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We are not a voice for the voiceless

Ali Brauner, Building Bridges and Cathedral in the Night Coordinator, Massachusetts

​This past September, I had the opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C. to take part in the 2015 ELCA Advocacy Convening. After a day of training, I was able to visit several legislators in their D.C offices to talk about the needs of people experiencing homelessness in Massachusetts, including homeless veterans. I am blessed to work with two amazing ministries in Northampton, Massachusetts, which draw their passion for social justice from a vantage point of Christian faith. These ministries are the Building Bridges Veterans Initiative, the veterans ministry program of the Episcopal Diocese of Western MA, and Cathedral in the Night, an ecumenical outdoor church in Northampton in the radical tradition of Jesus. I had no idea that these legislative meetings would have such long-lasting effects.

ELCA 2015 Convening

Brauner and ELCA World Hunger Director, Mikka McCracken, meeting with Congressman Joseph​​ Kennedy III (MA-4)

​​Cathedral in the Night and Building Bridges have become involved in legislative advocacy in the short months since the conference in September. The ELCA Advocacy office provided an opportunity in Washington which began relationships with legislators which we have continued to foster and grow, and these budding relationships are enhancing our ministries in incredible ways!

Too often, people who have experienced poverty of homelessness feel disempowered and voiceless. Our goal is not be a voice for the voiceless, but rather to empower people to speak on their own behalf. Since returning home from the Advocacy Convening, we have begun helping veterans, marginalized people, and those experiencing homelessness to tell their own stories, inviting them to local meetings with legislators to help inform policymakers about the very real way that laws and decision affect people across the country.

Recently, we have even been able to invite local legislators to our weekly lunches that we put on for veterans in Western MA. We have also invited state legislators to Cathedral in the Night’s Sunday service to participate and engage with our community. None of this would have been possible without the help of the ELCA’s Advocacy Office, and it has been such a blessing to see all the unexpected ways that these opportunities have popped up and augmented this important work.

I also hope you’ll consider contributing to Building Bridges this Holiday Season. The work of Building Bridges continues through the creation of intentional communities of veterans, often around food at our free meals! Visit this link below for more information! http://www.buildingbridgeswma.com/​

Advent Reflection: A Christmas wish for mothers and children

Patricia Kisare, Director for International Policy Advocacy

As I reflect on the birth of Jesus during this Advent season, one area of the nativity story I have increasingly become curious about is the health needs of Mary and baby Jesus. From our perspective today, we know that maternal health is intrinsically linked to the well-being of mother and child from pregnancy to birth and all the way to second birthday. It is one of the biggest worries for many expecting parents. As I think about what must have been an exciting but also frightening experience for Mary, I can’t help but wonder whether Mary had these same worries when she was pregnant with baby Jesus. Did she have care—traditional or otherwise—available to her? My assumption is that even Mary, who was carrying and would give birth to God, must have worried  about the health of her baby and that of herself.

As Christians, we all know that the annunciation and birth of Jesus Christ was a miracle. Despite her circumstances, this young and poor mother was able to deliver her baby safely. Perhaps Mary didn’t necessarily need maternal health care the way most of us would. After all, she was to deliver the Messiah. But for many women around the world, lack of maternal health care can mean death to them and/or their child.

On one hand, giving birth to a child is a miraculous, wholesome, life-giving occasion. On the other hand, 300,000 women continue to die every year from causes related to pregnancy and childbirth. Furthermore, more than 5 million children die each year from preventable causes. Nearly all of these deaths occur in developing countries.

In my work as policy director for international issues, I work with other faith-based partners to bring to Congress’ attention some of these challenges and advocate for policy changes as called for by the wider church. Improving child and maternal health care is one of the issues on which we continue to work—particularly as we reflect on the birth of Jesus. While policy change alone is not a panacea, we can help mend areas and systems throughout the world that we know have hindered progress. It is my prayer and hope this Advent season that soon we will be able to solve the tragedy of maternal and newborn deaths.

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and do not forget all his benefits –

who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases,

who redeems your life from the Pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,

who satisfies you with good as long as you live so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

(Psalm 103: 2-5) 

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​Patricia serves as Director for International Policy Advocacy in Washington, D.C. 

ELCA Advocacy at the Paris Climate Summit

Mary Minette

Mary Minette, Interim Director of Advocacy, traveled to Paris as world leaders met to discuss a global agreement to address climate change. She served as part of a delegation representing ACT Alliance, of which the ELCA is a member. Follow our Advocacy Blog as she shares her daily reflections and the status of the negotiations.

UPDATE: On Saturday, December 12, leaders from 195 nations concluded the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris by approving a global agreement to address climate change. This agreement includes a commitment to keep global warming well below 2 degrees.​

A global climate agreement is adopted!

After years of negotiations, the Paris Accord was approved on Saturday, December 12

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On Saturday, December 12, leaders from 195 nations concluded the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris by approving a global agreement to address climate change. This agreement includes a commitment to keep global warming well below 2 degrees. 

We stand at a critical moment, when the world has come together to decide the framework for our shared future.

People of faith showed up in unprecedented numbers for the climate talks in Paris because we believe that this moment includes a moral obligation to our most vulnerable neighbors, to future generations, and to all of God’s creation to act on climate change.

The Paris agreement sets the world on a pathway to stewardship, justice and sustainability. All countries have, for the first time, agreed to take concrete steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to review and increase their commitments over time.

The Paris agreement includes financial pledges to help developing countries adopt  clean energy technologies and adapt to already-occurring impacts of climate change.  It also includes provisions that will help the most vulnerable countries avoid the worst of human suffering from irreversible climate damage in the future,  and it sets the world on a more sustainable, low carbon, development pathway.

The outcome of the Paris talks reflects momentum brought by a growing global movement of people and communities around the world, including communities of faith, who are leading the way in pushing for a better future.

As we leave Paris and return to our own communities, we must continue to act in solidarity with those who are most vulnerable to climate change, with those yet to come, and with all of God’s creation.”

Along with membership in ACT Alliance, the ELCA is also a member of the Lutheran World Federation and World Council of Churches. Together these organizations had a delegation of over 100 in Paris for the summit. You can read ACT Alliance’s response to the Paris Accord here.

Paris reflection: Day 5

COP21 End Game

12/11/2015

Today is the last official day of the Paris Climate meeting, and this morning in Le Bourget things are quiet. The calm in the halls is deceptive—many of the country delegates and much of civil society spent the night here, dissecting and discussing the latest draft produced at 10 p.m. last night by the French presidency of the COP. Early this morning, COP President Laurent Fabius closed the all-night session, telling delegates that they should spend the day working through their differences and that there will be a new “final” text Saturday morning and a target adjournment for the COP of 2 p.m. Saturday afternoon.​

As expected, some big issues are still to be resolved on this last day. Although the current text now mentions a global temperature goal of less than two degrees Celsius, with an aspirational goal of 1.5 degrees, there are still disagreements about when and how national emissions reduction contributions will be presented, evaluated, and potentially increased in ambition.

