CHICAGO (July 18, 2016) – In a July 15 letter addressed to Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, the Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), joined more than 90 national Christian leaders with the Circle of Protection asking to meet with the candidates to discuss “plans for offering help and opportunity to hungry and poor people in the United States and around the world.”

“We are leaders of Christian communions, organizations and schools who care deeply about hunger and poverty, and we are praying for a president who shares that concern,” the letter reads.

The leaders emphasized that steps toward ending hunger and poverty “will require action by all sectors of society and by all the nations of the world.”

The Circle of Protection is a coalition of diverse Christian leaders that advocates for hungry and poor people in the United States and around the world.

The letter is available at http://bit.ly/2agyixy.

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About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with more than 3.7 million members in more than 9,300 congregations across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of “God’s work. Our hands,” the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA’s roots are in the writings of the German church reformer, Martin Luther.

Please welcome Ruth Ivory-Moore to ELCA Advocacy! Ruth has joined our team as Program Director for Environment and Energy Policy! Ruth brings a background and careers in chemical engineering, and as a corporate legal counsel. Her legal specialties including climate change, commercial, contracts, environmental, and antitrust law. Ruth believes that “all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose…” (NKJV Romans 8:28).   She feels that serving in the Environment and Energy Policy position is a blessing from God allowing her to use her diverse background to address critical issues.

As I walk down the sidewalk to find a place to eat lunch not far from the steps of the Capitol, I notice a squirrel that is leisurely sitting on the back of one of the benches. As I pass within three feet of him, he does not flinch or attempt to flee. Our eyes meet. He looks very content, as if to say “join me if you like, but I am here to stay.” I elect to walk passed my animal friend to another bench that is well positioned under majestic shade trees. The temperature must be approaching 100^oF, but there is a nice breeze that makes one forget the sweltering heat.

I begin to eat my lunch, and I notice black and gray colored birds scampering around and flying between trees. They seem to be at peace and happy. For a moment, I forget about the headline news: unrest across the waters; turmoil in our communities; and racial tensions that continue to exist. I marvel at God’s creations (Genesis 1:1; Colossians 1:16). I marvel at the synchronization; the synergy; and the beauty.

But then reality hits. I am reminded that this squirrel and those birds are so content; the trees are providing shade; the wind provides cooling; all in nature working in harmony. They have no concern about the damage that climate change is doing to the environment. I am who needs to be concerned.

God calls on us to care for and protect all of creation. Should we not embrace this responsibility?

Nowhere is this calling more important than in our work toward eliminating the causes of, mitigating the impact of, and implementing adaption measures for addressing climate change. While resolving to address climate change impacts on creation is not hard, the path toward a solution appears monumental. This is a challenge not seen by humankind before. A few recent news items help to shed some light on the complexity of the challenges our country faces in trying to develop innovations that will also address climate change:

Last year, Hawaii pledged to convert to 100 percent renewable power by 2045. The path to accomplishing this has not been mapped out. One major obstacle identified is the current power grid. Renewables will produce excess power and the grid was not designed to handle this excess energy.  How is this excess power to be stored for later use?

The current Administration is attempting to make it financially easier to purchase zero emissions vehicles, that is, electric cars. But how does one really get to zero emissions? The electricity used to power these vehicles is produced by generators that are predominately fueled by fossil fuels. Renewable fuels account for only about 13% of the electricity generated.

Other areas to consider not in the news include:

What does global travel look like in a renewables world? How are passenger airplanes to be fueled? The fuel cell needed would be too heavy.

What alternatives are needed to transition the use of everyday things made from hydrocarbons derived from fossil fuels that go into making items such as cosmetics, clothing, and medical supplies; food items such as artificial ripening of fruit; and food grade polymers for chewing gum base?

How is the displaced worker and the community whose livelihood (existence) depends on fossil fuels to survive? How do we help them to transition to other technologies?

These are only a few items to consider, which makes the task at hand daunting. But we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to God’s purpose (Romans 8:28). In carrying out God’s mandate to be stewards we must take care of all creation, not leaving anyone or anything behind. Now is a time for action that entails us using our God given intelligence and skills to devise solutions to address climate change from every angle.

ELCA Advocacy is encouraged by provisions in “Secure the Northern Triangle Act”

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s Advocacy Office (ELCA Advocacy) is encouraged by the regional protection focus on migration in the Secure the Northern Triangle Act (S. 3106/H.R. 5850). The bill, introduced in the Senate by Senator Harry Reid (NV) with a companion legislation introduced in the House of Representatives by U.S. Reps. Zoe Lofgren (CA) and Eliot L. Engel (NY), acknowledges that children and families from Central America are in need of humanitarian protection and outlines steps for U.S. and Central American governments to improve the systems put in place to protect vulnerable populations. The bill also conditions U.S. financial support to Central American governments on progress made to improve their efforts to protect human rights.

Thanks to the expertise of organizations and churches that the ELCA accompanies throughout the region, we know that U.S. funding can have a positive impact on the lives of vulnerable communities when it involves their voices and honors their concerns.

