Posts tagged ELCA Advocacy
More Questions than Answers: Finding Hope in Advocacy and Faith
More Questions than Answers: Finding Hope in Advocacy and Faith

In a world where the “common good” feels more elusive than ever, how do we navigate the tension between legality and morality, division and unity? Courtney Hall of the Lutheran Office of Public Policy – California reflects on faith as a guiding light in the midst of uncertainty, especially for those working in advocacy. Instead of placing blame in times of struggle, she encourages us to lean on each other and keep our eyes on the shared values of love, grace, and compassion. Click here to read more in this devotional from the New Year Devotional Series.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment
Act Now: Lift the Freeze on Lifesaving U.S. Foreign Assistance
Act Now: Lift the Freeze on Lifesaving U.S. Foreign Assistance

A recent funding freeze has halted U.S. foreign aid programs critical to global health, refugee resettlement, and disaster relief—programs already approved by Congress. As Lutherans, we are called to serve our neighbors in need. Contact your congressional representatives today to urge them to restore this lifesaving aid. Take action now: Click here.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA Advocacy, Church and SocietyComment
Defending Care: Why Lutherans Must Speak Out for Medicaid
Defending Care: Why Lutherans Must Speak Out for Medicaid

Proposed Medicaid cuts in Congress could significantly impact low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities—many of whom are served by Lutheran ministries. As people of faith, we are called to protect healthcare access for the most vulnerable. The ELCA is mobilizing action through advocacy alerts, a webinar on March 6, and direct outreach to legislators. Now is the time to act—contact your representatives, sign coalition letters, and learn how your congregation can engage. Click here to read more and take action.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardChurch and Society, Advocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment
Defending Medicaid: A Call to Action for Lutherans
Defending Medicaid: A Call to Action for Lutherans

Proposed Medicaid cuts in Congress threaten millions of low-income children, seniors, and people with disabilities—including many served by Lutheran ministries. As Lutherans, our faith calls us to protect the vulnerable and advocate for just policies. Learn about the proposed changes, why they matter, and how you can take action through advocacy alerts, upcoming webinars, and direct engagement with lawmakers. Read more and find ways to get involved at ELCA.org.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardChurch and Society, Advocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment
Advocacy Days Mobilize Lutherans for Justice
Advocacy Days Mobilize Lutherans for Justice

Faith and advocacy go hand in hand. As Rev. Kelly Bayer Derrick of the ELCA Virginia Synod reminds us in this ELCA blog post, engaging in civic life is a way to live out our faith and seek abundant life for all. Across the country, ELCA-affiliated public policy offices are hosting advocacy days to help Lutherans and faith-based advocates voice their concerns on issues like housing, hunger, migration, and environmental justice. Want to get involved? Find an upcoming event near you or contact your local synod office to learn how you can participate in shaping just policies in your community.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment
Call to Action: Support Global Health, Refugees, and Food Security Programs
Call to Action: Support Global Health, Refugees, and Food Security Programs

The foreign assistance funding freeze has halted critical global health, refugee, and disaster relief programs—including Lutheran-supported efforts like PEPFAR and Augusta Victoria Hospital. These disruptions put millions of lives at risk by suspending already-approved aid for refugees, famine prevention, and lifesaving medical care. Urge Congress to lift the freeze today. Learn more and take action here: ELCA Action Center.

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Brian FlatgardChurch and Society, Advocacy, ELCA Advocacy, Immigration and Refugees, August Victoria HospitalComment
A Symphony of Prophetic Voices: Lutherans Advocating for Justice at the UN
A Symphony of Prophetic Voices: Lutherans Advocating for Justice at the UN

Lutherans are raising their prophetic voices for justice at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69) this March, where the global church will review progress on the Beijing Declaration’s gender justice commitments. Deacon Erin Brown of the Lutheran Office for World Community reflects on the diverse ways Lutherans advocate for the common good, ensuring that God’s love, compassion, and justice are proclaimed. From pastors to students to international leaders, the Lutheran delegation amplifies stories and solutions that work toward a world free from violence and oppression. Read more about how faith informs advocacy and how you can support this vital mission.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment
Matthew 25 and the Power of Mutual Aid: A Devotional Reflection
Matthew 25 and the Power of Mutual Aid: A Devotional Reflection

