Issue 47 of Administration Matters

Livestream the ELCA Churchwide Assembly, Aug. 8-13

The 14th ELCA Churchwide Assembly will convene on Aug. 8-13, in New Orleans to discuss and make decisions about how to go about God’s work as a church. This year the assembly will observe the 500th anniversary of the Reformation under the theme “Freed and Renewed in Christ” and the accompanying tagline “500 years of God’s Grace in Action.”

Over the course of the assembly, voting members:

• hear reports and review the work of churchwide organization officers, leaders and units;
• receive and consider proposals from synod assemblies;
• elect a new ELCA vice president, board members and other leaders as specified by the constitution or bylaws;
• establish ELCA policy;
• worship together;
• adopt a budget; and
• conduct other business related to the ELCA churchwide organization.

The assembly will be streamed live on the churchwide assembly website. To learn about the assembly, preview the pre-assembly reports or to watch the livestream, click here.

 

 Join the new ELCA Federal Credit Union!

The ELCA Federal Credit Union is open for business and accepting applications for membership.

To apply, visit the credit union website, elcafcu.org. ELCA members, congregations and ministries—and their employees—are eligible to join. You can become a member by opening a savings account with as little as a $25 initial deposit. Credit union membership is your entrée to access a portfolio of deposit accounts, loans and other services. At the credit union’s website, you can view current rates, apply for a loan, and learn more from an interactive loan payment calculator. You can also search for the closest ATM on the credit union’s worldwide network of free ATMs. Also, watch for a mobile app coming soon.

As the credit union website states: “When you join fellow Lutherans as a member of the ELCA Federal Credit Union, you do more than gain access to a wide array of financial services. You become a part of a financial cooperative that shares your values.”

The ELCA Federal Credit Union looks forward to serving you. >More

 

12 tips to being safer online

Keep your members’ data safe by protecting your congregation’s. This guide includes things you, your staff and volunteers should keep in mind at the congregation, away from the congregation, when using social media, and when using cloud services. >More

 

How to care for stained glass

Many church buildings incorporate a variety of stained-glass windows that glorify God, memorialize benefactors, and beautify the worship space. The value of these windows—financially, historically and sentimentally—is significant. Thus, caring for and preserving them is an important aspect of church facilities management. >More

 

Insuring your ministry: Points to consider

Do you know what insurance to purchase to best protect your ministry?  >More

 

HR series—creating a good place to work

A positive work environment is not only important for our physical, mental and emotional health, it is important for the results that we produce. The better we feel at work, the more likely we will take pride in our job activities. >More

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.

Por Elizabeth Eaton

Desde hace muchos meses nos han estado pidiendo algún tipo de declaración sobre la persecución de los cristianos en todo el mundo. Parece ser una cuestión sin complicaciones: Los cristianos están sufriendo en Iraq y Siria, en Nigeria y Egipto. Los palestinos cristianos encuentran una presión intensa. Los cristianos de algunas partes de la India están amenazados. Algunos incluso dirían que los cristianos estadounidenses se encuentran en estado de sitio. Las atrocidades cometidas contra los cristianos por el Estado Islámico, Boko Haram, al-Shabab y otros aparecen con regularidad en las noticias. Escuchamos que en años recientes han sufrido martirio más cristianos que en los primeros tres siglos del movimiento cristiano.

Cada caso de violencia contra los cristianos es profundamente doloroso. Existen hermanos y hermanas en todo el mundo cuyas vidas forman parte de la pasión de Cristo. En algunos países están persiguiendo a algunas personas porque son cristianas. Pero esta es una cuestión compleja. ¿Están sufriendo y muriendo los cristianos como testigos de la fe? Sí. Pero en muchos lugares el conflicto interreligioso ha sido utilizado como un pretexto calculado para conseguir ventajas políticas. El discurso de religión contra religión, o de religión contra la sociedad, es una forma eficaz de generar apoyo para la causa de alguien específico. Lamentablemente, la sospecha y el miedo al “otro” conducen a la intolerancia y la discriminación.

La persecución a los cristianos no es nueva. Los mártires han existido desde los principios de la iglesia. Esteban sufrió martirio con el consentimiento de Pablo, quien fue martirizado por el imperio romano. Pablo citó los salmos, escribiendo: “Por tu causa siempre nos llevan a la muerte; ¡nos tratan como a ovejas para el matadero!” (Romanos 8:36).