ELCA Advocacy remains concerned about providing U.S. resources to enforcement agencies that have not demonstrated an increased focus on human rights and humanitarian protection. Our partners in Central America continue to report grave human rights violations by representatives of the same agencies to whom this bill would provide training and resources. More broadly, we are troubled by the lack of wide civil society involvement in the Plan of the Alliance for Prosperity in the Northern Triangle mentioned in the bill.

Testimonies from our partners who describe the immense humanitarian gap in Mexico are sobering. Migrants, especially women and children, face incredible violence perpetrated by multiple actors, including law enforcement agents.  We would welcome stronger human rights conditions for funding to Mexico.

The ELCA affirms that “earthly peace is built on the recognition of the unity and goodness of created existence, the oneness of humanity, and the dignity of every person” (ELCA social statement, “For Peace in God’s World”). Through the relationships we have built while accompanying organizations and churches in Central America and Mexico, we know that the only way to effectively address the displacement of children and families is by protecting those displaced while simultaneously seeking to address the issues driving people to flee their communities. We are pleased that this bill addresses both issues and look forward to working with Congress to bring our faithful perspective to legislation affecting children and families from Central America.

THE GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY ACT PASSES CONGRESS: After long months of advocacy and policy negotiations, Congress has finally passed the Global Food Security Act, a landmark food security legislation. A top priority of ELCA Advocacy, this bipartisan legislation authorizes Feed the Future– a vital global food and hunger initiative, into law. Feed the Future works to bolster agricultural development, improve nutrition, and stimulate local economic growth, which in turn helps to reduce poverty. In addition, the Global Food Security Act strengthens transparency and accountability measures to ensure effectiveness and stewardship. Together we celebrate this great milestone; for it is because you raised your voices and took action that we were able to compel Congress to pass this legislation.

WELCOMING RUTH IVORY-MOORE TO THE ELCA ADVOCACY TEAM: ELCA Advocacy is delighted to introduce our new Program Director for Environment and Energy, Ruth Ivory-Moore. Ruth has had careers in chemical engineering, as a corporate legal counsel, and brings legal specialties including environmental law and climate change. Ruth is married and has two children.  She enjoys spending time with family (especially her two grandchildren) and friends. Ruth is involved with Christian education in her church and is about to embark on training to become a Stephen Minister.  Her other volunteer work includes chairing a young adult and youth leadership summit in southern Virginia, as well as addressing various community needs such as criminal law reform and health care. Welcome Ruth!

GRIEVING WITH OUR CHURCH AND NATION FOR THE TRAGIC LOSS OF LIFE: ELCA Advocacy continues to grieve with our church and nation for the tragic loss of life last week, the repeated reminders of the wounds of racism, fear and injustice, and our own complicity in their infliction. Bishop Eaton has called on ELCA ministries and members to be present in our communities in the wake of this and any violence; to accompany protesters, law enforcement, and any who are frightened, despairing or searching for hope. The Gospel calls us to be present, to show up in the places of pain under the shadow of the cross, because these are the places Jesus will be, where he promises to be present for us with mercy, hope and resurrection to new life. Read more.

GREEN CLIMATE FUND: The Senate Appropriations Committee recently voted to continue U.S. support for the Green Climate Fund. As people across the developing world continue to be deeply impacted by climate disruption, the fund is already implementing vital and innovative projects for nations to prepare for and build community resilience. The fund is a top ELCA Advocacy priority because it dedicates a large percentage of resources to serve people already impacted by climate change. An ELCA advocacy alert was sent a day before the amendment vote and the ELCA Advocacy Office will continue to monitor the issue as it moves to the Senate and House.

GUN VIOLENCE: Following the tragic events in Orlando, Fla., Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., led House and Senate Democrats in a sit-in demonstration on the House floor, protesting the long-standing status quo of congressional inaction after mass shootings. Three days after the Orlando shooting, Sen. Christopher Murphy, D-Conn., led a nearly 15-hour filibuster until Republican leaders agreed to vote on four gun-related amendments. All the measures failed in the Senate. ELCA Advocacy shared two action alerts encouraging lawmakers to support meaningful regulations. Though the Senate measures failed, a gun-violence action alert is still live for advocates who would like to continue to weigh-in on the issue.

PAYDAY LENDING RULE: The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau last month released a newly proposed rule aimed at ending high-interest “debt traps” from payday lenders. The bureau said the typical payday loan lasts about two weeks and has an average annual interest rate of 390 percent. Under the proposal, a lender could only make a high-interest loan to a borrower who passed a credit check and was found to be able to repay the loan. Those failing the check could still borrow under “less risky longer-term lending options.” The proposed rules are now open for public comment, allowing individuals, community leaders and congregations to weigh in on payday lending policy. The ELCA Advocacy Office released an action alert urging followers to submit their comments the day the rule was released.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM: Congress has yet to act on meaningful criminal justice reforms this year. The Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act of 2016, which has broad bipartisan support in the Senate, would affect many who are faced with overly harsh and unfair sentences. You can read more about criminal justice reform, where it stands in Congress, and how the faith community is part of the conversation at the ELCA Advocacy Blog.