The issue of “differentiation”—how the agreement will treat countries that are less responsible for climate emissions and less able to reduce their emissions because they lack the means to do so and are still working to bring significant parts of their populations out of poverty—is reflected in the current draft in a number of different ways, but the language is not consistent and few parties are satisfied. As I noted earlier in the week, to reach the aspirational 1.5 degrees goal, all countries must reduce their emissions and adopt low carbon energy sources, but not all countries can reach those goals easily. Because of this, the differences in their capabilities must be reflected if the agreement is to succeed.

How these vulnerable countries can be helped to both adopt low carbon energy pathways and adapt to the inevitable impact of climate change is also still murky. The parties seem to be in agreement that wealthy countries will work to mobilize at least $10 billion in assistance annually by 2020 and beyond, but how that funding will be increased as needed is still to be agreed upon.

Regular review of goals and a transparent process that allows for evaluation and comparison between countries is critical to ensuring that these goals are increased over time. As I noted yesterday, current INDCs will only allow us to stay below three degrees Celsius, so increased ambition, and this review process, are key to success. Some countries are still fighting to prevent strong and transparent review. Perhaps they have something to hide?

And finally, the issue of loss and damage (how the agreement will deal with irreversible, and in many cases, catastrophic impacts of climate change) is still under discussion, although a number of proposals to bridge gaps between different positions are on the table.​

Paris reflection: Day 4

Aspirations vs. Reality: How to Evaluate the Outcome of Paris?

12/10/2015

Yesterday in COP21, Secretary of State John Kerry gave a speech to a packed room of reporters. He outlined the current official U.S. view of where things are with the negotiations for a new global climate agreement.  Overall, his tone was optimistic and upbeat. He talked about the transition to a new, clean energy future by pledging to double the amount of grants that the U.S. makes to climate adaptation efforts in developing countries by 2020 (the year the agreement will take effect), and for the first time, pledging U.S. support for a worldwide goal of keeping global average temperatures below 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

In the past two days, a group of more than 100 countries, including the U.S., came forward to push for a more ambitious climate agreement. Calling themselves the “high ambition coalition,” they have collectively agreed to support an “ambitious, durable and legally binding” deal that includes the below-1.5 temperature goal, a clear pathway for a low-carbon future, strong updates of nationally-determined goals every five years, and a strong commitment from developed countries to support vulnerable countries with at least $100 billion annually.

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This is a hopeful sign that the agreement reached at the end of this week will be strong. However, many are pointing to the reality that the existing national commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions submitted by more than 180 countries before the start of the COP, sets the world on a pathway to a global temperature increase of 3 degrees Celsius.

With that kind of gap between vision and reality, how will we be able to evaluate the outcome of these talks?

If the agreement does include a five-year process to re-evaluate those national commitments with enough transparency that the commitments can be verified and compared, the hope is that the political will to make the changes required to bring the world to a 1.5 degree pathway will come over time.  As countries realize that more significant reductions are possible and even economically beneficial, they will come forward with more significant cuts at the five-year reviews.

A new draft text was released yesterday afternoon, and many issues are still in dispute, including the review process and the global temperature goal.  Parties met late into the night.

Stay tuned!

U.S. Climate Action Network Press Conference​
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On Wednesday, Dec. 9, Mary spoke as part of a panel of experts from the U.S. Climate Action Network in response to Secretary of State John Kerry’s speech at the Paris Climate Talks. Here is the statement she gave:

“Loss and damage is of paramount concern to people of faith following these talks because we know that the most challenging and irreversible impacts of climate change—sea level rise, long term drought, massive storms and other natural disasters—are already falling hardest on our most vulnerable neighbors.”

“The faith community is highly supportive of the announcement Secretary Kerry made today, indicating that the US will double its commitment to adaptation focused development assistance by 2020. This money is sorely needed, and we hope that this is only the beginning of a process to increase funding for adaptation post-2020. We in the faith community stand ready to help make that happen, just as we stood with the Administration when it made its commitment to the Green Climate Fund.”

Click here to watch the full press conference.

Paris reflection: Day 3

Advent Reflection: In Paris, waiting for light (with hope)

12/9/2015

All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not overcome it (John 1:3-5).

In Advent, Christians wait for the light of Christ, lighting candles and speaking of hope.

This Advent, light has multiple layers of meaning for me as I sit in Paris watching, hoping and working for a new global agreement to address climate change.

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Paris is frequently referred to as the City of Light, but this December it’s a city emerging from the darkness of the recent terrorist attacks that left more than 100 people dead. In the last few days I’ve seen Parisians going about their daily business—shopping, sitting in cafes, walking their children to school in the morning, hurrying home at the end of the day with baguettes and groceries. There are a lot of armed police and security guards—standing on street corners, in the metro stations, in big department stores filled with Christmas shoppers—but people seem determined to go on with their ordinary lives and their preparations for the holidays.

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness does not overcome it.

In the vast complex in the Paris suburbs that houses the climate talks, signs of hope and light are faint but present: countries may disagree, but they are talking. Every few days a new draft text comes out and there are fewer “brackets” (which are placed around disputed phrases) and greater consensus. I came into the meeting with many questions. Will leaders only agree to keep temperatures below 2 degrees Celsius or can they agree to a more ambitious and safer 1.5 degrees? Is their goal of raising $100 million per year in financial assistance for developing countries even possible? How often will countries review their national emissions reduction commitments? All of these issues were still up in the air after more than a year of negotiations.

But talks seem to be coalescing around common points of agreement, and hope is growing that an agreement that will move us toward a cleaner shared future is possible.

Last week, African heads of state gathered here to announce the African Renewable Energy Initiative to develop at least 10 gigawatts of new renewable energy generation capacity by 2020, and at least 300 gigawatts by 2030, potentially making the continent, which is now one of the most energy impoverished regions, the cleanest in the world. The African Development Bank and other financial institutions, including the World Bank, pledged an initial $5 billion to support the initiative. On Monday, the group of seven advanced economies (G7) and the European Union pledged an additional $10 billion in grants and loans to support this plan.

“The light shines in the darkness .…”

At the beginning of the talks, the list of remaining issues was long. As the days pass, those issues are beginning to find solutions. An agreement from Paris will not solve every problem faced by God’s creation, but it moves us closer to a more hope-filled future. Today we expect a new, more streamlined draft from the French leaders of the Conference of the Parties. I am hopeful that this momentum will continue and that the negotiations will end with a strong agreement to tackle the challenge of climate change.

“… and the darkness did not overcome it.”

