the 50 members – a veto-proof majority. That’s the largest majority held by either party since the GOP held 35 seats in 1949.

LAMPa 2017 ADVOCACY PRIORITIES:

As adopted by our Policy Council in December: (Click here for detailed agenda.)

HUNGER: Improved access to healthy, affordable food.

EDUCATION: Equity and adequacy in public education funding, access to high-quality pre-K.

POVERTY: Sustainable development, opposing payday lending, increasing minimum wage, safeguarding benefits, preventing homelessness.

HEALTH CARE: Expand and safeguard access to affordable health care, particularly mental health treatment to combat the opioid epidemic

CIVIL RIGHTS: Racial justice and prohibiting LGBT discrimination.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM: Justice re-investment, safe harbor for child victims of sex trafficking

CREATION JUSTICE: Watershed protection, climate change mitigation

IMMIGRATION: Creating a welcoming commonwealth, combating anti-sanctuary legislation.

Texas

Samuel Brannon, Texas Impact

Texasimpact.org

Texas Impact will kick off the 85^th Legislative Biennium by hosting a Service of Public Witness on Jan. 10 at 10 a.m. on the south side of the state Capitol in Austin. The service will feature prayers and wisdom from leaders of diverse religious traditions about our shared responsibility to work together for the common good. (Parking)

The 2017 legislative session promises to be a time of high stakes and hard choices. It’s never been more important for people of faith to be informed and engaged. Starting Monday Jan. 16, and on each succeeding Monday at noon throughout the 140 days of the 85^th legislative session, Texas Impact will host a Weekly Witness event.

At these events, Texas Impact will hold a short, focused advocacy training in Murchison Chapel at First United Methodist Church, Austin. We – and often colleagues from our partner organizations – will present timely, insider information on a “focus issue of the day,” as well as updates and next steps on other issues that are on our legislative agenda.

Following the training, participants will make scheduled or unscheduled legislative visits with their legislators and other key members and sometimes attend committee meetings or take advantage of other timely opportunities.

On Jan. 16, April 17 and May 29, we will convene Weekly Witness in an alternate location in the Capitol Extension, E2.020 (Capitol reference map).

Sign up for Weekly Witness today!

Washington

Paul Benz, Faith Acton Network

fanwa.org

2017 LEGISLATIVE SESSION: Washington’s Legislative Session begins on Jan. 9; the primary responsibility is to form the 2017-2019 Biennial State Budget, and to resolve a five-year State Supreme Court case holding the Legislature responsible for sufficiently funding our K-12 school system. The governor’s proposed budget fully funds the K-12 system and a response to our mental health crisis with new revenue from a 1 percent increase in our business and occupation tax system, a tax on carbon emissions, and a tax on capital gains. Many predict that this proposed budget is dead-on-arrival, as our Legislature is almost evenly divided by party. There could be two to three special sessions after April’s constitutional adjournment to find a bipartisan solution to fund the K-12 and mental health systems.

During the session, FAN will have three part-time lobbyists working in our State Capital four days a week to push for the issues on our legislative agenda.

2017 ADVOCACY PRIORITIES INCLUDE:

A humane and sustainable biennial budget.

Policies that reduce wealth inequality and support human services.

Dismantling the culture of violence through criminal justice reform and gun safety bills.

Protecting affordable housing and preventing homelessness.

Sustaining Washington’s environment.

INTERFAITH ADVOCACY DAY: FAN staff is busily preparing for FAN’s Interfaith Advocacy Day in Olympia. We hope to bring 300 to 400 advocates from at least 40 of our 49 legislative districts to engage with speakers, workshops and caucuses by legislative district. Advocates will meet with their legislators and/or their staff and hear key legislators speak about current, critical issues in the Legislature. (Photo: A caucus meeting at Interfaith Advocacy Day 2016)

INAUGURATION DAY EVENTS: FAN is supporting many gatherings and events on Jan. 20, but we will be prioritizing a gathering at Seattle’s largest synagogue that Friday evening, where the congregation is transforming their regular Shabbat service into a large, faith-based community rally and “rededication to values.”

Wisconsin

Cindy Crane, Lutheran Office for Public Policy in Wisconsin

Loppw.org

CARE FOR GOD’S CREATION – WISCONSIN CLIMATE TABLE: Several Wisconsin groups that work on environmental issues held their first overnight retreat.

We began with a walk along the Ice Age Trail in Baraboo with a guided discussion about the noticeable changes in local wildlife over the last 100 years (See photos).