THE RUSH TO END FOR SUMMER: Advocates were busy helping state policymakers finish their business before recessing for a summer of campaigning. Ohioans are encouraged to ask every candidate or campaign this summer, “What will you do to reduce hunger in our community?” Here is a quick rundown of some of the legislation passed in the final hours before summer recess:

FOSTER CARE: Ohio expanded foster care to youth up to the age of 21. This has the potential to help a lot of youth transition successfully to adulthood and avoid homelessness and exploitation.

ELECTIONS: The governor vetoed a bill that would have imposed a poll tax if somebody sought a judicial order to keep polling locations open. Gov.  Kasich said the bill went too far in limiting the discretion of the common-pleas judge.

Also, online voter registration continues to be delayed in Ohio, despite the secretary of state’s approval of the system.

MEDICAL MARIJUANA: The Legislature legalized medicinal marijuana, however, this legislation didn’t address the criminal justice and racial justice concerns associated with decades of marijuana policy.

UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION: Ohio will use existing funds to pay off our unemployment compensation debt to the federal government. This temporarily delays action on a proposal that would have drastically cut benefits for unemployed workers. However, Ohio’s unemployment compensation system still needs structural improvements to guarantee promised benefits to families who face unemployment during the next economic slowdown.

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Pennsylvania – Tracey DePasquale, Director

www.lutheranadvocacypa.org

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South Eastern Synod–Hilton Austin, Director

haustin337@att.net

Having been officially authorized at the last Synod Assembly, we were very excited to have our first exhibit at the Southeastern Synod Assembly in June. The exhibit was well received, and several people signed up either as leaders or to participate in our state advocacy efforts. John Johnson joined us for the second year and announced to the delegation that we would receive a grant to help us continue to grow the ELCA’s first regional advocacy team. It was quite exciting and very well received by the entire assembly.

The assembly also passed a “Resolution for Congregational Advocacy.”: “Whereas … therefore, be it

“Resolved that all congregations of the Southeastern Synod be encouraged to keep their members informed on current state and national public policy by having at least one, but not limited to one, member to serve as a congregational advocate; and be it further

“Resolved that the synod advocacy team, in coordination with the Bishop, the synod staff, and the Washington, D.C. advocacy office, provide training, coordination, and support to the congregational advocates, and be it further

“Resolved that Congregational Councils encourage the 50,000 members of the Southeastern Synod to fully participate in public life by voting and regularly contacting their state and national representatives and sharing their opinions on pending legislation.”

On June 30, stakeholders from our four states are meeting to plan the path forward and begin discerning our priorities for the 2017 legislative season.

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Virginia – Kim Bobo, Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy

Neill Caldwell, Communications Director

http://www.virginiainterfaithcenter.org/ 

As part of the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy and its programs, Virginia Consumer Voices for Healthcare has increased efforts to get Virginia to take the $4.4 million daily of federal Medicaid funding to close its health insurance coverage gap.

Members of the Virginia Consumer Voices team attended a hearing on May 25 at the Virginia State Corporation Commission, which was called to evaluate the impact on Virginia residents of the proposed merger of health insurance giants Anthem and Cigna. A number of people testified, and all but one opposed  the proposed merger, which would reduce consumers’ choices on health insurance coverage in the commonwealth.

Representatives of the Medical Society of Virginia and the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association both opposed the merger, noting the anti-competitive marketplace that would result in an already highly concentrated health insurance market in Virginia, where Anthem dominates.

Virginia Consumer Voices Director Karen Cameron testified, pointing out the narrowed networks and lack of consumer choices that would result from the merger would hurt access to quality, affordable healthcare for people across Virginia.

The Bureau of Insurance still has to submit its report to the commission on the implications of the merger.

The Virginia Interfaith Center continues to prepare resources for its faith communities to use in organizing support for expanding healthcare and registering voters.

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Washington – Paul Benz, Faith Action Network

www.fanwa.org

FROM SUMMITS TO CLUSTERS: Faith Action Network has completed two of its four programmatic seasons: 1) the state legislative session, January through April; and 2) four regional summits in May and June. In August through October, we will convene 17 cluster gatherings. Each of our clusters are made up of four to eight faith communities in that local area, and each cluster gathers to share about advocacy efforts and discuss how they can more effectively partner with each other and the work of FAN.

INTERN SHUFFLE: During July and August, we say farewell to our three organizing interns from the ELCA, United Methodist Church, and United Church of Christ. We will welcome our new interns in August and early September.

INITIATIVES AND CANDIDATE FORUMS: Every year, FAN does candidate and initiative forums at faith communities around the state. We have about six or seven forum events in the beginning planning stages now. All of them will be after our state’s August primary. FAN has taken positions on five initiatives; two are already on the fall ballot:

• 732 – Carbon Tax (revenue neutral) FAN is neither opposed or supports
• 735 – Overturn Citizens United (campaign finance – memorial to congress) FAN supports
• 1433 – Increase Minimum Wage and Paid Sick & Safe Leave – FAN supports
• 1491 – Extreme Risk Protection Orders for gun responsibility – FAN supports
• 1515 – Require transgender people to use public bathroom by their sex at birth-FAN opposes

 

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Wisconsin – Cindy Crane, Lutheran Office for Public Policy in Wisconsin

www.loppw.org

HIGHLIGHTS IN JUNE! LOPPW is part of the emerging Wisconsin Climate Table, comprised of several secular environmental agencies and interfaith groups. Recently, we held an all-day meeting at the Midwest Renewable Energy Association in Stevens Point to set priorities.

