‘This church teaches that civic engagement is a vital aspect of discipleship for baptized Christians. We have a responsibility not only to fulfill our private roles and functions in life, and to pray for those in authority (1 Timothy 2:1-2), but also to be civically engaged.” – ELCA Social Message on Government and Civic Engagement in the United States

LAMPa encourages all to engage our common civic life through advocacy, voting, and peacebuilding. In a contentious election cycle, the Body of Christ is called to be informed, compassionate citizens. Below are a number of resources to help in the work of building up peace and understanding, while rejecting ideologies that promote hate and violence. Always, at the center of our civic life is the question: Is our neighbor being served?

Discipleship in a Democracy: How faith communities can work for justice and peace without jeopardizing their nonprofit status — even during an election year! – Recording is available for on-demand viewing. Registration is $25.

Though public charities, including churches, must remain nonpartisan, they have a critical role to play in civic life — even throughout the election cycle! Not only can public charities engage in issue education and advocacy during election season, but they can also conduct robust voter and candidate education campaigns and mobilize the public to get out the vote. After this session, you will have a better understanding of how to legally engage in nonpartisan advocacy during an election without jeopardizing your nonprofit status. The information will cover federal, state and municipal compliance.

Join LAMPa’s Election Support Network!

As we prepare for the General Election on Nov. 5, LAMPa encourages people of faith to sign up to be a part of our Election Support Network. Lutheran advocates and staff have been reaching out to county election offices across the Commonwealth to thank them for their service, offer prayers and ask about ways to offer support. Some need more poll workers. Others might need new polling places. Others would appreciate continued prayers and community contacts for support. This network is intended to connect the needs of elections offices in every county with a community of support to turn to as needs arise. This is a simple, yet important, way to live out our call to be active citizens.

God’s work. Our hands. Our voices. Take the Peace is Possible Pledge.

On September 5, the Thursday before “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday, all seven ELCA bishops in Pennsylvania gathered with colleagues and religious leaders from across the Commonwealth at the Capitol in Harrisburg to call for peace in this election season. The statement “Choices and Voices for Peace” has been signed by more than 350 religious leaders, and remains open for any person of faith to add their name. LAMPa has curated a Peace Pledge kit, based on the project of our friends at Search for Common Ground, that can be used to amplify the bishops’ call for peace. Materials available now.

LAMPa is partnering with Common Ground – USA to bring a series of webinars to promote peaceful engagement and bridge-building dialogue across the Commonwealth.  We think these would be great to use with congregation councils or adult ed/faith formation throughout the fall!

Pixels for Peace (Digital Peace Building) –  Already Held — Recording available on demand below. Use Code: P6K+vhI1

As Christians, we are called to be peacemakers. This work is deeply needed in digital spaces, where conflicts and disinformation too often drive apart congregants and friends. Common Ground USA and Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania invite you to Pixels for Peace to understand how our digital worlds are driving polarization and what we can do individually and together to build peace online.

Pixels for Peace will cover:

How and why digital spaces shape the way we understand the world and each other

• How forces of disconnection try to manipulate online audiences
• What works to respond to online division and hate

Community Building Skills Series – Wednesdays at Noon

This online three-part series supports you in building and refining the skills used in interactions with those who might not agree with you. All are on Wednesdays at noon EST via Zoom. While you need to register for each separately, and are welcome to attend any or all, you will get the most out of attending all three in order.

Part I: Active Listening – October 2 -How to establish meaningful connection between speaker and listener, build a deeper understanding through dialogue, and get comfortable with potentially contentious exchanges.

Part II: Difficult Conversations – October 16 – Through understanding ourselves and others, how to turn difficult conversations into an opportunity to uncover common ground.

Part III: Managing Conflict – October 30 – How to transform conflict into a process that promotes ownership, fosters creativity, and generates outcomes that solve real community problems.

LAMPa is pleased to partner with Common Ground – USA to present this series of webinars. You may attend any or all of the webinars.

LAMPa is grateful for the accompaniment of Common Ground – USA in supporting “Love Anyway Feasts” to promote understanding, fellowship, and communion across differences. Through a Faith in Elections grant from Interfaith America, we’re offering seed money for 10 of these feasts, awarded at Lutheran Day. To learn more, or to talk with someone who has hosted or experienced this potluck for peace, drop us a line at LAMPa@lutheranadvocacypa.org.

A collection of devotions written by ELCA pastors, deacons, and seminarians from across the Commonwealth to foster a spirit of prayer, peace, and community in the days leading up to this important election. This devotional speaks across political parties, geography, and all that seeks to divide us, and reminds us of what can happen when we place our trust in the movement of the Spirit. This is not about praying for a specific outcome, but rather reminding ourselves of God’s vision for the beloved community and grounding our civic engagement in that vision.

Lessons from Dietrich Bonhoeffer in a House Divided and a World on Fire is a 4-8 week congregational curriculum written in partnership with Dr. Lori Brandt Hale, Augsburg University professor and president of the International Bonhoeffer Society-English Language Section, which marks its 50th anniversary this year. It is free for congregations and communities to use as we promote peaceful and bold care for our neighbor in the midst of forces that seek to divide. A  donation of any value is appreciated to recognize the scholarship and time involved in creating this resource.  Curriculum available here!

Hope in a Divided World: Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s This-Worldly Christianity as an Antidote to Christian Nationalism

March 7-8

Join us for a weekend of discovering how Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s theology and legacy helps the Church and people of faith authentically and humbly act at the intersection of civic life and faith, in contrast and response to the forces of Christian Nationalism. Find out more here!