Dr. Curt Meine, an Aldo Leopold scholar and professor at UW-Madison talked about the importance of framing discussions about climate change within our history of Wisconsin conservationists and in a manner that doesn’t threaten to take away anyone’s pickup truck. Along with Aldo Leopold, we can claim several other conservationists, such as Thomas Chamberlain, UW-Madison president (1887 to 1892), who was one of the first scientists to emphasize the role of carbon dioxide in regulating the earth’s temperature (See photo on the right column).

Meine shared the first time he heard climate change framed as a partisan issue. In 1988 he heard Rush Limbaugh present “the other side” of the issue of climate change on “Nightline.” Since then we have gotten stuck in that narrative. But climate change isn’t something you believe or disbelieve in. You accept data or have alternative data.

At the Aldo Leopold Center, we strategized. Most of us do statewide work but within our current political climate, we will also focus on local efforts. LOPPW recently signed on to a joint letter about renewable energy to a county executive, who has now asked his staff to create an initial solar plan. LOPPW also integrates ideas for local grassroots efforts in our workshops.

Lutheran Office for World Community, United Nations, New York, N.Y.

Dennis Frado, Director

ANTÓNIO GUTERRES IS THE NEW UN SECRETARY-GENERAL: On Jan. 1, António Guterres began serving as the ninth secretary-general of the United Nations. Guterres is a Portuguese politician and diplomat. He was the prime minister of Portugal from 1995 to 2002. From 1999 to 2005 he was president of Socialist International.

Between 2005 and 2015 he was the U.N. high commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). During his tenure, he gave specific attention to the suffering of vulnerable people, particularly women and children in conflict zones. He is a strong supporter of the empowerment of women and named three women as his first appointments to senior posts in the Secretariat upon becoming secretary-general. While at UNHCR, he developed particularly good relationships and partnerships with civil society and NGOs. One example was working together with The Lutheran World Federation and other faith communities on the high commissioner’s dialogue on faith and protection, which culminated in “Welcoming the Stranger: Affirmations for Faith Leaders,” a declaration that draws upon principles and values of welcome that are deeply rooted in all major religions, including Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam and Judaism.

FRANCE TO CONVENE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE JAN. 15 TO RELAUNCH THE (ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN) PEACE PROCESS: Following the Dec. 23 adoption of a U.N. Security Council resolution on Israeli settlements in the Occupied Territories, French Ambassador François Delattre commented on his government’s plans to hold an international conference this month to relaunch the (Israeli-Palestinian) peace process.

“Like the Palestinians, the Israelis have a vital interest in peace, which can be based only on a two-state solution. That is the aim of the French initiative to try to relaunch the peace process. In that respect, following the important ministerial meeting of 3 June, France decided to organize an international conference on 15 January 2017 in Paris, whose goal will be to introduce the contributions of the international community to relaunch the negotiation process and conclude and implement a peace agreement. …The resolution that we have adopted today and the Paris international conference represent two sides of the same coin, both aimed at reiterating our shared attachment to the two-state solution and creating conditions conducive to that end. We hope that the resolution and the French initiative will be the first important steps towards relaunching a credible political process that we will need to pursue collectively in the weeks and months ahead.” More than 70 governments are expected to attend. Israel has declined the invitation.

GLOBAL TERRORISM INDEX FINDS DEATHS FROM TERRORISM DECREASING: The Institute for Economics and Peace is an independent, non-partisan, nonprofit think tank with offices in Sydney, New York and Mexico City. Based on data from the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism, a Department of Homeland Security Center of Excellence led by the University of Maryland, the institute recently published “Global Terrorism Index 2016.”

Some selected key findings include:

Deaths from terrorism decreased by 10 pecent in 2015 to 29,376. This is the first decrease in the number of deaths recorded since 2010. Of the last 16 years, the worst year for terrorism was 2014 with 93 countries experiencing an attack and 32,765 people killed. Iraq and Nigeria had the biggest decreases with 5,556 fewer deaths (than 2014).

In countries that are members of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, deaths from terrorism dramatically increased in 2015, rising by 650 percent when compared to 2014. Since 2006, 98 percent of all deaths from terrorism in the US have resulted from attacks carried out by lone actors, resulting in 156 deaths.

In 2015 four groups were responsible for 74 per cent of all deaths from terrorism: the Islamic State group, Boko Haram, the Taliban and al-Qa’ida. The Islamic State group surpassed Boko Haram as the deadliest terrorist group in 2015. It undertook attacks in 252 different cities in 2015 and was responsible for 6,141 deaths in the year. Boko Haram had an 18 percent reduction in the number of people it killed in 2015, responsible for 5,478 deaths during the year.

LOWC 2017 ADVOCACY PRIORITIES:

Negotiations toward a global compact on migration.

Gender justice.

Supporting humanitarian action.

Sustainable development goals.

Peace in the Middle East.

Indigenous issues.

HIV and AIDS.

Children and youth.