LOPPW/Cherish All Children’s Northwest Synod team held a half-day conference on human trafficking at Grace Lutheran Church in Wisconsin Rapids (East-Central Synod). At the end, the Rev. Scott Adams led us in the blessing of letters participants wrote to their legislators.

SYNOD ASSEMBLIES: LOPPW distributed resources, increased its advocacy network and received invitations to further our outreach during the Greater Milwaukee and La Crosse Area synod assemblies.

Below, the Rev. Elias Nasari, Bishop Jim Arends, Thaurra Stallings, Bishop-elect Paul Erickson, intern Kyle Kreschmann, Ryan Hall and the Rev. Benjamin Morris say, ELCAvotes!

            

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Contact us at washingtonoffice@elca.org

 

Dear friend,

The refrain, “Lord, listen to your children praying” resounded during the July 8 ELCA Service of Prayer and Lamentation.  Organized as an opportunity to mourn together following the police shootings of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile, the service moved to include grief over police officers targeted by snipers at a peaceful demonstration in Dallas, which ended in five dead and six more wounded. Lord have mercy.

Today, all of our ELCA Advocacy staff grieve with our church and nation for this tragic loss of life, the repeated reminders of the wounds of racism, fear and injustice and our own complicity in their infliction. Bishop Eaton has called on ELCA ministries and members to be present in our communities in the wake of this and any violence; to accompany protesters, law enforcement, and any who are frightened, despairing or searching for hope. The Gospel calls us to be present, to show up in the places of pain. Here, under the shadow of the cross, is where Jesus promises he will meet us to be present with us through mercy, hope and transformation to new life.

ELCA Advocacy offers resources and guidance for our church to tend to the wounds of our neighbor and society by taking action to address racism, reduce violence and build healthy, safe and resilient communities through public policy advocacy. In addition to serving our neighbors by addressing hunger and poverty, we invite you to take part in opportunities listed below to make your voice heard on violence and racism.

• Take action on Gun Violence with a current alert urging Congress to take action on gun safety.
• Enact Sentencing Reform to address mass incarceration and end the new Jim Crow.
• Ensure the right to vote as #ELCAvotes continues to add resources to equip citizen disciples to faithful voting and civic participation.
• For working with local policing we recommend Building Momentum from the Ground Up: A Toolkit for Promoting Justice in Policing.

Many more advocacy opportunities exist in your local communities and through our state public policy office network. ELCA Advocacy is here to support you as you take action at any or all of these levels.

Lord, listen to your children praying. Lord, guide our actions to be present, to bring comfort and do justice.

Blessings,

The Rev. Amy Reumann

Director, ELCA Advocacy

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

By: Ryan Taylor, Legislative Intern

Congress has the capacity and, more importantly, the responsibility to act upon and pass S.2123, the Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act of 2016. This Congress; however, refuses to act upon the legislation and ignores millions of our brothers and sisters disproportionately affected by our current flawed and egregious sentencing laws. As a Church, we implore this Congress to act.

This legislation has broad bipartisan support in the Senate and is supported by the civil rights community and the faith community, among many others. The Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act would help restructure, revitalize, and effectively innovate our criminal justice system by reducing overly-aggressive sentencing laws for low-level drug crimes and, in turn, shrink not only the population of our federal prisons, but also the cost of running them.

Since 1986 and the implementation of mandatory minimum drug sentences, both the number of incarcerations and the overall length of time spent in prison by inmates have dramatically increased. In fact, according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons, today, nearly half of all federal inmates are serving sentences for low-level, nonviolent drug crimes.

Take, for example, the story of Sharanda Jones shared by Families Against Mandatory Minimums:

“When Sharanda herself was a child, her mother was paralyzed in a car accident. She did not meet her father until she was an adult. Sharanda’s grandmother worked, and the close-knit family relied on disability income and welfare support.”

After graduating from high school in 1985, Sharanda earned a food certification license and a cosmetology license. She maintained steady employment in both fields, but still struggled to support herself and her young daughter.

“Out of desperation, Sharanda made the bad decision to become involved in distributing cocaine and crack cocaine in the mid-1990s. In 1999, she was arrested and indicted in federal court along with several codefendants, including some family members. Sharanda was found guilty of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine at trial and sentenced to life without parole in federal prison…

How did this first-time, nonviolent offender end up with a life sentence? Sharanda was sentenced under the harsher crack cocaine penalties because The Court found that she knew, or should have known, that the powder cocaine she brought back was being converted into crack cocaine.”

Although Sharanda’s sentence was commuted by President Obama in December 2015 and she was released from prison in April 2016, the sentence she received was overzealous and abhorrent for a one-time, non-violent drug arrest given no prior criminal history. Sharanda’s case is not unique and amplifies the fundamental and thus systemic flaws in our current sentencing laws.