Paris reflection: Day 2

It’s “Loss and Damage” Day

12/8/2015

Today the focus is on one of more difficult issues that negotiators are grappling with at this two-week-long meeting—how will the global community manage the impacts of climate change that are becoming more inevitable the longer we wait to reduce carbon emissions? “Loss and damage” refers to the long term and slow onset impacts that are difficult, and in some cases impossible, for people and communities to manage. This includes sea level rise that consumes coastal lands (or entire low-lying island nations), rising ocean temperatures that decimate fish populations and the livelihoods of fishing communities, and long term drought that drives small farmers from their land.

IMG_222Wealthy industrialized countries, which are responsible for the majority of the emissions that are causing climate change, have long resisted action to address loss and damage out of fear that doing so would create significant financial liability. However, in 2013, countries agreed to create the “Warsaw Mechanism on Loss and Damage” to study the issue and develop strategies and resources to manage.

The Warsaw Mechanism is due to finish its initial work in 2016, so now leaders look to answer the question: what will happen after that first work period is over. Vulnerable countries argue that the new climate agreement must meaningfully address loss and damage, and should result in developing ways to support them as they face a difficult future.

Unfortunately, much of the media coverage of loss and damage this week is focused on money and liability, even though many of the irreversible impacts of climate change will not be easily quantified but will still challenge the international community in unprecedented ways. For example, people who are forced to leave their communities due to climate impacts, such as sea level rise or long-term drought, are not considered refugees under international law and are therefore not eligible for humanitarian assistance. In a more extreme example, if a small island nation disappears due to rising sea levels, there are no means currently available to address its loss of territory and sovereignty, or to help its citizens who have lost their country.

The longer countries wait to reduce emissions, the more urgent this debate will become. At this point, it seems that the Warsaw Mechanism will be included in the new agreement and will be given an ongoing mandate to develop solutions to build more resilient communities, to work with other UN agencies to address climate migration, and to find and encourage innovative ways to manage risk. But today at COP21, there is an opportunity to make sure that the Paris agreement provides assurances to vulnerable people, communities and nations that they can face the future with hope.

Paris reflection: Day 1

To avoid catastrophic climate change, who must act?

12/7/2015

Today is my first day in the Paris climate meeting, but the parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP21) have already been meeting for a week, with the goal of completing a new global agreement on climate change by the end of this week.

dc2So how does it look?

A new draft agreement was completed on Friday. A number of subgroups continue to work on specific issues, including the all-important question of money, and something called “differentiation” in the agreement. ​Differentiation is essentially the idea that while all parties are responsible for reducing gre​enhouse gas emissions to help combat climate change; different parties have different responsibilities based on their abilities and on their share of climate emissions.  Here is the big question and the reason this addition is controversial: How are countries’ responsibilities measured or determined?  If responsibility is determined by historic emissions, the United States and the European Union are the parties who should do the most. If it is determined by current emissions, emerging economies such as China, India and Brazil will need to accept more responsibility for their increasing emissions.

For the world to avoid catastrophic warming and remain well below an increase of 2 degrees Celsius, all countries will need to act, and all will need to accept and assume responsibility. Some countries may need help—financial and technical—to comply and to ensure that economic development that lifts people out of poverty is sustainable and low carbon producing.  Others, including some emerging economies, may need flexibility to address ongoing development needs and still-significant levels of poverty.

This issue of differentiation may hold the key to a strong and durable agreement here in Paris, but it remains to be seen whether new economic powers will accept new levels of responsibility for their emissions. Equally important is whether wealthy countries will pledge sufficient funds to help the most vulnerable countries adopt sustainable, low carbon development pathways and adapt to current and ongoing impacts of climate change.

“Let’s open our doors” – Impressions from a country which has changed

Daniel Lenski, Lutheran Office for World Community

After working for one year at the Lutheran Office for World Community (LOWC) in New York, I was excited to return to Germany and learn how the current refugee situation had changed my home country. Though I had expected some changes, I was surprised just how the refugee crisis has changed the everyday life here in Steinbach, a town of 10,000 inhabitants near Frankfurt.

One day after my arrival, I was invited to the staff meeting at my home church. We spoke about the situation of the refugees in Steinbach almost the entire morning. Both pastors in my Lutheran church dedicate a huge amount of their time on this situation. They spend time with the refugees, help to organize sustainable circles of support, and recently, the congregation discussed the option to offer church asylum to those in need.

Around 50 refugees are already staying in Steinbach. 120 more are expected to arrive by the beginning of next year. The municipality is eager to organize the necessary accommodation, using for example the old changing rooms of our soccer stadium and the building of the former youth center. And there are so many details needing to be organized: Herbert, one of the pastors, checked in with the municipality to make sure that every refugee has enough space in his or her future rooms.

I am positively surprised about the involvement of so many volunteers in my home town: people donate bicycles, blankets and clothing.  Sixty people are on a volunteer`s mailing list of the group “Refugees in Steinbach” – led by a member of our church. The rooms of the Church Center are occupied with German courses. And the parish council has decided to build a new house in order to offer more housing to refugees – and to low-income individuals, once the refugee crises has come to an end.

Of course, there are critical voices as well. My neighbors are concerned whether it will be possible to integrate individuals without any knowledge of German culture. Some people remark that many municipalities can hardly fulfill their normal duties since so many resources are allocated to the refugee situation. And also that some of the volunteers will need a break one day.

But most Christians I have talked to agree with the parish’s efforts. Last Sunday, we celebrated an ecumenical divine service, dedicated to the refugee situation. The small church was packed. “Mary and Joseph knocked at Christmas at so many doors – but they were closed. Let us do it differently – even if we don’t know what’s going to happen” – Pastor Herbert encouraged the attendees to continue their efforts to make Steinbach a hospitable town.

December Advocacy Update

ELCA Advocacy

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

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Washington, D.C. – Mary Minette, Interim Director of Advocacy

www.elca.org/advocacy

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COP21 PARIS: In the beginning of this month, 150 heads of state are gathering in Paris to negotiate an international agreement that addresses the global issue of climate change. President Obama gave remarks at the first session of the United Nations Conference on Climate Change (#COP21), stating that, “the growing threat of climate change could define the contours of this century more dramatically than any other.” ELCA Advocacy Interim Director, Mary Minette, arrived in Paris on Saturday to participate in the summit on behalf of ACT Alliance. Mary is joined by a number of partners from ACT Alliance, World Council of Churches, Lutheran World Federation, as well as ecumenical partner church leaders. Visit the ELCA Advocacy blog to read the first update and keep up to date on the negotiations!

SYRIAN REFUGEES: In light of the tragic attacks in Paris, ELCA Advocacy joined our U.S. partner, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS), to take action to support and protect Syrian refugees who are forced to flee violence in their communities. On November 18, the Rev. Elizabeth Eaton, Presiding Bishop of the ELCA, also called for support of refugee resettlement saying, “We are not naive about possible new threats of terrorism, but denying refuge to thousands of desperate people is not who we are as Christians, nor will it guarantee our security. Multiple ELCA bishops from across the country voiced their thoughts on resettlement as well. “The United States is a welcoming country with a religiously diverse society, and our refugee resettlement program should continue to reflect this.” Learn more and find out how you can take action at www.LIRS.org.