La indignación es una reacción natural a las decapitaciones y las crucifixiones. El instinto de devolver el golpe es comprensible. Muchos luteranos aceptan que la fuerza letal puede ser necesaria en un mundo desolado. La venganza, sin embargo, no es una opción para un cristiano.

Elevo mis oraciones porque ninguno de ustedes sufra nunca la violencia por la fe, pero cada generación ha tenido que hacer frente a la hostilidad. El teólogo alemán Dietrich Bonhoeffer escribió: “Soportar la cruz no es una tragedia, es el sufrimiento que es fruto de una alianza exclusiva con Jesucristo”.

“Mártir” es una palabra griega que significa “testigo”, “dar testimonio”. Un testigo también puede ser un símbolo que testifique que se ha logrado una acción prometida. Cuando hablamos sobre la persecución de los cristianos, la verdadera cuestión es: “¿Cuál será nuestro testimonio?”

Esta es una historia de cómo respondieron a esa pregunta algunos luteranos de Etiopía. Sucedió en uno de nuestros sínodos compañeros. Unos musulmanes quemaron una iglesia pensando que estaban atacando a católicos romanos. Pero por error quemaron una iglesia luterana. Fueron arrestados y enviados a la cárcel. En esa región el cuidado de la higiene y alimentación de los prisioneros es responsabilidad de sus familias. Pero los miembros de la iglesia luterana pidieron a las autoridades que les permitieran cavar las letrinas de los prisioneros y alimentarlos. Ese fue su testimonio ante la persecución.

Los cristianos no son los únicos a los que se identifica y persigue por su religión. Se ha reportado que el Estado Islámico ha asesinado a más musulmanes que a miembros de cualquier otro grupo. Nuestro testimonio debe ser el de trabajadores por la paz y defensores de las minorías religiosas en nuestro país y en todo el mundo. Debemos ser los que alcemos la voz cuando se caracterice falsamente a religiones enteras por las acciones de unos extremistas. No aceptaríamos que se definiera al cristianismo por el Ku Klux Klan o el movimiento de Identidad Cristiana. No debemos definir a comunidades enteras por la distorsión de su religión.

La cruz es el símbolo visual que nos ha dado Dios de que se ha alcanzado una acción prometida. Es la señal de Dios en la arena. Es el testimonio de Dios de la verdad de que “en todo esto somos más que vencedores por medio de aquel que nos amó. Pues estoy convencida de que ni la muerte ni la vida, ni los ángeles ni los demonios, ni lo presente ni lo por venir, ni los poderes, ni lo alto ni lo profundo, ni cosa alguna en toda la creación, podrá apartarnos del amor que Dios nos ha manifestado en Cristo Jesús nuestro Señor” (Romanos 8:37-39).

Mensaje mensual de la obispa presidente de la Iglesia Evangélica Luterana en América. Esta columna apareció por primera vez en la edición de junio de 2016 de la revista en inglés The Lutheran. Reimpreso con permiso.

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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17 de junio de 2016

Estimados líderes ordenados de la ELCA:

Que la gracia y la paz sean con ustedes en el nombre de Jesucristo. Hoy nos unimos a nuestros hermanos y hermanas de todo el mundo para conmemorar el aniversario de los nueve mártires de Emanuel. Seguimos llorando la pérdida de esas nueve vidas preciosas, y oramos para que sus familias puedan hallar consuelo en el amor de Dios.

Durante el último año, hemos lidiado como nación, y como iglesia, con los retos de enfrentar el racismo. Juntos a través de nuestros diversos ministerios, la ELCA ha participado en oraciones llenas de lamento y ha ido en pos de actos de justicia racial y reconciliación. Estos también han sido tiempos de intensificar la colaboración con nuestros compañeros ecuménicos, entre ellos la Iglesia Episcopal Metodista Africana (AME, por sus siglas en inglés).

El Consejo de Obispos de AME emitió una poderosa declaración para marcar el aniversario de Charleston: http://disciples.org/ecumenical/statement-m-e-bishops-charleston-anniversary/

Deseo dirigir su atención a tres llamados a la acción que les invito a considerar:

1. Llamamos a otras comuniones, en particular a nuestras comuniones predominantemente blancas, a unirse a nosotros para predicar e instruir y para condenar el racismo.

