Email - Advocacy Connections: September 2019

ELCA

“God’s Work. Our Hands.” Sunday
The ELCA Advocacy office is grateful for the many congregations that chose to include advocacy and public engagement in their activities for “God’s Work. Our Hands.” Sunday. This day of service came as Hurricane Dorian hit the Bahamas and the East Coast of the U.S. and as other communities braced for the peak of the hurricane season, from mid-August to late October. Several congregations used template letters to draw attention to disaster and climate related policy decisions. More >>

Policy NOTES

International programs budget
In August the U.S. presidential administration indicated that it would rescind $4 billion in unobligated appropriated funds for international programs, which would have disrupted many humanitarian and development projects.

More >>

Public charge rule could stop benefits to legal immigrants
In August the U.S. presidential administration indicated that it would rescind $4 billion in unobligated appropriated funds for international programs, which would have disrupted many humanitarian and development projects.

More >>

Sanctuary response
In August the 2019 Churchwide Assembly voted to declare the ELCA a sanctuary denomination. A post to ELCA Advocacy’s Facebook page announcing this development garnered rapid and wide response, with over 1,000 shares. Most comments affirmed the vote.

More >>

ADLA actions
“Seeking justice addressing homelessness and immigration” and “engaging youth through development and advocacy” are among objectives affirmed by the 2019 African Descent Lutheran Association (ADLA) Biennial Assembly in August. ELCA Advocacy staff member Jackie Maddox will serve as a liaison energizing this overlapping commitment.

More >>

Action Alerts

COMMENT BY SEPTEMBER 23 ON NEW SNAP HUNGER RULE
Over 300 Lutherans have already posted public comments opposing a revision to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that could limit food benefits to low-income families by eliminating use of the tool of broad-based categorical eligibility. Please declare your opposition before the comment period closes on Sept. 23.

More >>

URGE CONGRESS TO SUPPORT THE KEEPING GIRLS IN SCHOOLS ACT
According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, 130 million 6-to-17-year-old girls worldwide are not attending school. The bipartisan Keeping Girls in Schools Act is designed to ensure that U.S. international programs address the education barriers faced by millions of girls around the world.

More >>

RENEW CHILD NUTRITION REAUTHORIZATION THIS YEAR
Our congregations, ministries and members have seen firsthand the importance of the Summer Meal Program in fighting childhood hunger. Therefore, we urge renewal of child nutritional programs on a firmer foundation.

More >>

URGE CONGRESS TO PASS THE GLOBAL FRAGILITY ACT
In May the House passed the Global Fragility Act. Next the Senate must pass this bipartisan, landmark legislation amid a resurgence of violent conflicts that have led to tremendous devastation and humanitarian crises.

More >>

Featured Resources

Blog: Punitive public charge rule slated to take effect

The new public charge rule sends a message that the only worthy immigrants to the U.S. are wealthy, which contradicts not only the country’s history but also our faith as Lutherans. The rule will go into effect Oct. 15, 2019, unless constrained by Congress or the courts.

Learn more

Blog: Congregation raises faith voice against gun violence

Addressing the growing number of deaths and injuries caused by firearms and, at the same time, protecting the rights of those who use firearms responsibly called a member of Lord of the Mountain Lutheran Church in Dillion, Colo. to action… “These things are important,” says Diane Luellen. “If we don’t do it, who will?”

Learn more

Dates of Note

CLIMATE EMERGENCY: FAITH-BASED ORGANIZATIONS RAISING AMBITION – LEAVING NO ONE BEHIND
Building on the momentum of the UN Climate Change Summit 2019, an interfaith coalition of over 40 global interfaith organizations will join the ELCA to focus on climate emergency declarations by faith groups, climate justice, climate migration, loss and damage from climate emergencies, and action plans for 2019 and beyond.

WEBINAR: PUBLIC CHARGE 101 FOR FAITH COMMUNITIES
Interfaith Immigration Coalition, in which the ELCA participates, will present a primer on the new public charge rule and its impact on vulnerable families. Register to hear the presentation.

Register >>

nonprofit software

Policy NOTES

Action Alerts

Featured Resources

Blog: Punitive public charge rule slated to take effect

Blog: Congregation raises faith voice against gun violence

Dates of Note

This is Christ's church.

There is a place for you here.