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INTERNATIONAL HEALTH: As we prepare for the season of Christmas, ELCA Advocacy is supporting the Reach Every Mother and Child Act, an initiative in Congress that would improve strategies and access to healthcare for mothers and young children across the world. Lutheran social ministry organizations both here at home and abroad continue to provide health services—including child and maternal health, to those in need of it. You can share this message and offer your support at theELCA Action Center!

MONEY IN POLITICS: In the coming weeks, Congress will vote on a $1.15 trillion omnibus spending package that will likely include a campaign-finance policy rider. The proposed rider threatens to do away with spending limits set for political party expenditures in elections. This proposal in Congress comes in the wake of several narrow Supreme Court rulings, including Citizens United v. FEC, which greatly increased the role that money plays in our political process. Check out the ELCA Action Center and the Advocacy Fact Sheet on Money in Politics to find out how you can get involved and prevent more money from distorting our politics.

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New York, NY – Dennis Frado​, Lutheran Office for World Community

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PRESENTATION ON CIVIL SOCIETY AND THE SDGs: On Nov. 5, Daniel Lenski (LOWC) together with Lynnaia Main (The Episcopal Church) gave a presentation on the participation of civil society in the development of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at a student seminar, organized by United Methodist Women. The students were from American University in Washington, D.C., and had a particular interest in the role of faith-based organizations within the U.N. system. Daniel also discussed the role of the LWF and the ELCA in the implementation of the goals.

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DAVID WUNCH VISITS LOWC: On Nov. 20, David Wunsch, director of Unit Operations and Programs, Global Mission, visited LOWC. He attended the International Peace Institute discussion on leadership and global partnerships in the face of today’s refugee crisis, which featured a conversation with  U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees António Guterres, and State Secretary for Foreign Affairs of Sweden Annika Söder. Wunsch also attended a plenary session of the General Assembly on “global awareness of the tragedies of irregular migrants in the Mediterranean basin with specific emphasis on Syrian asylum seekers.”

FAREWELL TO DANIEL LENSKI: After completing a one-year internship with LOWC, we bid farewell to Daniel Lenski. He came from the Protestant Church in Hesse and Nassau/EKHN, Germany. Daniel followed several issues at the United Nations, including those related to gender justice, reform of the Security Council, freedom of religion and belief, the post-2015 process, and other thematic discussions, such as the process of debt restructuring and the situation of migrants, among others. LOWC is grateful to Daniel  for his service and to EKHN for supporting him.

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California – Mark Carlson, Lutheran Office of Public Policy

www.loppca.org​

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As California grieves the San Bernardino massacre, Solaris musicians who sang in the Capitol’s rotunda the day before continue their California appearances, comforting and gently challenging audiences with sounds of care, peace, community, joy and gratitude. LOPP-CA Director Mark Carlson heard them at the Parliament of World Religions and remarked how good they would sound in the rotunda. One thing led to another, and they were the first group in a daily holiday concert series that runs through Dec. 23.  Prior to a concert in the St. John’s Lutheran sanctuary, they lifted the spirits of more than  100 homeless men and women camping overnight in St. John’s social hall, part of the intermittent Safeground hospitality at a few Midtown churches.  At dinner with Carlson, they had brought up the “gun culture” they had experienced in New Mexico and Arizona, where they had just been, an experience that clashed with their Canadian roots.

As California prepared to send a strong delegation of public officials and advocates to Paris, a November highlight was the California Interfaith Power & Light (CIPL) Cool Climate Awards service at the Catholic Cathedral of Christ the Light in Oakland. Lutheran Church of the Incarnation in Davis received the top award in the energy efficiency category. Their choir sang “For the Beauty of the Earth,” among an eclectic mix of musicians and choirs. Carlson, who is a CIPL steering committee member, nominated them for the award. He also presented the water stewardship award to a Catholic girls middle school in Los Angeles County.

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Colorado – Peter Severson, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Colorado

www.lam-co.org

LEGISLATIVE AGENDA FOR 2016: The Policy Committee of Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-Colorado met in early November to discuss the ministry’s 2016 legislative agenda. Items adopted included:

  • A continuing commitment to anti-hunger work through the programs that were federally reauthorized this summer under the banner of child nutrition
  • Support for poverty reduction measures like raising the minimum wage and supporting robust investment in social and human services programs
  • Improving access to health care through effective implementation of Connect for Health Colorado and expanding Medicaid enrollment among especially vulnerable populations
  • Calling for racial justice in the processes and structures of contemporary society and encouraging congregations to be a prophetic witness to that call
  • Promoting the construction of more low-income housing by renewing the state Low-Income Housing Tax Credit

LOW-INCOME HOUSING: LAM-CO Director Peter Severson spoke at the Colorado Social Legislation Committee’s Fall Forum in November, addressing faith community responses to the housing crisis in Colorado, particularly in urban areas. The forum was titled, “Can We Afford to Live in Metro Denver Anymore?”

LOOKING AHEAD: The Colorado General Assembly will convene for its annual 120-day session on Jan.13.

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Illinois – Jennifer DeLeon, Lutheran Advocacy Illinois

www.lutheranadvocacy.org

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Although we are not hearing news stories about the unaccompanied migrant children, we know they are here and need our help. That is why we are collaborating with Mary Campbell, ELCA manager for relationships in Latin America and the Caribbean, ELCA Global Mission, as part of an outreach network to the three synods for educating, recruiting, and involving congregations in the AMPARO (Accompanying Migrant Minors with Protection, Advocacy, Representation and Opportunity) strategy. LA-I will offer workshops to educate, recruit and train individuals and congregations to participate in three areas: volunteer for the Guardian Angels program (immigration court visitation), become a welcoming congregation, and recruit advocates for immigration issues identified by the Washington office in partnership with Assistant Director of Migration Policy and Advocacy Alaide Vilchis Ibarra.

In November, we met with the Metropolitan Chicago Synod to begin the planning process of rolling this campaign out to the synod, and we went with Mary Campbell to the Chicago immigration court where many of the children have to make the trip to Chicago from Indiana and Wisconsin. Some have legal representation and others do not and need our help. As part of the Guardian Angels program, you can help guide these families in obtaining the resources they need for their next court date. If you live in Illinois, please consider becoming a volunteer for the Guardian Angels program. For more information, contact Jennifer.Deleon@lssi.org or Mary.Campbell@elca.org.

For a more in-depth look at the migrant children issue: Our Communities in Crisis Central America Report.

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Minnesota – Tammy Walhof, Lutheran Advocacy Minnesota tammy@lcppm.org

November was a month filled with many coalition meetings and collaborative plans.

