Bishop Eaton Expresses Disappointment in Grants Pass Supreme Court Decision
June 28, 2024 I am disappointed by the Supreme Court's decision in Grants Pass v. Johnson, which clears the way for onerous civil and criminal penalties for unsheltered neighbors forced to sleep in parks or on other public property. This could jeopardize the work of Lutheran ministries and organizations dedicated
Isaiah 58:12 Fellowship Deadline Extended
LAMPa has extended the deadline for applications to the Isaiah 58:12 Fellowship to July 28th, 2024. Communications and Advocacy Engagement Coordinator, Rev. Erin Jones, expressed her hope this extension would enable interested youth and young adults more time for creating their proposals. "We recognized that with the National Youth Gathering pending,
PA Budget Still Pending After Deadline
The June 30th constitutional deadline for the 2024-25 budget has come and gone, but both Senate Republican leadership and Governor Shapiro have expressed optimism that final negotiations will be reached soon. Governor Shapiro's proposed $48.3 billion budget includes several ambitious proposals around affordable housing, health care, and education equity. It
Affordable Housing is “Out of Reach” for Many PA Workers
To afford a modest, two-bedroom apartment at fair market rent in Pennsylvania, full-time workers need to earn $26.26 per hour. This is Pennsylvania’s “2024 Housing Wage” according to Out of Reach, a report published jointly today by the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) and the Housing Alliance of Pennsylvania
Bishop Eaton Issues Message on War on Gaza
June 5, 2024 Dear church, For eight horrific months war has raged in Gaza. Thousands of people have died, and thousands more are suffering. In recent days we have seen unspeakable images of violence in Rafah and escalating violence in the West Bank. Like the prophet Isaiah, we lament, “How
LAMPa Calls for Election Devotional Writers
Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania (LAMPa) will be compiling and distributing a 40 Day Devotional "Reflections Before an Election," beginning Sept. 27. ELCA Rostered Ministers (pastors and deacons) and seminarians are welcome to submit entries to this devotional, which will be available as a PDF, a daily email, or on
LAMPa Hosts Record-Breaking Lutheran Day in the Capitol
More than 200 Pennsylvania Lutherans, ELCA Presiding Bishop Eaton and leadership from the ELCA Service and Justice home area helped LAMPa celebrate 45 years of advocacy ministry on May 9. Marking the milestone and 50 years of ELCA World Hunger, LAMPa hosted its annual day in the Capitol and an
Add Your Voices to “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday in 2024
As members of the body of Christ, we are called to serve our neighbors in response to God’s grace. “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday, taking place September 8, is a chance to renew our commitment to love and to serve in and with our communities. We can make God's
Bryan Penman Elected Bishop of the ELCA Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod
The Rev. Bryan J. Penman, Conshohocken, Pa., was elected May 4 to serve a six-year term as bishop of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The election took place during the synod assembly, May 3-4 at Franconia Mennonite Church in Telford, Pa. Penman was
Lutheran Day 2024 Honorees
On May 9, 2024, over 200 Lutherans gathered in Harrisburg for Lutheran Day in the Capitol. In addition to a day of advocacy, LAMPa celebrated its 45th anniversary and the 50th anniversary of ELCA World Hunger with a special Gala Dinner. The evening featured music by ARTolerance and a
