As Lutherans, our understanding of Scripture and our theology provide a call and grounding for civic engagement and public debate as a concrete expression of loving and serving our neighbor. The ELCA Constitution calls us to “advocate dignity and justice for all people, working for peace and reconciliation among nations, and standing with the poor and powerless and committing itself to their need…This church shall study social issues and trends, work to discover the causes of oppression and injustice, and develop programs of ministry and advocacy to further human dignity, freedom, justice, and peace in the world.”
Part of one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, Pennsylvania Lutherans also have deep roots in advocacy – making LAMPa the oldest State Public Policy Office in the ELCA. Our tremendous ministries of service and our experience of doing justice in our communities provide a unique voice and perspective in public issues.
In partnership with ELCA World Hunger, and based on the deep experience and commitment of our more than 1,000 congregations across the Commonwealth, LAMPa leads non-partisan advocacy to Pennsylvania public officials on range of interconnected issues, but particularly in addressing hunger and its root causes, striving to create a just world where all are fed.
Our Policy Council helps guide LAMPa’s policy priorities, based on the experiences of their ministries and communities. In advancing those priorities, LAMPa conducts analysis and provides resources on current issues and public policy to help illuminate the connections between faith and daily public life. View our priorities for the 2023-24 legislative session.
LAMPa supports the justice-seeking work of the church by providing and sharing opportunities to learn from and share with policymakers. Such opportunities can include action alerts, legislative visits, testimony or public comment, town halls and public forums, rallies, press conferences and ministry site visits that deepen understanding. Where are you being called to act, and how LAMPa accompany you?
Sign up for action alerts — Receive timely prompts to send a note to your lawmakers.
See our current action alerts and take action today on legislation that aligns with values that reflect love of neighbor and care for our common home.
Lutheran Day in the Capitol – Mark your calendar for May 9! Gather with Lutherans from across Pennsylvania for a day of inspiration, education and action that makes a difference. During the day, we will share stories from our communities, receive policy briefings and be grounded in sending worship before heading to the Capitol to meet together with lawmakers. In the evening, join us as LAMPa celebrates 45 years of advocacy for a more just Commonwealth and recognizes the work of advocates from every synod. Registration opens in mid-January. Save the date and invite your congregation as we live into being “Church together in Pennsylvania for the sake of the world God loves.”
God’s work. Our hands. Sunday – Let LAMPa help you take your service another step toward justice with resources for learning and advocacy tailored to your plans for this annual churchwide day of service in September. Whether you are packing muck buckets for disaster response, kicking off a tutoring program with a blessing of backpacks, visiting the homebound, stocking a food pantry, cleaning up streambanks and planting trees, or weatherizing homes for cold weather ahead, we can help you extend the reach of your love. Send us a note and let us help you plan and connect you with other congregations who have added their voices to the work of their hands and hearts on this day.