PAYDAY LENDING: Work continues on a joint summit to build a broader understanding of payday lending. The event, scheduled for Jan. 28, will include basic background on payday lending, faith perspectives on lending and usury, tips for countering payday lending industry arguments, prophetic messaging and preaching, and healthy alternatives.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING/HOMELESSNESS: After listening to weekly proposals, the Homes for All Policy Team moved into decision-making for the 2016 session. Previously, the coalition decided to support bonding for supportive housing development/rehab, existing housing preservation, homeownership support (land trusts), and public housing rehab (energy upgrades/conservation). In December, we’ll decide what else to support from the more than 14 programs and policy proposals.

CLEAN ENERGY/CLIMATE: LA-MN participated in a three-year proposal for Clean Energy & Climate Cluster work under Minnesota Environmental Partnership, including expansion of grassroots education and action. Lutheran Advocacy-MN has also been part of a multi-organization effort pulling together a Clean Energy State Table, beyond but interrelated to the Minnesota Environmental Partnership cluster effort.

IMMIGRATION: As anti-immigrant/refugee fervor increases, LA-MN has been consulting colleague groups to find appropriate ways to counter fear and misinformation. Given rhetoric, LA-MN’s work will primarily focus on changing the tone to create a welcoming environment.

NOVEMBER EVENTS AND PRESENTATIONS: Director Tammy Walhof presented LA-MN and effective advocacy to church forums, interns from a partner, and the Southwestern Minnesota Synod Council.

LA-MN helped sponsor several climate education events, and Tammy continued “clean energy/climate conversations.”     Facebook  Twitter: @LuthAdvocacyMN

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New Mexico – Ruth Hoffman, Lutheran advocacy Ministry New Mexico www.lutheranadvocacynm.org

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The 2015 Lutheran Advocacy Ministry-NM annual Advocacy Conference took place on Saturday, Nov. 7, at St. Timothy Lutheran Church in Albuquerque.  Approximately 75 advocates attended, including ELCA Lutherans from around the state and many of our ecumenical partners. Breakout session topics were hunger in New Mexico, predatory lending, solitary confinement, and the 2016 LAM-NM advocacy agenda.

During lunch, state Sen. Jerry Ortiz y Pino spoke about how his Roman Catholic faith informs his legislative work and about the upcoming legislative session.​

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Ohio – Nick Bates, The Faith Coalition for the Common Good nick@oneohionow.org

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The Southern Ohio Synod Advocacy Taskforce partnered with synod hunger leaders in hosting “The World’s Largest Potluck” for an advocacy day on Nov. 18. Joined by partners with Lutheran Social Services and the Mid-Ohio Foodbank, advocates spoke with multiple legislative offices on the important role that public policy plays in ending hunger in our communities.

The day was grounded in the image of a potluck – where everyone contributes a little so that everyone can have a lot. Advocates explained to legislators and staff that we can end hunger in Ohio with small changes in public policies. Specifics regarding state imposed barriers to SNAP benefits were discussed. The group also spoke about the importance of improving Ohio’s Earned Income Tax Credit to help more hard working families struggling to get by.

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The advocates reminded everyone that we need to remember that hunger is year round, and not just a problem during the holidays. “We are grateful to all of the generosity that pours out at this time of year, but we pray and challenge our state leaders to prioritize ending hunger in 2016,” Southern Ohio Synod Bishop Suzanne Dillahunt said. “Through public leadership, and our partnership, we can eradicate hunger in Ohio.”

For further information please contact Nick Bates, Southern Ohio Synod Advocacy Ministries at  Batesyep@gmail.com.

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Pennsylvania – Amy Reumann, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania

Tracey DePasquale, Associate Director

www.lutheranadvocacypa.org

PA2

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania’s Policy Council and bishops met the first week of December to adopt a 2016 agenda. All expressed profound gratitude to the Rev. Amy Reumann as she departs to head ELCA Advocacy in Washington, D.C. Amy led Lutheran advocacy in Pennsylvania for more than six years equipping disciples to speak from their faith as well as bearing bold personal witness to the gospel in the public square. She will be deeply missed, but Pennsylvania is heartened and happy for the gifts she brings to the wider church. Associate Director Tracey DePasquale will serve as interim director.

LAMPa celebrated the passage of a bill to expand the state Housing Trust Fund, which will improve access to safe, affordable housing and eliminate blight. The payday lending industry has made its now annual appearance in the chaos of the close of a budget process. Staff visited lawmakers and continue to work with the broad statewide coalition in opposition to this new attack on the state’s excellent consumer protection laws.

Tracey attended the second meeting of the new State Food Security Partnership, offering perspectives of the experience of the ELCA World Hunger network. LAMPa also reached out to our congregational hunger ministries to join a letter to the governor seeking additional funding for hunger in his next budget proposal. Amy preached and taught an adult forum at Trinity in Reading and participated in an interfaith prayer service and march on climate change at the state capitol.

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Virginia – Charles Swadley, Interim President and CEO

http://www.virginiainterfaithcenter.org/

The Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy will hold its annual meeting Dec. 8 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Richmond. The speaker will be Michael Cassidy, CEO of the Commonwealth Institute for Fiscal Analysis. The Center will recognize State Sen. John Watkins as the Legislator of the Year, and the Virginia Poverty Law Center for its work in health care, predatory lending and fighting hunger.

On Nov. 18, the center hosted a summit on childhood hunger, bringing together more than 50 leaders from multiple faiths across the commonwealth. Discussion centered around an agreement toward common advocacy for legislation to support universal breakfast in the classroom. And coming up on Jan. 20, VICPP will hold its annual Day for All People at the Virginia Union University in Richmond.

Mental health problems are particularly visible in the U.S. prison system, with a population of more than 2 million, 400,000 of whom have a mental health diagnosis, reports Karen Cameron of Virginia Consumer Voices. Among Virginia’s incarcerated population, 1 in 4 have had a mental health diagnosis. Virginia has had some unfortunate experience with this issue, with the deaths of Jamycheal Mitchell in the Hampton Roads Regional Jail as he waited for a bed to open up in the over-crowded Virginia state hospital system, and Natasha McKenna in the Fairfax County Jail. Both had been diagnosed with schizophrenia, but neither had access to mental health care while incarcerated.

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Washington – Paul Benz, Faith Action Network

www.fanwa.org

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The state legislative “committee days” were held in the capitol before the week of Thanksgiving in preparation for the 2016  60-day session, which begins on Monday, Jan. 11. Faith Action Network (FAN) was there for meetings with legislators, coalition partners, and to prepare for our Interfaith Advocacy Day on Feb. 4. To view our 2016 legislative agenda click here. Our key issue remains reducing wealth inequality. FAN will be support a 2016 ballot initiative effort to increase our state’s minimum wage and fund our sick-leave policy. Other priorities will be criminal justice reforms, such as post-secondary education in our prisons, legal financial obligation reforms (debtor prison), and repealing our death penalty statute. Passing a state voting-rights act will also remain a key priority for FAN.