ELCA Advocacy Office, Washington, D.C.

The Rev. Amy Reumann, Director

ELCA.org/advocacy

TRAFFICKING PREVENTION MONTH: January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. One of the ways you can help prevent human trafficking is by raising awareness. Share graphics and messages this month on Facebook and Twitter via #ELCAadvocacy, and share the Interfaith Toolkit on Human Trafficking. For further prayer and discernment, find out what the ELCA has to say about Human Trafficking by clicking here.

HOUSING AND ADVOCACY BLOG: Housing and homelessness issues didn’t garner much attention during the last presidential campaign, but rising housing costs stacked against leveled wages continue to put pressure on families across the country. Support through shelter ministries from congregations is becoming even more essential for those struggling in the community – and advocacy in 2017 can make a real difference in public dialogue. Read more on the ELCA Advocacy Blog.

MIGRATION AND AMMPARO: While it is still unclear how the new Congress and administration plan to tackle migration issues, many advocates are concerned about rumored policies that could harm children and families seeking safety outside of their countries of origin. The Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act, which ensures that most unaccompanied children are screened by a child-welfare expert for trafficking, will be up for reauthorization this year. This means that some of the protections it provides to vulnerable communities may be stripped. ELCA Advocacy will continue to be vigilant in following additional policies that may make it difficult for children and families seeking safety to be granted international protection in the U.S, such as changes to the asylum system or tougher border policies.

CHILD NUTRITION AND HUNGER UPDATE: 114th Congress did not reauthorize and update Child Nutrition programs last year, despite hard-fought legislation passed in the Senate Agriculture Committee. Lacking reauthorization, most of the old nutrition policies that fund school lunches and child-hunger programs will continue to run on autopilot, even though the law expired in 2015. As voiced by thousands of Lutheran advocates last year, these programs have much-needed room for expansion and improvement – and should be updated with common-sense improvements in 2017. Continue to follow the ELCA Advocacy updates and alerts as the new Congress prepares the critical legislative timetables.

The Nativity story is challenging to wrestle with at times. Often we describe a peaceful birth scene, in a manger, in the little town of Bethlehem. The promised savior is born and greeted by an awesome host of angels, shepherds and wise men. Yet, this story neglects some of the historical realities of Jesus’s birth. His parents, Joseph and Mary, weren’t visiting Bethlehem for fun; instead by decree of the Roman occupying force they were forced to return to Bethlehem to be counted in a census. A near-term Mary probably wasn’t enthusiastic about her multi-day journey. And while the biblical narrative suggests that Joseph and Mary could have afforded to have stayed at the inn there was no room and they were compelled to rest in a humble stable. Jesus enters the world not with plush amenities, but to a stable, away from his parents’ home. Shortly after his birth, he and his parents are forced to flee to evade his killing. The Nativity tells the story of a Jesus, who comes to us marginalized by circumstances and under the domination of an occupying power.

Our church has affirmed that working for justice with people on the margins is doing God’s will. As a Christian, I view this as a moral issue—one that often hits the most vulnerable hardest. People with and without housing alike are a part of our church. We know that congregations and shelter ministries perform amazing work in direct service and support in our calling to love our neighbor. Using our voices for advocacy and calling for public change is another way to serve that calling.

Housing and homelessness didn’t garner a lot of attention during the last presidential campaign. After such a rancorous and polarizing election, many of the issues brought to the fore of the debates now seem to be charged by partisan grudges and political gridlock. Over the next several years, homelessness and unaffordable housing will inevitably draw our attention because housing costs continue to rise sharply and many of us will be forced to struggle even more to keep a roof over our heads.

There is a good chance that you’ve noticed the rising costs of housing already. If you’re feeling really burdened by a sharp mortgage or rent increase, you’re not alone. The stability of our housing infrastructure is starting to fall apart around us. While the U.S. economy is still growing, spiking housing costs and leveled wages across the country are increasing instability for many hard-working families. This should concern us.

Affordable housing programs are often the best tools local governments can use to help people get off the street and back into a supportive community. They work remarkably well, and offer people with limited opportunity a chance to rise out of poverty. But housing programs are often the very last to see any increases in federal investment; because of this, the cycle of poverty continues.

The support of shelter ministries by congregations is becoming even more essential for those struggling in the community. People of faith can also be instrumental in bringing leaders together. The people in our pews are Republicans, Democrats, and Independents. In a time when polarization raises barriers and reduces bipartisan communication, religious communities are uniquely equipped to be a bridge between two sides. Lawmakers care deeply about the work and needs of centers of worship in their districts, and must hear from their constituents that poverty is a critical issue.

