Email - Advocacy Connections: November/December 2023

ELCA

In Time of War
As weeks extend in the only temporarily paused Isael-Hamas war, faith leaders continue to urge peace. Signed by the Rev. Elizabeth Eaton, ELCA presiding bishop, several ELCA synod bishops and others through Churches for Middle East Peace, a Nov. 29 letter to President Biden says, "We condemn all acts of violence against civilians and grieve with Israelis and Palestinians who have lost loved ones." It urges: "You have a unique opportunity to turn the tide of history and finally demand that the fighting stop and that the parties involved resolve their differences through negotiations and diplomatic means.”
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Policy NOTES

Farm Bill Extension
When Congress temporarily averted a government shutdown until early next year an extension of 2018 Farm Bill programs through Sept. 30, 2024, was also passed. Representatives of ELCA Pennsylvania synods visited Capitol Hill on Oct. 26 and shared experiences and priorities regarding feeding ministries.

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Climate-Smart Farm Funding
As the Farm Bill reauthorization continues to be negotiated, members of the House Committee on Agriculture are worried about a move to steer conservation money intended for climate-smart farming into other programs.

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Gender Justice
For the first time, the U.S. government will contribute to the UNICEF/UNFPA’s Global Programme to End Child Marriage. This program was launched in 2016 to fight child marriage in 12 countries that have high prevalence rates, but the United States had not contributed funding for this work.

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Noteworthy Legislative Breakthroughs
While it can appear that Congress is immobile in bipartisan immigration reform, some breakthroughs are taking place. Of note, the House has introduced the Afghan Adjustment Act which would enable Afghans with parole status to adjust their legal status.

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Action Alerts

*new* URGE CONGRESS TO EXPAND THE CHILD TAX CREDIT THIS YEAR
As child poverty grows, lawmakers must prioritize tax relief for low-income families. Use your experiences and convictions in your message.

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*new* PEACE NOT WALLS - NOVEMBER 2023
Use this Action Alert to reach out in your words to your elected official. Intensify efforts to halt bloodshed and address the humanitarian crisis as Israel and Hamas are at war.

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SUPPORT U.S. EFFORTS TO COMBAT HIV/AIDS GLOBALLY
World AIDS Day on Dec. 1 can spur us to urge Congress to reauthorize the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).

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THANK YOU!
Through the ELCA Action Center and in your local communities and congregations, your faith-based advocacy is inspiring and meaningful. Together, we achieve things on a scale and scope that aren't reached otherwise.

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Featured Resources

Event: Voices of Faith in Climate Action - COP28 and Beyond

Live into the hope and promise that we can make a difference in this Kairos moment as we hear from Lutheran participants in Dubai sharing after the 2023 U.N. Climate Change Conference.

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Blog: New Thing in Climate Justice

“We should acknowledge the hurt and grief tied up in climate change and environmental injustices, but we can’t get caught in the quicksand of our lamentation” writes blogger who shares spark for change. Reflection questions included.

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Dates of Note

16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence
The 2023 theme is "Invest to Prevent Violence against Women & Girls" for this annual international campaign.

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Human Rights Day
“In the name of the God who creates every human being out of love, this church teaches human dignity is God’s gift to every person.” – ELCA social message on Human Rights

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Policy NOTES

Action Alerts

Featured Resources

Event: Voices of Faith in Climate Action - COP28 and Beyond

Blog: New Thing in Climate Justice

Dates of Note

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