Energizing Farm Bill Listening Sessions With great representation of well over 100 of us from many parts of the United States, “Listening Sessions to Inform ELCA Farm Bill Advocacy” were productive opportunities to learn more about the Farm Bill reauthorization process and hear from bishops, farmers, USDA employees, school lunch program volunteers, food bank managers, rural young adults and many others about their priorities for the issues impacted by the policy. More >>
Policy NOTES
Afghan Adjustment Act reintroduced The House and Senate have reintroduced the Afghan Adjustment Act. ELCA congregations and leaders have been deeply involved in accompaniment and advocacy for this policy, including sending messages through the ELCA Action Center when it was originally introduced in August 2022.
New WHO Network Launches The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched the International Pathogen Surveillance Network (IPSN), “a global network of pathogen genomic actors, to accelerate progress on the deployment of pathogen genomics and improve public health decision-making."
Waters of the United States Supreme Court Decision The Supreme Court made a decision in a closely watched case regarding the jurisdictional reach of the federal Clean Water Act (CWA). This result will reduce the number of wetlands subject to federal jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act.
Debt Ceiling Update President Biden in early June signed a compromise bill, H.R. 3746, to lift the U.S. debt ceiling until 2025. The final bill imposes some spending cuts over the next two years on federal programs – while giving Congress the option to make up most of those cuts through drawing back unspent pandemic funding.
Apply by July 26 for the in-person October Fall Climate Summit at no cost to participants to build momentum and power to energize further action and impact grounded in ELCA social teachings. The looming climate crisis needs action, and quickly, to surmount grave danger to present and future generations.
Blog: Showing Up and Speaking Out Against Harmful Anti-LGBTQ Legislation
The last few years have seen record numbers of anti-LGBTQ bills being proposed and passed. Several ELCA bishops, ELCA-affiliated state public policy offices, and lay and rostered congregational leaders have spoken up for transgender siblings and so can you.
A newly available map overlays the boundaries of ELCA synods and the boundaries of U.S. Federal Congressional Districts. Knowing who is elected to represent your area and who you are connected with in ELCA ministry can be key in your response to concerns.
Blog: Creation Care Ambassadors and All of Us Together
Creation Care Ambassadors, trained through a certification program of Lutherans Restoring Creation (LRC) with ELCA collaborator Blessed Tomorrow, empower themselves to make a difference. Reach out to an Ambassador and consider taking the free training.
Resource: Advocacy in service to our neighbor - Template letters 2023
Our agricultural community is vital to our daily lives, and a reauthorized Farm Bill can support vocations and the health of our communities now and in years to come. Find a letter template for expressing your position on this important bill being considered by Congress. Faith communities and our ministries are working to meet needs, but reauthorization is an opportunity to advance significant good for all of us.
Blog: Leaders Join ELCA World Hunger and Witness in Society at the UN
“Lutherans gathered at the 2023 United Nations High-Level Political Forum contributed and made visible how communities of faith fill gaps in the provision of essential social services around the world. Our faith in action holds hope in a better future for all,” says Daniel Pieper, Lutheran Office for World Community Program Director. A delegate from southeast Michigan describes the experience in this post.
AUGUST RECESS The scheduled August congressional recess (Jul. 31-Sep. 4) is an important time for in-district advocacy. Check the ELCA Advocacy Blog for forthcoming “In the Moment” suggestions to use in Town Halls and other opportunities with your lawmaker.
"GOD’S WORK. OUR HANDS." SUNDAY This day is an opportunity to celebrate who we are as the ELCA – one church, freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor. This marks the 10th anniversary of the designation, bearing witness to the love and concern God’s people have for one another.
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Energizing Farm Bill Listening Sessions