FAN is also in the midst of planning our second major event of the year – Interfaith Advocacy Day in Olympia on Thursday, Feb. 4. We also participate in and co-sponsor the Spokane Legislative Conference on Saturday, Jan. 30, and we are the sponsor and convener of our Yakima Advocacy Conference in central Washington on Sat., Feb. 6.

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FAN’s signature event of the year, our annual dinner, was held on Sunday, Nov. 15, with the theme of “Yes We Can!” More than 400 advocates from more than 67 faith communities, community and labor partners, and elected officials and their representatives attended. Our featured speaker was the senior pastor of First African Methodist Episcopal Church in Seattle, the Rev. Dr. Carey Anderson, who addressed the racial injustices that are facing our communities and nation.

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

www.loppw.org

LOPPW is thankful for advocates who raised their voices in the midst of some troubling legislation that passed in Wisconsin this year. We have faith those voices will endure and multiply.

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WORKSHOPS AND CONFERENCES:  LOPPW led a workshop on children in poverty at Peace Lutheran Church in Waunakee. The director participated in a World Hunger event in Iowa, where she made contact with hunger leaders from the La Crosse Area, Northwest, East Central, Greater Milwaukee, and South-Central synods.

CARE FOR GOD’S CREATION:  LOPPW’s director worked with a volunteer to prepare for the first Care for God’s Creation team in the South-Central Synod.   The director and an LOPPW intern attended an all-day meeting with several faith-based and secular partners to discuss creating a statewide table to combine resources to advocate for cleaner air and address other environmental concerns in Wisconsin.

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ANTI-TRAFFICKING: LOPPW/Cherish All Children’s team has decided on three locations in three synods for conferences and has created planning teams for each event. We are thankful for help from a Women of the ELCA grant. LOPPW submitted the grant proposal in the spring of this year. The director has met regularly with one of LOPPW’s interns to help shape a resource on trafficking that our intern is developing.

SYRIAN REFUGEES:  LOPPW added educational and worship resources to the LOPPW website in response to e-mail exchanges between state public policy office and Washington, D.C., staffs.

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What advocacy efforts are going on in your synod or state? We want to hear about it!

Contact us at washingtonoffice@elca.org ​​

Why the McConnell Rider Matters

Andrew Fuller, Advocacy Coordinator

2In the midst of the sea that is the $1.15 trillion omnibus spending package facing Congress, there is a campaign-finance rider that would do away with the campaign monetary limits currently set for political party expenditures.

On the surface, one could argue that this might help remedy the imbalance, broadened by the 2010 Citizens United Supreme Court Decision, between what Super PACs spend to sway voters versus what political parties are allowed to spend on their own candidates’ races. One could argue that. And it might possibly be true. It could help bring some parity to an imbalanced campaign finance system.

But, I wonder, is that imbalance really a problem worth solving? Are we asking the right question here? I suggest the answer to those questions is a resounding, “No.”

The real question, one that neither party is too eager to address, is the imbalance of the entire electorate in which many, dare I say most, of us are left out of the democratic process by virtue of our comparatively diminutive bank accounts. That the democratic process in this country is increasingly ceded to a wealthy few is the true crux of the issue, and it is something that McConnell’s rider only exacerbates.

Balance is key. Balancing big money with even bigger money is not.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and Churchwide has calls on us to, “advocate for the enactment of campaign finance reform legislation at the local, state, and national levels, so that an equal opportunity may be provided for all candidates for elected office.” This is a critical issue. Already, political parties can now raise nearly $2.5 million in any one cycle from an individual donor. Raising this limit will serve as a means to bypass existing limits on contributions to candidates, and increase the influence of money in politics.

As a citizen and, especially, as a person of faith, it bothers me that we seem to have all but given up on campaign finance reform. In our Reformed tradition, we are called to live our lives in faithfulness to a government that adheres to a common good, that enlists the voices of all, regardless of net worth, into the decision-making process so that we can foster values that represent what we believe we are called to live into: justice, peace, freedom. When access to the process is mitigated – or even denied – to the majority in favor of a wealthy few, regardless of one’s political persuasion, we are incapable of living into our call to faithful living.

Advent Reflection: Hopeful for families and grateful for my own

Alaide Vilchis Ibarra, Assistant Director, ELCA Migration Policy and Advocacy

​”The two chief things are faith and love. Faith receives the good; love gives the good. Faith offers us God as our own; love gives us to our neighbor as his own.”  – Martin Luther

​Every year, as Christmas approaches, I begin to worry about budgeting both my time and money for presents while I’m home in Kansas to make sure that neither family members nor friends feel left out. It is a yearly ritual that leaves me feeling stressed. This year feels different. Working with unaccompanied children and their families, and closing a chapter on my own migration story, has given me a new perspective on Christmas and the precious time we spend together with the people we love.

A few months ago I traveled to Mexico with my parents and spent time with my extended family after 15 years of being unable to be together in the same country. As I sat in my grandmother’s dining room laughing with my cousins and aunts, it hit me how much I need those moments just sitting with my whole family. This experience also reminded me what a privilege it is to be able to have dinner with people you love, a privilege I’m well aware not everyone has and, until this year, my own family was denied.

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Alaide and her family in Washingon 

This year, when I visited Central America and Mexico and spoke with unaccompanied children and their families, I was reminded of the importance of family and neighborly love. I heard from many mothers who tearfully recounted why they had been forced to send their child on a dangerous journey or why they had chosen to make the journey themselves. Almost always, they spoke about the pain of separating from their families or communities.

After I returned from my own family trip to Mexico, I reflected on what those 15 years of separation had truly meant for me and my family. I found that the most painful loss was the sense of love and community we had in Mexico. Through family dinners at Christmas we were constantly reminded that we were loved and supported no matter what. Without realizing it, migrating to the United States meant losing that support. I never quite understood the importance of community, family and love until I allowed myself to feel the pain of the 15 years we had lost.

My own story and those I heard in Central America and Mexico makes me wonder if the national conversation on migration would be different if we spoke about family and love instead of border enforcement and security. Although Washington, D.C., can be a hard place to be hopeful, this Christmas season I am determined to concentrate on love, family and community and to remember all who are denied these important things.

Throughout the seemingly endless waves of violence and fear all over the world that force so many to leave their homes, I am still hopeful for positive change. I truly believe that love will conquer fear and violence, as long as we allow it to: “[Love] bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” (1 Corinthians 13:7).​

Alaide photo​Alaide serves as Assistant Director for Migration Policy and Advocacy. 

She lives in Washington, D.C.

Love Thy Neighbor: Our Moral Imperative to Support Those Living with HIV/AIDS

By: Nicholas Jaech, Lutheran Office for World Community

​“Faith-based organizations are essential partners, particularly in the areas of health service delivery and addressing stigma and discrimination. The partnership with faith-based organizations is critical to ending the AIDS epidemic and making sure that no one is left behind.” – Luiz Loures, UNAIDS Deputy Executive Director, September 27, 2015.