If enacted into law, S.2123 would expand what are known as safety-valve provisions. These provisions allow judges broader discretion to sentence low-level drug offenders to less time in prison if they meet certain requirements, as opposed to levying mandatory minimum sentences for low-level crimes. The bill would also allow some low-risk prisoners the opportunity to participate in rehabilitation programs designed to prevent prisoners from falling back into criminal behavior in order to earn up to a 25 percent reduction of their sentences. Moreover, the bill would develop alternatives to incarceration for low-level drug offenders who have shown no signs of violent behavior. Finally, this bill would repeal mandatory life sentences without parole for nonviolent drug offenders with “three strikes.”

The provisions of the Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act are commonsense, bipartisan, and are supported by a multitude of organizations and Americans across the country. Indeed, according to a 2012 Pew National Survey, 82 percent of respondents voiced support for sending fewer low-risk, non-violent offenders to prison and re-investing in alternatives to incarceration.

As Lutherans, we must continue to pursue and exhibit justice, love, and compassion for all God’s children. We must remember that we are all sinners, and we are reminded by Daniel 9:9 that “The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him.” Thus as both sinners and children of God, we must remain steadfast in seeking mercy and forgiveness in all that we do, and reforming our criminal justice system is one way in which we may advance these ideals.

Sharanda Jones’ experience is only one of many examples of why our criminal justice system is broken. Now is the time for Congress to act. No longer can we stand by and lock up our brothers and sisters under harsh and one-size-fits-all drug sentences. We must continue to advocate for reform, and Congress should take seriously our call for action and our pursuit of justice.

We are deeply saddened by the Supreme Court’s decision today on Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA) and the expansion of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA+) programs. This 4-4 decision will result in the continued separation of families, forcing them to live life in the shadows. As a church with deep immigrant roots and ministry in migrant communities, we pray today for the safety and well-being of the young people, sons, daughters, and parents that will be affected by the Court’s ruling in United States v. Texas. The Supreme Court decision sends this issue back to lower courts, effectively preventing the implementation of an executive order that would have provided parents of U.S. citizen children and some young people relief from deportation.

The ELCA will continue to be in ministry with migrant communities and work towards policies that reflect our biblical calling to welcome all children of God into our communities. As we are reminded in Proverbs 17:17, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” Let us strive ever to love at all times, and provide hope and comfort to our brothers and sisters in this time of adversity.

Learn more about the faith community’s response to today’s decision. Statements will be posted as they are made available:

The Interfaith Immigration Coalition: http://www.interfaithimmigration.org/issues/administrative-action-resources/

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The reflections you will encounter are from Gettysburg seminarians who traveled to Honduras and Guatemala earlier this year in order to better understand the conditions driving so many to leave their communities. The words you will read are excerpts from reports the students wrote as part of the class that brought them on this trip. The videos were recorded for ELCA Advocacy. Each entry highlights something the author learned when they met individuals from communities the ELCA accompanies or is in relationship with. We hope these reflections show the amazing power that individuals have to move from accompaniment to action by walking and advocating alongside affected communities.

We would like to thank Gettysburg Seminary and all of the students who shared their stories with us. 

(All names and locations referred to in these reflections have been changed to protect community members.)

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A call that all Christians have – by Chris Schaefer

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The power people of faith have to connect and listen

A reflection by Alaide Vilchis Ibarra, Assistant Director for Migration Policy

As a new(ish) U.S. citizen, I am always curious about what drives so many of us to be advocates in this country. These reflections remind me that when people of faith spiritually connect and truly listen to others, even those whose language we might not speak, God gives us an amazing power for good.

I am humbled that these seminarians chose to share faithful reflections about their trip to Central America, and I am proud that they viewed advocacy as part of their responsibility as faith leaders. I also know that there are thousands
of others who are out educating friends and neighbors about issues affecting their communities, visiting their elected officials to discuss their concern for brothers and sisters who live in poverty, and work in ministries that provide hope and support for people throughout the world.

As you read these reflections, I hope you take with you a sense of the amazing power that exists in sharing what we learn through accompaniment with others in community and with those in power so that we may live in a world where everyone is treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.

In the final reflection of this series, we will hear again from Chris Schaefer. Chris traveled to Washington, D.C. to speak with his elected officials about his experience in Central America. His movement from accompaniment to advocacy serves as a great example of the impact people of faith can have in affecting positive policy change.

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Protecting our environment and protecting each other – by Kayla Edmonds

https://youtu.be/yQqbzYaqs7g

“La lucha” “The struggle”

…The most surprising part of our trip to Central America was the massive impact that climate change plays in migration. Due to climate change the communities that had two growing seasons now only have one…If the crop doesn’t come through then they either have to go without or take out loans.

What exactly does accompaniment mean?

A friend of mine explained it to me by using the story from the bible the Road to Emmaus. In the road to Emmaus story, two of Jesus disciples are walking along the road to Emmaus when Jesus appears to them and walks alongside them. We are not Jesus in this story. I don’t think I can emphasize this enough. We. Are. Not. Jesus. We are one of the disciples and our neighbors in Central America are the other disciple. And as we are walking along together, Jesus comes and walks along beside of all of us.