2. El Consejo de Obispos de la Iglesia Episcopal Metodista Africana solicita que, durante el fin de semana del 24 al 26 de junio, los clérigos de todo el país busquen un intercambio de púlpito con otra iglesia o grupo religioso y prediquen sobre raza, diversidad e inclusión. Además, que organicen momentos de compañerismo e interacciones entre congregaciones locales. Este intercambio se debe llevar a cabo con una organización cristiana o interreligiosa de una raza o religión distinta. (Por favor, consideren el próximo fin de semana como el inicio de una temporada para tales intercambios, continuando durante los meses de verano).

3. Que clérigos y organizaciones interreligiosas locales inicien diálogos con líderes políticos locales sobre cuestiones de vigilancia policiaca, educación, vivienda y otros temas donde la raza es un factor e impacta a cualquier grupo de manera negativa.

La tragedia del 17 de junio del 2015, personificó la relación compleja de nuestra iglesia con el racismo. Nuestra relación con el atacante —Dylann Roof, quien era un miembro de una congregación de la ELCA— como también con dos de las víctimas abatidas —la Reverenda Clementa Pinckney y el Reverendo Daniel Simmons, quienes eran egresados del Seminario Teológico Luterano del Sur, en Columbia, Carolina del Sur— nos recuerda tanto nuestra complicidad como nuestro llamado. Juntos confesamos que somos cautivos del pecado de racismo y, al mismo tiempo, nos regocijamos en la libertad que tenemos en Cristo Jesús, quien ha “derribado mediante su sacrificio el muro de enemistad que nos separaba” (Efesios 2:14). Que Dios nos siga guiando mientras buscamos el arrepentimiento y la renovación, la justicia racial y la reconciliación entre todos los hijos preciosos de Dios.

En Cristo,

Elizabeth A. Eaton

 

 

Voting for the First Time

 

For a moment, my home state was in the political spotlight. Literally. I walked into Lakefront Brewery (it was a work meeting, honestly!) and Chris Matthews and a crew from MSNBC are broadcasting live. Wisconsin had the only primary in the country on Tuesday, April 7. The frontrunners were expected to lose. There was a lot of talk about momentum pushes, brokered conventions and the almighty delegate counts.

In addition to the presidential primaries there were also many general elections. There was a state supreme court election and dozens of municipal elections. I live in Milwaukee where the sins of the city are legion: most segregated city; highest achievement gap; highest incarceration rate for black men; 5th poorest city; international hub for human trafficking; worst place in America to be black. We’ve had a breakdown in police-community relations as officers sexually assault citizens during unwarranted body cavity searches; a citizen calls 911 and the responding officer rapes her; issues of excessive force; racial disparity in traffic stops. The Black Lives Matter movement has rallied around the killing of Dontre Hamilton.

Yes, there are also amazing things happening in my city. There are incredible assets among us. We are making strides in multiple areas of justice. But even as someone who operates from the conviction of abundance rather than from the despair of what is lacking, there is a clear reality check: things here are bad. This ish is messed up.

When the votes were counted and winners declared, all but 1 incumbent in Milwaukee city and county elections won. This was a clear affirmation of the status quo.

Let me be clear – I like some of these incumbents. I work with them. But let’s remember – this ish is messed up. And the voters had a chance to elect some change but opted not to do so.

It is enough to make me think maybe rallying from the despair is a better plan. Politicians always go negative. It is a clear motivator. They do it because it works.

My congregation is deeply political. We are not partisan but we do not shy away from issues that affect our members and our city. Political and electoral solutions are never the only solution, but they are often a part of the solution. We register voters during worship. We preach about voting and pray for voters. We have candidates engage our congregation around issues. We march in the streets. We meet with legislators. We partner with faith-based organizing groups. We partner with secular advocates for workers rights. We aren’t just down with the struggle, we’re deep in it.

So in the midst of what was a depressing electoral outcome, an amazing thing happened. Sabryna, newly 18, was going to vote in her first election. And I as her pastor was invited to share that moment. A little after 8 am, I picked up Sabryna and her mom, Anna. We share the same polling place and we all went to vote. Anna was voter 100. I was 101. Sabryna needed to register so she was a little further down the line. But here were three folks, voting blocks from our congregation. We went to the polls together. The church rejoiced as a member marked this rite of passage in American democracy. We embodied #ELCAVotes.

