LAMPa is pleased to announce the Rev. Khader El-Yateem as keynote speaker for our 45th Anniversary Gala Celebration of Advocates on May 9!
El-Yateem, the newly appointed Executive Director of the Service and Justice home area of the ELCA, will encourage us in our call to be church together for the sake of the world God loves.
“As followers of Christ, we must reflect on how faithfully we respond to the needs of our neighbors,” says El-Yateem. “Our actions or inactions bear significant implications for our neighbors near and far. The church is called to unite in the bold proclamation of the Gospel, bringing God’s love, peace, and mercy to all through a profound commitment to service and justice.”
His address, “The Ministry of Reconciliation: A Biblical Mandate for Church Unity and Global Accompaniment,” draws inspiration from 2 Corinthians 5:18-20.
El-Yateem (aka Father K), a Palestinian-American advocate, community organizer and Lutheran pastor, began his new post on March 18. He embodies the spirit of compassion and justice that characterizes our hope as we gather to celebrate the legacy of Lutheran advocacy in Pennsylvania and to be renewed for the work ahead.
“As we reflect on Holy Week, Pastor El-Yateem’s journey from Bethlehem to the United States serves as an example of commitment to walking in the way of Jesus,” said LAMPa Director Tracey DePasquale. “His tireless efforts in fostering unity and championing the rights of marginalized communities resonate deeply with our call to work toward justice and peace. We’re also delighted to welcome him back to Pennsylvania!” (He received his Master of Divinity from Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia, now United Lutheran Seminary.)
Throughout his remarkable career, El-Yateem has served the church in a variety of capacities: mission developer and pastor of Salam Arabic Lutheran Church in Brooklyn, NY, where he also ran for city council; working in patient relations at Maimonedes Medical Center; CFO of Bethlehem Bible College; and, most recently, Director of Evangelical Mission (DEM) of the Florida-Bahamas Synod of the ELCA.
Join us in welcoming the Rev. El-Yateem as he shares his insights and vision for a more just and compassionate world. Together, we’ll celebrate 45 years of Pennsylvania Lutheran advocacy, 50 years of ELCA World Hunger, and lean into a future for the body of Christ rooted in justice, peace, and love.