Statistics vs. the real story

We see statistics all the time on migration. Rarely though do we ever hear the stories of those who have migrated or tried to migrate. These people are not numbers; they are real people who are simply trying to provide for themselves and their families a better life. I wasn’t sure what to expect from our trip to Central America, I had never been out of the country or even on a plane for that matter…

Through this trip I realized just how small my world and my view of the world truly was. And for that I am truly grateful. I am more aware of the world outside of my little world and of the need to walk beside of our brothers and sisters in Central America and beyond. Nothing has ever impacted me as much as this trip did, and I look forward to seeing how this experience will shape and change my future ministry.

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“I knew how much they were giving up” – by Ariel Williams

 

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He wanted to be home – by Patrick Ballard

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Reflexiónes de una peregrina – Reflections from a sojourner – by Jennifer Crist

“El sacrificio” “The sacrifice“

We began [our visit] by watching families and jovenes arriving at the end of their attempt to migrate…As we waited outside for the buses of deported migrants to arrive… I wondered who might arrive on the bus that had just been deported from the US due to increased ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) raids…

There were many more families traveling together than I expected… One could transport these families to somewhere like Disney World, stepping off of the shuttle bus after a long day of lines and rides and eating; carrying backpacks and sweaters.  But these families were not returning from any vacation. Instead of their backpacks carrying all that they needed for one day at the park, their backpacks were carrying all of their possessions, everything they needed to traverse multiple countries.  I wonder what I would put in my backpack?  What if my backpack got stolen?  What would I do?  Unfortunately, I imagine most of these families have faced these questions…

Our final visit of the day was to … a neighborhood claimed as a territory of the MS-18 gang… A twenty-five year old woman, named Luz, spoke about her journey north to Mexico, where she worked until she felt she could no longer be separated from her baby who remained in Honduras.  As she talked, she often paused, expressing her gratitude to God.  She spoke of the reasons she left, as being intimately interwoven with the violence of the neighborhood: “Here the colonia is very dangerous.  Living here limits us.  There is not work, because when they hear we are from this area, they don’t hire us.  We can’t get a loan, because of our address here.  One doesn’t LIVE like this, with insecurity and fear.”…Despite all of her negative experiences, she spoke of the hope she had felt when CASM [the Comisión de Acción Social Menonita] connected with her.  She said, “Thank God….No one ever helped me like that before.”

“Arroz Blanco” “White rice”

Despite being tired from a long day and food preparation in the hot, dark kitchen, I was pleasantly surprised by a migrant passing through, named Marco…Both of our childhood families were very poor.  My mother would prepare white rice with a little bit of milk and sugar for us for dinner; Marco’s mother would prepare arroz blanco with a little bit of coffee and sugar for him for dinner.  We both only realized as adults that this was because our mothers were poor and couldn’t afford better dinners.  To this day, he and I both adore white rice prepared the way our mother’s had prepared it when we were children.  White rice is our comfort food.  As I watched Marco depart the next day, I embraced him and whispered, “¡Te cuidas!” as I thought of his mother and of my oldest Guatemalan sons.  Though our experiences had been similar in childhood, I was born in a different geographical location, not needing to make a perilous journey to a better future.  While I could freely travel into and out of his country, he had to endure violence and hardship in order to enter mine.  A wave of guilt washed over me as I watched him depart with his backpack…

“La Lucha“ “The struggle”

[I] found myself reading about Jesus in the desert being tempted by Satan.  As I read about Jesus enduring many things (hunger, humiliation, etc.), I was reminded of stories that I had heard of hardship in traveling to El Norte….stories of hunger, violence, and violation of basic human rights.  After Jesus endured the temptation, Luke’s version simply has Jesus returning home.  And that is the reality of many migrants as well.  I imagine when Jesus returned home, he was tired from his journey in the desert, but he was filled with the power of the Holy Spirit.  According to the writer of Luke, Jesus did not go home to rest from his journey in the wilderness, but instead he began his public ministry of teaching.  And as Jesus stood up in his “home congregation” and revealed his authority from God, he also announced his job description to those who were gathered: to bring good news to the poor and to liberate the oppressed.  Jesus was focusing on justice and mercy.

After returning home…

As I finish this [reflection], the community I have been gathering as a mission developer, Communities of Hope, is preparing to gather in a coffee shop in Harrisburg, PA.  We will sing, hear God’s Word, and share a meal together.  However, we also intentionally decided that at every worship service we would have an advocacy component within our liturgy.  I will share one of the stories from Honduras (listed below) with the community tonight.

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¿Por qué están aquí? – by Chris Schaefer

On our first full day of travel in Honduras, we had the opportunity to visit with a small Lutheran community that gathered regularly at a home in [a] small village. While there, several gentlemen shared their stories of attempts to migrate north to Mexico and the United States. They demonstrated great candor in relating many of the trials, hardships, and set-backs they had experienced before leaving their families and friends behind… After the gentlemen wrapped up their accounts, a patriarch of the village stood up and asked our group, “¿Por qué están aquí?” or, “Why are you here?”  

He continued by expressing some confusion as to our purpose because after all of the questions and answers exchanged between our groups he was still unsure why we would come all this way to ask about information that we already knew, particularly regarding why folks were migrating and what faced them on their journeys. Many of us had to admit that we were actually fairly ignorant about the causes of the immigration crisis… The patriarch’s question struck a chord with me, though, and forced me to reexamine my reasoning in accompanying this group, as well as why our group was there as a whole.