Voting for the first time.

 

Our Lutheran tradition teaches us we need to engage deeply in the world, not retreat from it. We can’t fulfill our baptismal covenant to strive for peace and justice in all the world by opting out. We can get frustrated with the outcomes but we cannot become so discouraged that we don’t show up. We go to the polls because it is one of the tools of change and we don’t leave our tools unused.

Voting wasn’t the mechanism to bring a change in political leadership to Milwaukee. This inspires our congregation to explore the other tools available to us. We can identify other assets. We will organize, educate, and advocate to change the statistics and more importantly the lives in our city. And come time for the next election, Sabryna will be ready to use the power of the vote again.

 

Rev. Steve Jerbi, is the senior pastor at All Peoples Church in Milwaukee, WI. He earned a Bachelors of Arts from the University of Montana – Missoula in English Literature with an Environmental Studies minor. He graduated from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago with a Masters of Divinity and an environmental ministry emphasis. Pastor Steve is a passionate leader in youth and cross-generational ministry and the interconnected work of racial, economic and environmental justice. Pastor Steve along with his wife Jennifer are raising two grade-school daughters.

 

 

 

Hello! My name is Scott Van Daalen. I am originally from Waverly, Iowa, and a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church. This summer, I have a great opportunity to intern with the ELCA World Hunger Education and Engagement team. ELCA World Hunger has been one of my interests for the past couple of years so I am looking forward to learning more this summer. In high school, I had the opportunity to work on a project that focused on raising awareness and funds for both the ELCA Malaria Campaign and the United Methodist “Imagine No Malaria” Campaign. (Read more about Scott’s project here – https://www.livinglutheran.org/2013/10/running-malaria/)

Another interest of mine is the connection between media and the church. This fall, I will be entering my senior year at the University of Northwestern in St. Paul, Minnesota, where I am studying Media Ministry, a program that combines film production, graphic design, and ministry.

I am very excited to be here, and I am very thankful for the opportunity!

 

 

Hello everyone, my name is Micah Kassahun, and I am the ELCA World Hunger Fundraising intern.  I am a rising senior at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, studying Public Health and Biology.  Due to the nature of my studies, I am very interested in hospital administration, social justice, poverty (both national and international) and issues regarding medical access.

At Purdue, I enjoy serving with Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship on campus as a worship leader and bible study leader.  Through my experiences with this ministry, I have learned to make my faith my own and to be unashamed of the Gospel wherever I go.

In the future I hope to obtain a Masters in Public Health (MPH) and possibly move into the corporate world while serving in a capacity related to providing medical access for those in need and aiding my surrounding community.

For fun, I really enjoy competitive sports, playing music and spending time with friends.

I am really excited and blessed to be a part of the ELCA World Hunger team and to see how the Lord uses this Church to spread God’s Word in different ways!

 

I am Shubira Bocko, and I am the ELCA World Hunger Education Intern this summer! My passion for serving others dates back to my time on the south side of Chicago because there were so many opportunities to make a difference. Through Reformation Lutheran Church, I served meals to homeless people during Thanksgiving, visited nursing homes during Christmas and mentored my peers. I attained my B.A. in Psychology and a minor in Community Sociology at Wartburg College. In college, courses like Community Sociology and Intercultural Studies made me start thinking about a career in international development. These courses opened my eyes to poverty-related issues going on in other parts of the world, and I wanted to make a difference.

One year after college, I was accepted into Peace Corps program in the Philippines. My work there involved providing health education to families and teaching children and youth life skills. Five months into my service, Typhoon Haiyan hit the island where I was living. Shortly after the typhoon, I was evacuated, and I returned to the U.S. However, I was transferred to Peace Corps Tanzania, where I was born, and being given a chance to go serve home was a blessing.

In Tanzania, I had the pleasure of serving as a health teacher at the health clinic in Dodoma. The highlight of my service was working with women and teaching them about nutrition, contraceptive options and HIV prevention. Having served in Peace Corps for two years and learning about the problems that women and children go through – hunger being on top of the list – I wanted an opportunity to learn more about hunger and see ways I can help. I am glad that I will be serving as a World Hunger Education Intern through the ELCA, and I am looking forward to this enriching experience!