ELCA Presiding Bishop Convenes Interfaith Partners in Solidarity Statement
CHICAGO (March 7, 2025) — ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton has convened a coalition of interfaith leaders in support of refugees and immigrants who are forced to flee their homes. In the statement, the leaders emphasize their collective commitment to “welcome the stranger and care for the most vulnerable.” “In
ELCA signs Ecumenical Declaration Defending Refuge
Church World Service - As a Covenant Member the ELCA was part of drafting and signing The Ash Wednesday Ecumenical Declaration: Defending Refuge. Below you will find the final version of the Declaration. The declaration is now open for signatures from across the country, and will continue so through Lent.
Ashes-to-Go Service at the PA State Capitol Steps
Harrisburg, PA - On March 5, 2025, an ecumenical group of faith leaders offered“Ashes-to-Go,” at the foot of the front steps to the state Capitol. This inclusive event was open to all, regardless of faith tradition. Ashes-to-Go provides an opportunity for individuals to receive the mark of ashes on
Bishop Eaton Issues Response in Support of Jerusalem Patriarchs on Gaza
Dear church, Recently, the Patriarchs and Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem issued an urgent plea to the global church, “A Humanitarian Plea From the Churches of Jerusalem: Defending the Dignity and Presence of the People of Gaza.” I write to uplift the timely and crucial words of these beloved
LAMPa Releases 2025-2027 Policy Agenda
The PA General Assembly runs on a biennial basis. LAMPa's Policy Council sets a policy agenda before each session begins and revises as necessary midway through the term. Below are the policy priorities and issue areas LAMPa will be focused on in as we begin this session. Other priorities
Proposed Medicaid Would Affect 1.3 Million PA Kids
The new administration’s proposed spending cuts could threaten 1.3 million Pennsylvania children who are enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP and depend on these programs for access to check-ups, doctor-recommended screenings, vaccinations and much more. Maintaining federal funding for these programs means keeping children safe and healthy, including children with special health
Presiding Bishop Eaton Issues Pastoral Message on Executive Orders
Dear church, On Monday, our nation witnessed the peaceful transfer of power central to our democracy, followed by sweeping actions by the incoming Trump administration. Facing such changes, we receive guidance through Martin Luther's words in the Large Catechism. In the fourth petition of the Lord's Prayer, where we pray
A Pastoral Message from the ELCA Bishops of Pennsylvania
Advent 2024: A Season of Waiting and Hope Dear Pennsylvania Lutherans and Partners in Ministry, As we begin the season of Advent, we are reminded of the holy call to wait with hope and expectation. In this time of preparation, we recall the promise of God’s presence among us—Emmanuel, God with us—and
Announcing Isaiah 58:12 Fellows for 2024-2025
LAMPa is pleased to announce two fellows for the Isaiah 58:12 Fellowship for 2024-2025! Annamary Oslikova and Liliyana Beck will begin their projects in their congregations and communities to further racial justice and reconciliation. Annamary Oslikova, member of Evangelical Lutheran Church of Waynesboro, is beginning her project, “Racial Disparities In
“God’s Work. Our Hands. Our Voices.” Take the Peace Pledge.
"By equipping the faithful to act for peace in all their communities, the Church contributes to earthly peace. In recalling our identity in baptism, in gathering in peace around the Lord’s Table, in telling the biblical narrative, in teaching faith, hope, and love, the Church provides the basics of peacemaking