Seeing the faces of our neighbors

The staggering statistics that surround these stories are often too vast to comprehend and fully internalize, but the story of an individual allows and enables us to see the faces of our neighbors and better live out our calling as Christians to love and care for all of our neighbors, regardless of whether they live right next door or in a country far from our home.

As we continued on the trip, my preconceived notions about the intelligence and abilities of those living in the Northern Triangle were continually shattered and rebuilt in a way where I could better see the true nature of partnership in community and how these strangers living in a foreign land demonstrated true discipleship…

Kindling a stronger sense of love, compassion, and justice

I drew great inspiration and strength from our interactions, and because of that, a stronger sense of love, compassion, and justice has been kindled within me, and I am quite certain that the Holy Spirit was present and active in, with, and among us. 

Their strength and courage and trust in God in all things has helped tear down walls of fear and anxiety that surrounded me. I feel strengthened and invigorated to live out my calling as a Christian and I plan to take the stories that were so trustingly and generously shared with us and pass them to others so that the Spirit may work through them as the Spirit has worked in me. 

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Today, Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wisc.) and the House of Representatives’ Task Force on Poverty, Opportunity, and Upward Mobility released a plan that will launch a bipartisan discussion on hunger and poverty and the policies required to end them.  ELCA Advocacy appreciates Speaker Ryan’s leadership, and that of all who make poverty in our nation a priority for conversation and action.

“As Christians, loving God and loving our neighbors includes commitment to any who suffer from hunger or poverty,” said the Rev. Amy Reumann, ELCA Director for Advocacy. “We are pleased that the plan doesn’t propose to cut or institute block-grants for anti-poverty programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and that it focuses on areas of importance to ELCA hunger work, including housing, childhood education and criminal justice reform as part of the larger picture.”

As a member of the Circle of Protection, a coalition of Christian denominations and anti-poverty organizations, the ELCA was part of meetings with Speaker Ryan’s office leading up to today’s release. Circle of Protection leaders offered this letter recommending key principles to include in the House committee’s plan.

ELCA Advocacy supports the plan’s intent to emphasize the importance of job training and the need to reduce barriers to employment. “We support adequate funding for poverty programs and encourage strong linkages between job training, work and support for families,” said John Johnson, ELCA Program Director for Domestic Policy.

ELCA Advocacy will continue to work with our advocates across the country to engage Speaker Ryan and members of Congress in this important discussion during the election year and beyond. As a church committed to racial justice, our participation will address areas not explored in the plan, including the disparate impact of poverty on people of color and the reality of individuals who face serious barriers to employment.

“In our meeting with Circle of Protection leaders prior to the plan’s release, Speaker Ryan’s staff noted that his Catholic faith led him to consider the whole person in addressing poverty,” noted Reumann. “ELCA Advocacy looks forward to working with our leaders to address hunger and poverty in a way that acknowledges the God-given dignity and worth of all persons.”

CENTRAL AMERICA BLOG SERIES: Gettysburg seminarians traveled to Honduras and Guatemala earlier this year to better understand the conditions driving so many Central Americans to leave their communities. Several of the students shared their experiences with ELCA Advocacy in a three-part blog series released last month. Each entry highlights something the author learned when they met individuals from communities the ELCA accompanies or is in relationship with. These reflections show the amazing power that individuals have to move from accompaniment to action by walking and advocating alongside affected communities. Help share the series now on the ELCA Advocacy Blog!

PRESSURE BUILDS ON FLINT, MICH: After months of divisive debate, members of Congress are still working to pass legislation to provide emergency aid for Flint, Mich. Flint’s residents have spent nearly three years dealing with lead contamination in their water. The U.S. Senate at the beginning of May proposed substantial federal funding for Flint in the draft Water Resources Development Act. Sen. Jim Inhofe’s, R-Okla., bill would enable federal resources to help Flint fix its failing water infrastructure and assist other cities facing similar crises. ELCA Advocacy sent an action alert on Flint in early May as President Obama was visiting the city, but action is still needed to prompt Congress to act. Take action now!

SOUTHEAST SYNOD LAUNCHES NEW ADVOCACY OFFICE: The Southeast Synod celebrated the opening the newest ELCA state public policy office during Southeast Synod Assembly in May. John Johnson, ELCA program director for domestic policy, was invited to make the announcement during Bishop Julian Gordy’s synod address. The Southeast Synod Advocacy Office will receive an initial grant of $30,000 to begin the coordinating work of this first regional (states include Georgia, Tennessee, Mississippi and Alabama) to address hunger and poverty and to equip ELCA members for advocacy.

Our major late victories include SB 190, a bipartisan bill from the Joint Budget Committee that will improve public services, particularly food assistance programs, by incentivizing better administrative practices and hiring additional state-level staff to increase enrollment of eligible families. Another win was SCR 006, which will go on the fall ballot and ask Colorado voters to strike the exception to slavery and involuntary servitude from the state constitution (Article II, section 26). This resolution passed both chambers unanimously.

Unfortunately, several bills we supported did not cross the finish line, including HB 1388. The bill would have given ex-offenders a better shot at being hired, thereby reintegrating into society and reducing recidivism, by “banning the box,” which means removing the question about an applicant’s criminal history from an initial job application form.