Today we commemorate World AIDS Day – a day to unite in the fight against HIV, show solidarity with people living with HIV and remember those who have died.

During the General Assembly of the United Nations, the Lutheran Office for World Community (LOWC) staff joined a small group of representatives from civil society, who gathered to have an assessment and planning discussion with UNAIDS regarding the next 15 years of combating the AIDS epidemic. In 2014, UNAIDS drafted and published its Fast-Track strategy, which details the pathway to ending AIDS by 2030. This strategy utilizes the 90-90-90 model, aiming for 90% of all people living with HIV knowing their HIV status, 90% of people who know their status having access to treatment and 90% of people on treatment having suppressed viral loads by 2020. Should this be successful, the strategy then calls for a 95-95-95 model by 2025. If successful by 2030, HIV/AIDS will be so contained that it no longer will be considered an “epidemic.”

However, during this meeting, UNAIDS admitted to a significant funding gap – a $10-15 billion shortfall in the implementation of this “Fast-Track” approach. This gap is largely due to the misconception that the AIDS epidemic is no longer as pressing or dangerous as it once was. This misconception then leads to the under-prioritization of HIV/AIDS, which often results in the unwillingness of governments to legitimately undertake measures to create new revenue specifically for combating the epidemic.

This isn’t to say that national governments are completely shying away from funding the response to the current AIDS epidemic. At a high-level event at the UN held later that day, the United States pledged to fund the life-saving treatment for 12.9 million people living with HIV in 2016-17, as well as funding efforts to reduce HIV among girls in 10 sub-Saharan countries by 40%.1 Additionally, Malawi pledged 14% of its GDP to HIV prevention, factoring out to $148 per HIV positive person per year. This funding comes in the form of the distribution of necessary anti-retroviral drugs .2

But despite these announcements, the $10-15 billion shortfall remains.

So what can we do, as followers of a loving and compassionate God, to bolster the efforts of UNAIDS to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030? First, we can make financial donations to the ELCA HIV and AIDS Ministry, which has established a commitment to support the efforts of ending the AIDS epidemic. This support manifests in the training of pastors for HIV/AIDS counseling, providing necessary anti-retroviral medication to rural communities, and free offerings of HIV testing. We can also support our family, friends, and neighbors living with HIV by providing food, clothes, toiletries, and other specified items to local HIV/AIDS clinics, shelters, and organizations. This can also include volunteering one’s time and energy as well. These two simple yet significant actions not only contribute to efforts to end the epidemic, but also illustrate our ability to manifest God’s love in our daily lives. As written in 1 John 3:17-18 – “How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help? …let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action.” – we are called to love and support those around us. This has to include those living with HIV and AIDS.

Yet, we are called not only to provide financial support or direct donations for local and international efforts to combat this epidemic, but also to combat the stigma that perpetuates and strengthens this epidemic every day. In fact, we cannot even begin to address the issue of HIV/AIDS without addressing the stigma and marginalization of those who are living with it.

Stigma and discrimination in education, health clinics, and general society against people living with HIV/AIDS, and especially against key populations with HIV/AIDS, continues to exacerbate the epidemic. For example, transgender women are 49 times more likely to acquire HIV than all adults of reproductive age.3 However, only 39% of countries have national AIDS strategies that specifically address transgender people (ibid). Additionally, gay men and other men who have sex with men worldwide are 19 times more likely to be living with HIV.4 Furthermore, adolescent girls are eight times more likely to be living with HIV than their male counterparts.5

Stigma and discrimination in societies around the world against these key populations above, as well against many others, are the largest contributors to the AIDS epidemic. It is then our responsibility as people of faith to work to systematically dismantle the oppression that continues to make these populations vulnerable. We are called to extend our love and support specifically to these groups of people. We are called not only to support them in their health, but also to support them in their own agency – bringing them into mainstream dialogue and decision-making regarding HIV/AIDS efforts (see also the ECLA Strategy on HIV and AIDS).6 The ELCA and the Episcopal Church reaffirmed their commitment to supporting these key populations in 2014.7 Also, religious leaders from 18 Eastern and Southern African countries with the Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance, an ecumenical initiative of the World Council of Churches, recently declared that “all human beings are equal before God and should be treated with dignity and respect regardless of age, gender and sexual orientation.”8

We, as church members with global relationships, have the potential to greatly contribute to the fight against the AIDS epidemic. If we are to truly live the message of 1 John 3:17-18, we must support people living with HIV/AIDS by addressing the core issue: stigma and discrimination. This is not simply an act of charity, but a moral calling of our Church by God. World AIDS Day reminds us that we can address this dangerous stigma only by showing unconditional love for all people, for I believe that only unconditional love, unconditional support, and a unified campaign for justice can combat stigma. If we truly want to end HIV/AIDS by 2030, this unconditional love has to continue to be at the forefront of our work, not only as a Church, but in our work as individuals. To echo a central message of the ELCA: “God’s work, our hands.”

For more on the ELCA’s HIV and AIDS Ministry, read here. You can also follow their efforts via Facebook.

For further reading on combating stigma against key populations, see UNAIDS publications here.

  1. http://www.pepfar.gov/press/247338.htm
  2. http://webtv.un.org/meetings-events/watch/action-implementation-ending-the-aids-epidemic-by-2030/4514846194001(7:00)
  3. http://www.unaids.org/en/resources/documents/2014/Transgenderpeople
  4. http://www.unaids.org/en/resources/documents/2014/Gaymenandothermenwhohavesexwithmen
  5. http://www.un.org/youthenvoy/hiv/
  6. http://download.elca.org/ELCA%20Resource%20Repository/ELCA_Strategy_on_HIV_and_AIDS.pdf?_ga=1.201502483.308726961.1447196323
  7. http://download.elca.org/ELCA%20Resource%20Repository/World_AIDS_Day_2014.pdf?_ga=1.206233553.391509662.1441291859
  8. http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/religious-leaders-call-fast-track-agenda

Praying and working for an end to injustice in Minneapolis

ELCA Advocacy

​Today, we highlight reflections from Lutheran leaders in Minneapolis, where five people were shot near a demonstration outside the city’s 4th Precinct station on Monday, and additional shots were fired Wednesday morning. Marches, prayer vigils and rallies began Nov. 15 and continue to occur throughout Minneapolis. These protest actions are aimed at urging accountability in the justice system in response to the death of Jamar Clark, a 25-year-old black man who was shot by a police officer earlier this month.

The Rev. Ann Svennungsen is Bishop of the Minneapolis Area Synod. She reflected on the support provided by Lutheran leaders in Minneapolis and her experience participating in a candlelight vigil last Friday.

“[Earlier this week,] I awoke to news that shots had again been fired in north Minneapolis. Three young men, seeking to protect a system of white privilege, shot five of the citizens who were protesting at the 4th Precinct Police Station in response to the fatal shooting of Jamar Clark.