So what should we do right NOW? We can begin by committing to public engagement and bringing more people into public life in the new year. It is never too soon to get involved. Here’s how:

Write emails to your lawmakers and urge them to get ready for work on housing. There are several was the new White House Administration and Congress could make a difference by addressing housing issues in 2017—This can start by passing a national budget that supports the most vulnerable.
Find friends in your congregation and encourage them to connect with their lawmakers. The more people who express to their lawmakers the importance of working to improve homelessness the more likely the impact.
Stay up-to-date on housing and poverty issues as they come through Congress by joining the ELCA Advocacy Network.

At the start of the Christmas story, Jesus began his life without a place to call home. He was not only our Savior, but also a teacher and an advocate. Jesus comes this Christmas not just for the healthy, but for the sick and those who need his embrace most. As we renew ourselves this Advent in the message about the amazing power of God’s redeeming love, I hope together we can rediscover that strong Biblical tradition and reflect on what we are freed through Christ to do in the coming year. If you are interested in engaging further on this issue and connect with other advocates, contact us on social media, or at washingtonoffice@elca.org. In the meantime, I wish you a very blessed Christmas, and start of the new year.

This Advent season is an opportunity to reflect on what faithful advocacy means. Join the ELCA Advocacy in our Advent Devotions Series. Please share with friends and family.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4w7cPM-Wjo&feature=youtu.be

This week’s devotional is given by Ruth Ivory-Moore. She works at ELCA Advocacy.

The lectionary readings for this Sunday are:

Isaiah 7:10-16
Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19
Romans 1:1-7
Matthew 1:18-25

Blessings

This Advent season is an opportunity to reflect on what faithful advocacy means. Join the ELCA Advocacy in our Advent Devotions Series. Please share with friends and family.

https://youtu.be/odxWPzTN5k4

This weeks devotional is given by Alaide Vilchis Ibarra. She works at ELCA Advocacy.

The lectionary readings for this Sunday are:

Isaiah 35:1-10
Psalm 146:5-10 or Luke 1:46b-55
James 5:7-10
Matthew 11:2-11

Blessings

Lutherans are taking action across the country! Below you will find our monthly State Advocacy Newsletter. Share with your friends!

A Message from the Rev. Stephen P. Bouman, ELCA Executive Director for Domestic Mission

On the 15th anniversary of 9-11 I posted from the first chapter of my new book, Baptized For This Moment. The book traces the world which emerged from Ground Zero, fearful, divided, graceless. I hope and pray that the book is helpful to congregations trying to find their voice and space in this public arena and its many manifestations of terror, racial violence, immigration, disaster, refugees, space for listening and engaging in new ways. I hope and pray that the book will be an invitation to young adults to consider church as an institution supporting their desire to show up and make a difference in our polarized world. Chapter Six deals directly with the Hunger Ministries, Advocacy, and how congregations can enter the public arena. Blessed Advent to all. If you follow this URL you will get the first chapter. If you care to purchase the book use the code: JUSTICE for free shipping and 50% discount.

http://actapublications.com/baptized-for-this-moment/

Any royalties will go to the domestic ministries of The ELCA Hunger Fund. I am grateful to the Advocacy Network for your witness to the Gospel and its vision for justice in our world.

ELCA Advocacy Office, Washington, D.C.

The Rev. Amy Reumann, director

ELCA.org/advocacy

2016 ELECTIONS: Advocacy Director Amy Reumann offered an advocacy message on the 2016 election, highlighting stewardship of our common life together and looking ahead. The statement thanked Lutherans who took action for #ELCAvotes and advocacy intentions moving forward. Her statement can be shared on the ELCA Advocacy Blog.

Lutheran congresswomen Lois Capps, D-Calif, and Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyo., did not run for re-election and are retiring at the end of the year. All other incumbent Lutheran members of the House and Senate facing re-election won their respective seats in November. Joining the 115th Congress are newly elected Lutheran members Rep. Jack Bergman, R-Mich., and Rep. Lloyd Smucker, R-Pa.. The new members of Congress are now in D.C. for orientation and will begin their first session in January. ELCA Advocacy will hold meetings with newly elected officials at the start of the new Congress.

ADVOCACY ADVENT DEVOTIONS: Throughout Advent, ELCA Advocacy is releasing video devotions to connect our work with the life of the church. The videos are on the ELCA Advocacy Facebook page.

HOUSING AND HOMELESSNESS: Congress is preparing to pass a final spending bill to fund the government in December, and support for housing and homeless programs are at risk for cuts. A congressional proposal for moving a “continuing resolution,” or a stalling plan that keeps federal funding flat for several months, would risk cutting many existing Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and affordable-housing contracts that keep families secure in stable homes. Inflation and rising housing costs across the U.S. are putting constraints on housing and homeless programs. HUD needs approximately a $1 billion increase just to keep existing programs and units open. ELCA Advocacy sent an action alert to support sustainable housing funding earlier this month.