COLORADO PRAYER LUNCHEON: Rocky Mountain Synod Bishop Jim Gonia and LAM-CO Director Peter Severson attended the Colorado Prayer Luncheon on May 19, alongside partners in ministry from Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains. Speakers included Gov. John Hickenlooper and Denver Mayor Michael Hancock.

CONGREGATIONAL VISITS: Recent advocacy visits by the director include Our Savior’s, Denver; Glory of God, Wheat Ridge; and Shepherd of the Mountains, Estes Park.

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Pennsylvania – Tracey DePasquale, Interim-Director

www.lutheranadvocacypa.org

 

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Virginia – Kim Bobo, Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy

Neill Caldwell, Communications Director

http://www.virginiainterfaithcenter.org/ 

As part of the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy and its programs, Virginia Consumer Voices for Healthcare has increased efforts to get Virginia to take the $4.4 million daily federal Medicaid funding to close its health insurance coverage gap.

Members of the Virginia Consumer Voices for Healthcare team attended a hearing on May 25 at the Virginia State Corporation Commission, which was called to evaluate the impact on Virginia residents of the proposed merger of health insurance giants Anthem and Cigna. A number of people testified, all but one of whom spoke in opposition to the proposed merger, which would reduce the choices consumers will have on health insurance coverage in the commonwealth.

Representatives of the Medical Society of Virginia and the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association both spoke against the merger, noting the anti-competitive marketplace that would result in an already highly concentrated health insurance market in Virginia, where Anthem dominates.

Virginia Consumer Voices for Healthcare Director Karen Cameron testified, pointing out the narrowed networks and lack of consumer choice that would result from the merger would reduce access to quality, affordable health care for people across Virginia.

The Virginia State Corporation Commission’s Bureau of Insurance still has to submit its report to the commission on the implications of the merger for the state’s health insurance market.

The Virginia Interfaith Center continues to prepare resources for its faith communities to use in organizing support for expanding health care and registering voters.

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Washington – Paul Benz, Faith Action Network

www.fanwa.org

ORGANIZING SUMMITS: Faith Action Network (FAN) is in the midst of its four regional organizing summits around our state, where FAN is doing something new: issue work groups! FAN has established four work groups in the areas of economic justice, criminal justice, environmental justice and health care. Each group now has convenors, and the economic justice group is focused on getting signatures for a minimum-wage initiative to qualify for the fall ballot. The intent is to organize and activate our advocates by the issue groups that they select at our summits. The goal is to increase FAN’s effectiveness in creating the change that we all desire for our state and nation.

CONGRESS: The two key issues before Congress that FAN is working on are supporting the Senate Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act and opposing the child-nutrition bill in the House. The sentencing reform act is a bi-partisan effort to reduce mass incarceration by shortening sentences for low-level offenders.  The child-nutrition bill in the House will roll back years of good work to increase access to nutritious meals year-round.

SUPPORT FOR OUR MUSLIM NEIGHBORS:  FAN is involved in two on-going efforts to support the Muslim community in our state.  One is to encourage congregations to post signs at their church that say: “Blessed Ramadan to our Muslim neighbors” or “Love your (Muslim) neighbor as yourself.” The Minnesota Council of Churches has been an inspiration for this. The other is working with the Council on American Islamic Relations and local mosque leaders to negotiate an apology from the leader of an anti-Muslim campaign to keep a local mosque from being built.  The response has seen amazing community support for the mosque. An ELCA congregation hosted a recent forum that had standing room only.

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Wisconsin – Cindy Crane, Lutheran Office for Public Policy in Wisconsin

www.loppw.org

IT IS SYNOD ASSEMBLY SEASON!  In May, LOPPW was present at four synod assemblies. LOPPW led two workshops at two of the assemblies and had displays at each event.

 

SOUTH-CENTRAL SYNOD: (picture center-right)  Bob Lindmeier, well-known television weatherman and member of the Care for God’s Creation/Hunger team (in partnership with LOPPW), co-led a workshop on climate change with Pastor Nick Utphall and Intern Kyle Kretschmann.

NORTHERN GREAT LAKES SYNOD:  (picture far-right) Participants looking over LOPPW’s new resources on Money & Politics and human trafficking.

 

 EAST CENTRAL SYNOD: (picture far-right) Debbie Doney & Pastor Anne Edison took the pledge to vote.

NORTHWEST SYNOD:  (picture center-right)  Bishop Rick Hoyme and Rev. Mara Ahles-Iverson took the pledge! Elizabeth helped hold the sign but needs to wait a few years to vote.

CONGRATULATIONS TO LUTHERAN SOCIAL SERVICES of Wisconsin/Upper Michigan for its grant to offer a place for healing for youth victims of sex trafficking. LSS will receive a grant from part of the $2 million the state budgeted to help sex-trafficked youth in a rural area of Wisconsin. We appreciate everyone who advocated for this funding via our rally, in response to action alerts, and through our letter-writing campaigns. The state requested proposals several months ago, and LOPPW is are proud of LSS for being the agency chosen. LSS will manage a facility.

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Contact us at washingtonoffice@elca.org