The protest is now in its 12th day – an encampment of folks keeping vigil both day and night. While some of the demands have been met by officials, the protesters continue to call for the release of tapes that could reveal what actually happened to Mr. Clark.

In addition to those keeping vigil, many more are delivering blankets and hot food and words of encouragement. And dozens upon dozens of Lutheran clergy have shown up – in solidarity with those who suffer and caring for those most traumatized and sorrowful. Our synod – and the ELCA – has seven congregations in the vicinity of the 4th precinct and we continue to pray for their ministries.”

prayer_vigil A candlelight vigil on Friday, Nov. 20, in Minneapolis

“Regardless of the tensions over the details, facts, and specific demands particular to the case; there is profound need for discussion of equity and racial disparities. Pain and frustration over unemployment, affordable housing, education, and basic city services – challenges felt especially in North Minneapolis – are all part of what compels the protesters to keep vigil.

This shared experience will strengthen us all for the long road of seeking justice together. We will pray for the family and community of Jamar Clark. And, we also pray for our mayor, public servants, police officers, the healing of the nation, for justice to be done. I believe we can do better as a city.

The vigil was a powerful experience. A unity of spirit and a sense of determination filled the gathered crowd. Out of this experience, your brothers and sisters in Minneapolis call on Lutherans around the country to enter into discussions about what would happen if a similar catalyzing event occurred in your community. How would your congregations engage those who were suffering? What message would protesters hear from your participation … or lack of participation?

Better yet, we encourage you not to wait for such a time – but to build relationships now, organize vigils now, read about systemic racism now, pray and work now for an end to injustice and the healing of our cities.”

Ian_Louis_Kendrick Ian McConnelll, Louis Tillman and Kendrick Dwight at the demonstration outside Minneapolis’ 4th Precinct station

Louis Tillman, Ian McConnelll and Kendrick Dwight were present outside Minneapolis’ 4th Precinct throughout the week and participated in a number of peaceful demonstrations in the city. Tillman is a vicar, McConnell is a seminary intern, and Dwight is a Lutheran church leader in the Harrison neighborhood of Minneapolis.

Tillman was a few blocks from where five protesters were shot at the demonstration outside Minneapolis’ 4th Precinct station. “I was over on Knox and Plymouth … and I heard the gun shots rolling off. It sounded like the shooters emptied the entire clip! I kept telling myself ‘Lord have mercy!’ Then I called everyone from my church who [were] in the thick of things to ensure that they were all right.”

All three continue to show up at the ongoing demonstrations, with the goals of listening and community building in any way they can. “Even without all the particulars about Jamar Clark, his criminal history, or the release of video evidence from the night he was killed by a Minneapolis police officer, we as the ELCA have a voice that may be stronger than our silence,” McConnelll stated.

“We know something about grace and reconciliation. We pride ourselves on showing up after natural disasters and have the opportunity to show up after tragedies caused by human sin in our own neighborhoods. Our identity is rooted in the experience of being sinners and saints, all the time. And it’s time for us to leave what feels familiar and safe and show up.

We can’t change flawed systems ourselves, but we can listen to and support those who are grieving, struggling and afraid. We may not be able to topple oppressive systems (Jesus struggled with this too), but we can be allies with the oppressed.

We can both support police and hold them accountable, just like we can both confront racism and work for reconciliation.”

The ELCA social statement “Freed in Christ: Race, Ethnicity, and Culture” expresses our spiritual calling to confront racism, to engage in public leadership, and to advocate for justice and fairness for all people.

You can learn more about the ELCA’s commitment to challenging racial injustice at Racial Justice Ministries.

Thanksgiving Reflection: Freedom from Want

John Johnson, ELCA Program Director for Domestic Policy

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. For my entire career in Washington, D.C., I have claimed Thanksgiving as the holiday that I would stay in Washington, since I fly home to south Georgia for weddings, funerals, births, baptisms, Christmas and pouting parents when they want me to come home.

As the quintessentially American time of celebration, it represents for me many things – not the least of which is that it has been an important part of my journey to adulthood. Thanksgiving, for me, has always been a time of deepening relationships that comes with sharing a holiday meal with friends, and often, strangers.

ThanksgivingUnfortunately, I think all too often assumed in this gathering of friends and family is the notion that we take a moment to actually be thankful … to take stock of what we are blessed with and how fortunate we are for so much abundance in our own lives – even at times when we live in scarcity. For me, Thanksgiving is a reminder that I may not have everything I want, but year after year, I have everything I need. I am also deeply mindful that my good fortune doesn’t belong to everyone.

I remember my first Thanksgiving in Washington, D.C.: I was a very young Hill staffer living paycheck-to-paycheck and shopping for my first Thanksgiving away from home, with a very tight budget. For whatever reason, I can still vividly see myself standing at one of those large freezer cases in the grocery store, pulling one turkey over another, checking the price of each trying to find the one budget-appropriate turkey with my name on it. After some considerable effort, I found, tucked away in the corner of the freezer case, a small turkey with the right price. Fighting back tears of both joy and humility, I took my humble haul to the checkout stand and paid for my bounty.

I remember the friends that joined me in the small apartment I shared with friends that Thanksgiving of 1993. Since then, I always look forward to Thanksgiving with great joy. This year, I join my goddaughter, her dads, and an abundant assortment of friends young and old. And that wonderful moment with the “guest of honor” is brought to the table with “oohs” and “ahhs.”

This warm and anticipated moment of turkey day was captured many years ago by one of my favorite artists, Norman Rockwell. Following the bombing of Pearl Harbor, President Franklin Roosevelt outlined his vision of the four freedoms in an address to Congress. Printed in four installments on the cover of the Saturday Evening Post was the renowned “Thanksgiving” painting. It is appropriately titled “Freedom from Want,” one of Roosevelt’s four freedoms, which also include freedom of speech, freedom of worship and freedom from fear.

Facing the storms

Sadly, when we turn on the TV, log onto Facebook or grab a newspaper, we see constant fear, want, probably way too much speech, and a lot of worship in response to it all. There are so many storms around us all over the world. There have been storms in the past, and I fear, sadly, there will be storms in the future.

For me, the only way to not be paralyzed by the shock and desperation is to advocate for those ideals Jesus modeled – feeding, healing, showing compassion, praying, suffering and challenging leaders to make difficult decisions. I have the great privilege to do this by representing the ELCA in advocating to our U.S. government and urging decision-makers to address domestic poverty and hunger and to protect vital social services for the most vulnerable among us.

The work we do in Washington is just one small part of a much larger picture of advocacy in the ELCA. Join us atwww.elca.org/advocacy to learn more about how we, as a church, strive for justice and peace throughout the world.

All of us with ELCA Advocacy wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving. We look forward to sharing more reflections during the upcoming Advent season. Thank you for being a part of the work of Advocacy.

God’s abundant blessings to you all,

John Johnson