For about 75 percent of extremely low-income renters, more than half of their monthly income must be spent on rent. This leaves very little money for food, healthcare, child care, transportation, and other vital day-to-day costs. Affordable housing and HUD programs can make the difference between fearing eviction and striving for greater economic mobility.

WATER JUSTICE IN FLINT: Republican leaders in Congress seem intent on passing financial support for Flint, Mich., and other cities facing lead crises by the end of the year. Aid to help repair lead pipes and water infrastructure, which was included in the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), has stalled in Congress due to an unrelated debate on the bill for Army Corps of Engineers projects. If the WRDA is not passed by the end of December, Republican and Democratic leaders are discussing ways to tack the support onto the final government spending bill. Advocates can take action on this issue by visiting ELCA.org/advocacy.

UNITED NATIONS CLIMATE CHANGE CONFERENCE: Ruth Ivory-Moore, policy director for environment and energy issues, returned from Marrakech, Morocco, this month following the U.N. Climate Change Conference meeting. International delegates began the process of implementing the Paris Agreement. Ruth’s reflection series and commentary on faith-based involvement is on the ELCA Advocacy Blog. Negotiators worked on issues such as common timeframes for national climate pledges and goals for financing climate projects. By the conclusion, there was an overwhelming sense of resolve that addressing climate change globally will occur and that the process will not be deterred by any individual country or head of state. The next conference will be in Bonn, Germany.

Lutheran Office for World Community, United Nations, New York, N.Y.

Dennis Frado, director

U.N. INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE ELIMINATION OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN: On Nov. 21, an “Orange the World” event took place to mark the beginning of the 16 days of activism against Gender-Based Violence Campaign, Nov. 25-Dec. 10. Panelists included representatives from U.N. Women, UNICEF, the U.N. Population Fund, the U.N. Development Programme, the World Bank and civil society organizations. Everyone involved emphasized the importance of action, as 1 in 3 women globally continues to suffer from domestic violence.

The panelists elaborated on many aspects of gender-based violence. Many emphasized a funding shortfall and the need for sustainable financing: Even though the overall aid flows have increased, only about 8 percent of aid goes to gender-focused programs in affected countries and even less to women-led organizations.

ADDRESSING MIGRATION AROUND THE WORLD: On Nov. 22, Global Compact Modalities co-facilitators Mexico and Switzerland convened a meeting for members of civil society to discuss involvement in the 2017 global compact negotiations. More than 20 non-government organizations (NGO) representatives took the floor to discuss civil society involvement, including many of our ecumenical partners and a representative of the NGO Committee on Migration. Most speakers emphasized the importance of active civil society participation through regional and global consultations during every stage of the process, and increased transparency throughout the negotiations. A focus was placed on the inclusion of different migrant voices and vision, and the inclusion of differing intersectional identities – such as migrants with disabilities, and migrant children.

California

Mark Carlson, Lutheran Office of Public Policy

loppca.org

A NEW LEGISLATURE: The Capitol Christmas tree was lit and the California Legislature reconvened on Dec. 5. Democrats achieved a two-thirds majority in each house in the November election. Although the debate was contentious, a resolution passed supporting immigrants to help counter the widespread fear and anxiety across the state, and legislation was introduced to train public defenders in immigration law and fund private attorneys to aid undocumented immigrants who are otherwise law-abiding and may face deportation.

THE ELECTION was generally positive for LOPP-CA ballot measure recommendations, including extension of the top personal-income tax rate on the wealthy, a ban on single-use plastic shopping bags, a school-bond measure and a higher tobacco tax. Disappointing exceptions were the defeat of an initiative to end the death penalty and narrow passage of one to speed up its implementation.

CALIFORNIA INTERFAITH POWER & LIGHT COOL CLIMATE AWARDS IN OAKLAND: One of the highlights of November was the always-inspiring California Interfaith Power & Light Cool Climate Awards in Oakland, which recognize congregations and individuals making a difference in addressing climate change. Mark serves on the group’s steering committee, as do G.L. Hodge, a pastor in the Bayview-Hunters Point area of San Francisco, and Juana Torres, who works for the Sierra Club in Los Angeles and is an alum of California Lutheran University (photo).

Colorado

Peter Severson, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry – Colorado

lam-co.org

STATE ELECTIONS RECAP: Colorado’s Legislature remained under split control after the Nov. 9 elections. Republicans control the state Senate, 18-17, while Democrats increased their edge by three seats in the state House, 37-28. U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet was re-elected, as were all seven incumbent members of the House.

