In her poignant reflection, Autumn Byars, an ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellow with the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Arizona, part of our Grand Canyon Synod, calls for a disruption in the exhausting cycles of the federal election process through the power of compassion. Byars challenges candidates and constituents alike to approach the political arena with understanding and grace, fostering solutions grounded in our shared humanity rather than divisive rhetoric.
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In the spirit of advocating for peace, the Lutheran Office for World Community (LOWC) participates in weekly prayers at the Church Center for the United Nations. Recently, they joined in reflection with the Flame of Hope organization, honoring a flame from Hiroshima as a symbol of transformation and peace.
This devotional from ELCA Advocacy at ELCA.org emphasizes the need for brave leaders who pursue peace and resist violence. As we remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy, LOWC calls for leadership committed to understanding, action, and the illumination of hope, transforming our world into one of justice and peace for all.
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In a recent ELCA Advocacy blog post, Quentin Bernhard reflects on the complexity of praying for elected leaders amidst political polarization. He shares insights from a Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania workshop, discussing the importance of seeing everyone as fully human and loved by God, despite differing views. This devotion is a call to open our hearts and minds, and act as agents of change in God's world. Discover the full reflection and join the conversation on depolarization as an act of discipleship at ELCA Advocacy's blog.
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As part of our Creating Space for Conversations series, we share this video from the ELCA’s "Study Curriculum on Civic Life and Faith." Watch the video as a standalone resource, or explore the full set of the curriculum, including leader’s guides.
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We share the latest updates from ELCA Advocacy, and highlight the entry from Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA) – lamaz.org, in this post.
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The ELCA Advocacy office's latest update includes critical efforts towards peace in the Israel-Hamas conflict, advocacy for the 2018 Farm Bill extension, support for climate-smart farming, U.S. commitment to end child marriage, and legislative progress on immigration reform. These actions reflect ELCA’s commitment to global justice, environmental stewardship, and gender equality.
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The ELCA has actively participated in the United Nations Conference of Parties (COP28) meeting in Dubai, showcasing its commitment to addressing climate change. Six ELCA representatives, including experts in environmental science, policy, and advocacy, joined global leaders to discuss and devise strategies to combat the climate crisis. The ELCA's engagement at COP28 highlights our church’s dedication to environmental stewardship and its role in contributing to crucial global dialogues on environmental challenges.
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In an inspiring reflection from the ELCA Fall Climate Summit, Savannah Jorgensen calls us to acknowledge our lament for the climate crisis while also recognizing God's enduring presence and the hopeful, unifying call to action in Isaiah 43. As we face the realities of environmental injustice and degradation, Jorgensen reminds us that through faith, community, and advocacy, we can spark meaningful change and become a part of the "new thing" God is creating in the world.
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In October's ELCA Advocacy updates, global Lutherans convened in Krakow, Poland, for the LWF Assembly, with U.N. discussions focusing on the Sustainable Development Goals. Arizona's LAMA hosted an influential retreat, welcomed a new advocacy fellow, and continued their efforts in addressing hunger. Meanwhile, states like California and Colorado witnessed legislative shifts and advocacy initiatives on various topics. Stay updated with these important developments across the ELCA network.
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In the midst of global unrest, ELCA Advocacy's October update from the ELCA advocacy office in Washington, D.C. delves into critical issues from the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict to vital reforms in Native American housing, the U.S. anti-corruption strategy, empowering young adult voices in migration advocacy, and an active presence in Climate Week NYC. Explore these pivotal developments and learn how ELCA is actively responding to worldwide challenges.
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ELCA Advocacy is excited to introduce the 2023-2024 Hunger Advocacy Fellows, including our very own Autumn Byars with LAMA. Supported by ELCA World Hunger, these dynamic young leaders are poised to make significant impacts in communities locally and globally. With placements across various advocacy offices, each Fellow brings unique insights and passions, uniting in their commitment to a just world where all are fed. Meet these inspiring individuals in a post at ELCA.org.
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Amidst the Central African Republic's deepening crisis, ELCA Advocacy underscores the urgent need for global solidarity and action. Highlighting the turmoil and human rights infractions in CAR, the ELCA calls for robust support for humanitarian efforts and peace initiatives, advocating for a holistic peace that encompasses safety, dignity, and wellbeing for all affected populations.
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The ELCA, in partnership with other faith communities, launched "One Home One Future," a campaign inviting congregations to champion creation care and climate action. With resources from ecoAmerica's Blessed Tomorrow program, it aims to unite and inspire congregations in their environmental stewardship efforts. Read the original post from ELCA Advocacy at ELCA.org.
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From September 17 - 20, the LAMA office hosted the State Public Policy Office (SPPO) directors from Ohio, Kansas, Florida, Wisconsin, Washington, California, New Jersey, Minnesota, Washington DC, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and, of course, Arizona, at Spirit in The Desert Retreat Center in Carefree. The faith based offices gathered together to discuss priorities for the upcoming year, fresh advocacy and engagement strategies, attend lectures and discussions led by guest speaker Amanda Tyler, and welcome the 2023-24 Hunger Advocacy Fellows. This year’s theme was on Keeping the Faith in Times of Divisions, with a focus on Christian nationalism. Read more on the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona blog.
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ELCA Advocacy provides crucial updates on its advocacy efforts across states and at the U.N. From migrant rights at the global level to housing justice in individual states, ELCA is leading faith-driven initiatives for a just world. Read the ELCA Advocacy’s latest blog post to catch up on these vital efforts.
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Mark Raabe, a long-standing member of First Trinity Lutheran, shares a firsthand account on ELCA.org of the pivotal March on Washington in 1963. Experience the powerful serenity of that day through Raabe's memories, emphasizing the undeniable impact of peaceful protest and the unparalleled influence of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech.
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Reflecting on the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington, the ELCA Racial Justice blog emphasizes the lasting impact and current relevance of the fight for racial and economic justice. The post highlights the ongoing challenges of systemic racism, such as redlining and voting rights restrictions, and calls for continued advocacy in line with ELCA’s commitment to racial justice.
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The August/September update from ELCA's advocacy office covers urgent matters such as FEMA's funding crisis, clean energy tax credits for churches, efforts in the Farm Bill reauthorization, growing support for the Afghan Adjustment Act, and international funding decisions. These updates underline the pressing issues that call for advocacy, reflection, and action in our society.
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Lutheran delegate Willie F. Korboi shares insightful reflections from his participation in the 2023 United Nations High-Level Political Forum. From emphasizing collective action for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to advocating for child safety, Willie's experience at the forum offers a profound perspective on global challenges and the urgent need for tangible actions. Read more at ELCA.org to delve into these reflections and understand the crucial role of faith-based communities in addressing global issues.
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Learn how to make the most of the 2023 August Recess in this post from ELCA Advocacy - a unique opportunity to engage with your federal lawmakers locally. This post provides guidance on interacting with your representatives and resources to help you advocate effectively on key issues for 2023, including the Farm Bill Reauthorization, Affordable Housing, Clean Energy, Migration Policy, Indian Boarding Schools, Detention of Palestinian Children, and Global Health: HIV/AIDS.
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