ELCA Lutherans from across the Appalachian region participated in an ecumenical State of Appalachia Conference on March 31 – April 1, 2017, in Pipestem State Park, West Virginia.
The conference “was an important gathering for public advocacy and service ministries in Appalachia,” said the Rev. Dr. Gilson Wal
dkoenig, professor of Church in Society at the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg and Director for Evangelical Mission, WV-MD Synod. “Given very pressing social, economic and environmental needs—and limited means available to the churches—faithful people must strategize and work as a team despite traditional denominational silos. The conference revealed a wealth of talent and wisdom across the churches and the region, which was very encouraging.”
LAMPa participated in the gathering, organized by Creation Justice Ministries, to help support the church’s response to the spiritual, health, economic and environmental needs in that region. “There was clearly great concern for the challenges facing this beautiful area, particularly around access to and protection of safe, clean water,” said LAMPa director Tracey DePasquale, “but there was also great conviction that God is calling us into this work together.”
Anyone interested in participating in ongoing discernment in support of ministry and advocacy in the region can contact LAMPa.