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-Colorado actively supported two ballot measures: Amendment 70 and Amendment T. Amendment 70, to increase the state minimum wage to $12/hour by 2020, passed by a wide margin, 55 percent to 45 percent. Unfortunately, Amendment T, a referred measure to eliminate an archaic exception to the ban on slavery, lost very narrowly, 50.2 percent to 49.7 percent. Supporters believe that many voters were confused by the language of Amendment T, and the original sponsor has vowed to try again with clearer language. Thank you to all the advocates who supported both amendments with us!

In addition to these measures, Colorado voters defeated proposals to establish a statewide health insurance system and an increase in tobacco taxes. Voters approved a measure that will make it harder to amend the state’s constitution in the future, as well as proposals to permit physician-assisted death for terminally ill people, to replace the caucus with a presidential primary, and to allow independent voters to vote in party primaries.

The LAM-CO Policy Committee met on Nov. 15 to approve the 2017 legislative agenda. We will be addressing poverty, hunger, inequality, homelessness and harm to the environment, promoting the God-given dignity and value of every human being. Join us!

Minnesota

Tammy Walhof, Lutheran Advocacy – Minnesota

tammy@lcppm.org

2017 MINNESOTA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES: Republicans retained control of the House, and 23 new representatives join the body (12 R; 11 DFL). When combined with significant turnovers in the previous two elections, the number of relatively new members is quite high (2012: 42 new – 27 DFL, 15 R; 2014: 26 new – 21 R, 5 DFL).

2017 MINNESOTA SENATE: The Senate unexpectedly changed hands. Notably, eight long-term, powerful incumbents (6 DFL, 2 R) were voted out of power. Along with 12 retirements (8 DFL, 4 R) and one death (DFL), levels of issue knowledge and experience change significantly. There are 21 new senators (12 R, 9 DFL), including some previous representatives.

IMPLICATIONS FOR ISSUES:

Housing: Affordable housing and related services saw significant bipartisan support over several years. House leadership in 2016 did not show the same bipartisan support, despite member backing. Relatively new members and leaders may need to be introduced to Minnesota’s housing crisis.
Clean energy: Legislation for renewable energy passed in 2007 with strong bipartisan support, resulting in Minnesota becoming a leader in wind, solar and energy efficiency. However, with turnovers, a majority of representatives and at least one-third of senators lack background on previous efforts and progress. Many from both parties still carry decades-old perceptions about technology, leading to attacks on standards that have already been reached or will be soon. Legislator education is needed!
Migration: Given campaign rhetoric, substantial work is anticipated with and for people of color and Muslims, including refugees and immigrants.

New Mexico

Ruth Hoffman, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry – New Mexico

lutheranadvocacynm.org

More than 80 advocates gathered on Nov. 5 for the annual LAM-NM Advocacy Conference in Albuquerque. This year’s conference was held at the parish of one of our advocacy partners, St. Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church. The keynote speaker was Dr. Nicholas Natividad from New Mexico State University who spoke about racism and the history of criminal justice on the border (See picture, left). Other breakout sessions covered the need for state revenue and no further cuts to the New Mexico budget, the need for the creation of the mid-level profession of dental therapist to help meet the dental needs of low-income New Mexicans, the situation regarding immigration in our state, and advocacy basics. Rep. Gail Chasey from Albuquerque was the lunch speaker.

Director Ruth Hoffman traveled to El Paso, Texas, to present sessions about advocacy along with the Rev. Sam Brannon, our State Public Policy Office with Texas Impact at the Rocky Mountain Synod Border Conference Missional Gathering (See picture, left). The Border Conference includes congregations in southern New Mexico and in El Paso, Texas. Ruth also returned to the border area last week to present at a forum at Peace Lutheran Church in Las Cruces. She spoke about the upcoming legislative session and the LAM-NM Advocacy Agenda (See picture, right).

Ohio

Nick Bates, Hunger Network in Ohio

www.hungernetohio.org

LAME DUCK LOBBY DAY: Ohio faith leaders talked turkey and got to the “meat of the issue” this holiday season. Too many Ohioans are struggling to find food for their table, and unemployment compensation and other public investments are a moral covenant to help hard-working Ohio families survive today so that they can thrive tomorrow.

On Nov. 17, about 24 faith leaders came to Columbus for our Let’s Talk Turkey Advocacy Day. We grounded our morning in our faith with a brief litany and a chance to reflect on the call in Isaiah.

After centering ourselves on God’s call for justice in the world, it was time for us to get to work! Small teams were formed to study the issues of Ohio’s unemployment compensation system and Ohio’s upcoming state budget. Both of these policy issues can help families who are struggling have the resources they need to put food on the table and a stable roof over their head.

Before we knew it, teams were leaving to cross the street to enter the Ohio Statehouse to meet with 19 legislative offices. Teams crisscrossed the Statehouse for four hours meeting with these legislators and their staffs. Faith leaders shared their personal stories, experiences and passion for justice with those who hold seats of power – calling on them to use their temporal authority to show mercy, justice and love for those who are hungry.

We are blessed to have so many faith leaders, because Ohio legislators are expected to introduce a new unemployment compensation bill next week. Hopefully the image of pastors, laity and handmade turkey art from the children of Emanuel Lutheran Church in Napoleon, Ohio, will stick with them this holiday season as they finish their work. Check out our blog and photos from the day!

Pennsylvania

Tracey DePasquale, Lutheran Advocacy – Pennsylvania

lutheranadvocacypa.org

LAMPa Policy Council hosted its annual meeting with Pennsylvania bishops on Dec. 1 to adopt a biennial issue agenda and discuss how we can be public church in a post-election climate that shows Lutherans as politically divided as the rest of the country. LAMPa and Pennsylvania ELCA partners will work together to find ways to train leaders on guiding tough discussions based upon our common faith. We continue to move toward launching issue teams to engage the passion, expertise and lived experience of more Lutheran advocates. We believe this will increase our capacity, confidence and agility to act with urgency.

LAMPa is encouraging host sites in every synod for Trinity Institute 2017, March 22-24, on the theme of water justice and will provide advocacy opportunities for those events. Also related to water issues, LAMPa Director Tracey DePasquale has been invited to meet with natural resources, environmental protection and agriculture officials to shape policies around buffer zones that address economic sustainability and hunger.

Also in November, Tracey participated in the Lutheran, Anglican, Roman Catholic Day of Dialogue in Harrisburg. The theme was “Rooted in Common Ground: Our Universal Call to Care for Creation.” It was a great opportunity to make connections with faith partners on climate change work in Pennsylvania. She also attended Pennsylvania Power & Light’s annual conference in State College that linked climate justice and social justice, the Housing Alliance’s Homes Within Reach Conference. She has also been equipping congregations seeking information on offering sanctuary to immigrants facing possible deportation.

Southeastern Synod

Hilton Austin, Director

haustin337@att.net

SOUTHEASTERN SYNOD ADVOCACY TEAM: November was a busy month of meeting with our advocacy partners to determine our priorities for the 2017 legislative session, and that work continues this month. Until the transition of power takes place, it seems continued criminal justice reform is the only defined priority. We also had the opportunity to setup our advocacy exhibit at the Conference 3 gathering and to begin to form relationships with leaders from several congregations, as well as having some great conversation around advocacy.

HUMAN TRAFFICKING: Georgia voters passed a constitutional amendment to create a dedicated source of funding that will provide restorative services like safe housing, trauma counseling and medical treatment to child victims of sex trafficking without raising or creating any new taxes.

We are currently working on a two-session educational piece on advocacy to present to congregations. The first presentations will be Jan. 8 and Jan. 15; the Jan. 15 session will coordinate with the Martin Luther King Jr. celebration service. We will also be present for Martin Luther King Jr. Service Day on Jan. 16 and hope to coordinate with Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service in an educational piece on refugee resettlement advocacy.

Texas

Samuel D. Brannon, Texas Impact

texasimpact.org

Climate advocates from Texas Impact and Texas Interfaith Power & Light participated in the 22nd annual United Nations global climate negotiations, known as COP22, in Marrakech, Morocco, last month. Leaders from more than 195 countries attended the Nov. 7-18 talks, which built upon progress made at 2015’s talks in Paris. Now that the Paris Agreement has been finalized, COP22, which has been named the “COP of Action,” focused on implementation.

This year, staff participated as credentialed observers of the negotiations: Texas Impact’s executive director, Bee Moorhead, and her daughter, Oona, were credentialed through the Presbyterian Church (USA); Imaad Kahn was credentialed through U.S. Climate Action Network and partnered on this initiative with Green Muslims; and Yaira Robinson attended under the auspices of COEJL (Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life).

Texas Impact staff had the pleasure of attending the event with Ruth Ivory-Moore, ELCA program director for environment and energy. They also connected with activists, scientists and religious leaders from around the world – bringing real-world climate justice stories home to Texas faith communities through videos, photos and blog posts in a special series called “Bridge to a Bright Climate Future.”

Virginia

Kim Bobo, Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy

virginiainterfaithcenter.org

About 400 people attended a “Standing Together” rally Sunday, Dec. 4, at the Third Street Bethel A.M.E. Church in Richmond to stand with those who have increasingly been targeted and marginalized and to demonstrate concern about the recent rise in hate speech, bias and division. The Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy was one of the organizers of this event, along with the Interfaith Council of Greater Richmond, the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond, Richmond Hill, Richmond Peace Education Center, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, St. Phillip’s Episcopal Church, Temple Beth-El, Unitarian Universalist Community Church, the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities, Bon Secours Health Systems, the Virginia Council of Churches and the Virginia Muslim Coalition for Public Affairs.

This is a busy time for the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy. Our annual meeting is Dec. 15, and the annual Day for All People advocacy event will be Jan. 25 at the state Capitol, the General Assembly and Centenary United Methodist Church in Richmond. On Jan. 8, there will be a forum on wage theft in northern Virginia. The Center is working with at least two congregations in Richmond on plans to establish a Worker Center; there will be a planning meeting on Dec. 13 hosted by the Sacred Heart Center on that issue. VICPP’s Richmond chapter is working the city’s Office of Community Wealth Building to create a living wage certification program aimed at honoring, recognizing and promoting businesses that pay living wages.

Washington

Paul Benz, Faith Action Network

fanwa.org

ANNUAL DINNER: Faith Action Network (FAN) had its sixth Annual Dinner on Nov. 20 with just a little more than 400 in attendance coming from approximately 75 faith communities as well as labor and community allies from around the Puget Sound (Picture left: FAN’s 2016 Annual Dinner). FAN gave out four awards to: the Rev. Dan Erlander, ELCA retired clergy; Bishop Larry Robertson from Emanuel Apostolic Church in Bremerton, Wash.; the Islamic Center of Mukilteo and allies, including congressman Rick Larsen (an ELCA member and Pacific Lutheran University graduate); and two FAN advocates for their amazing work representing FAN on successfully passing the minimum wage ballot initiative. (Picture right: Bishop Kirby Unti presents our award to the Rev. Dan Erlander.)

2017 LEGISLATIVE SESSION PREP: The 2017 state Legislature will convene on Jan. 9 for its 105-day session, which will likely last much longer. FAN’s Governing Board adopted our 2017 Legislative Agenda, which can be viewed at . FAN is still working on some final interim meetings with elected officials this month and will host two pre-session gatherings for conversation regarding revenue, the basics of advocating with elected officials, and the FAN Legislative Agenda.

ALLIES FOR NATIVE AMERICANS: In light of the 30th anniversary of a 1987 apology statement to area American Indian tribes, FAN has been convening an Interfaith Allies group with the goal of building better relationships between tribes in our state and faith communities close to that particular tribe. This group has also been very active in networking with many religious leader trips to Standing Rock in North Dakota and doing advocacy here locally with elected officials, especially U.S. senators.

Wisconsin

Cindy Crane, Lutheran Office for Public Policy in Wisconsin

loppw.org

ADDRESSING HATE: LOPPW’s director is part of an interfaith coalition strategizing ways to address the harassment and bullying that have escalated since the election. LOPPW is also inviting people from around the state to help LOPPW collect both stories about harassment and positive stories about how schools and communities are addressing hate.

ECONOMIC JUSTICE: The director led for the second time a workshop on LOPPW’s new presentation on economic justice at Luther Memorial in Madison. The next week LOPPW had a second presentation on Care for God’s Creation at the same congregation.

LOPPW is part of a statewide Dignity at Work Coalition made up of secular and interfaith partners. We met recently in Milwaukee to discuss where we might find traction in the current political climate and campaigns to move forward with.

CARE FOR GOD’S CREATION: Meteorologist Bob Lindmeier drew more than 60 members of Luther Memorial in Madison to learn about climate change and actions to take.

HUMAN TRAFFICKING: LOPPW’s director met for the first time with an ELCA task force to create worship materials to address human trafficking.

LOPPW’s director and Advisory Council member the Rev. Barb Girod were interviewed about the problem of sex trafficking for an hour cable television show, “Eye on Oshkosh.”

This Advent season is an opportunity to reflect on what faithful advocacy means. Join the ELCA Advocacy in our Advent Devotions Series. Please share with friends and family.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctVKBHJ2o90

This weeks devotional is given by Mark Carlson. He works at Lutheran Office of Public Policy.

The lectionary readings for this Sunday are:

Isaiah 11:1-10
Psalm Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19
Romans 15:4-13
Matthew 3:1-12

Blessings

This Advent season is an opportunity to reflect on what faithful advocacy means. Join the ELCA Advocacy in our Advent Devotions Series. Please share with friends and family.

This weeks devotional is given by Tammy Walhof. She works at Lutheran Advocacy – Minnesota.

The lectionary readings for this Sunday are:

Isaiah 2:1-5
Psalm 122
Romans 13:11-14
Matthew 24:36-44

Blessings

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2017 ELCA Advocacy priorities

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Lutherans are taking action across the country! Below you will find our monthly State Advocacy Newsletter. Share with your friends!

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