In uncertain times, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by fear and division. Yet, Scripture reminds us of our call to community and mutual aid. Reflecting on Matthew 25, ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellow Emily Ahern shares how faith can move us beyond isolation into active love and care for those in need. In a world that often feels unwelcoming, how can we create pockets of peace and solidarity? Read the full devotional and join in reflection on building communities of justice and care.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment
Strength in Numbers: A Devotional Reflection on Liberation and Community
Strength in Numbers: A Devotional Reflection on Liberation and Community

How can we harness our individual gifts to create lasting change in our communities? Drawing on their experiences as an ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellow, Sagi Rudnick reflects on the intersection of self, community, and liberation, inspired by the wisdom of Ecclesiastes. Their journey offers a powerful reminder that “two are better than one,” and that together, we can build a stronger, more equitable world. Read more on the ELCA blog.

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ELCA, Letters, NewsBrian FlatgardELCA Advocacy, Hunger, ELCA World HungerComment
ELCA Advocacy Update: Critical Federal Decisions Impact Housing, Climate, and Peace
ELCA Advocacy Update: Critical Federal Decisions Impact Housing, Climate, and Peace

This month’s ELCA Advocacy update highlights urgent issues, including the impact of federal budget delays on housing programs, historic climate finance commitments from COP29, and efforts to block arms sales fueling conflict in Sudan. Learn how Lutheran values are shaping advocacy and how you can act for justice. Read the full update: ELCA Advocacy Blog.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment
Facing the Storms of Life: Isaiah’s Hope for a Changing Climate
Facing the Storms of Life: Isaiah’s Hope for a Changing Climate

When a bomb cyclone devastated parts of the Pacific Northwest, Isaiah 43:1-3 offered hope: God is with us through every storm. This promise guided young Lutheran advocates who met with federal leaders to address climate change. As we enter a new year, let us act boldly for the common good, rooted in faith and God’s abiding presence. Read more in the latest ELCA Advocacy Fellows Devotional.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment
Advocating for Justice in Agriculture: The Farm Bill and Our Faith
Advocating for Justice in Agriculture: The Farm Bill and Our Faith

The American Relief Act, 2025, passed in December, narrowly avoided a government shutdown and extended key parts of the 2018 Farm Bill through March 14, 2024, while providing $110 billion in disaster relief, including $31 billion for agriculture producers. However, the deal also cut $177 million from USDA’s “orphan” programs, leaving communities and farmers who rely on these initiatives at risk. As Congress prepares to draft a new Farm Bill in 2025, the ELCA urges action to ensure policies reflect faith-based values of equity, sustainability, and care for creation. Learn how you can advocate for a just future in ELCA Advocacy’s Farm Bill blog post.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA Advocacy, Church and Society, hungerComment
Know Your Rights: A Resource Guide for Immigrant Accompaniment and Advocacy
Know Your Rights: A Resource Guide for Immigrant Accompaniment and Advocacy

In times of heightened uncertainty, our immigrant neighbors need support and accompaniment. The ELCA’s AMMPARO ministry offers critical tools to understand and assert rights during encounters with law enforcement or ICE. This guide includes Red Cards, family preparedness plans, and multilingual resources to help families stay informed and safe. Access the full list of tools and share them with your community as we walk together in faith and advocacy. Read more at ELCA.org.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAMMPARO, Advocacy, ELCA Advocacy, Immigration and Refugees, Church and SocietyComment
Lifting Voices for Justice: ELCA Advocacy on Child Hunger, DACA, and More
Lifting Voices for Justice: ELCA Advocacy on Child Hunger, DACA, and More

From combating child hunger to advocating for climate action and justice for Dreamers, the ELCA continues to live out its call to serve neighbors and proclaim God’s peace. This month’s highlights include updates from COP29, work on U.S.-Israel humanitarian aid, and support for DACA protections. Learn how Lutherans are putting faith into action and how you can join the effort.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment
Fighting Hunger, Seeking Peace, and Elevating Indigenous Voices: ELCA Advocacy Highlights
Fighting Hunger, Seeking Peace, and Elevating Indigenous Voices: ELCA Advocacy Highlights

From fighting child hunger to advocating for bold climate action at COP29, the ELCA continues to embody Christ’s call to justice. Explore updates on global partnerships, featured resources like Bishop Eaton’s post-election message, and dates to mark, including World AIDS Day. Read more to find ways your congregation can take action this season.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment
November Advocacy Updates from UN and State Offices
November Advocacy Updates from UN and State Offices

Discover how Lutherans are putting faith into action this November with advocacy updates from the UN and state public policy offices. From amplifying human rights at the United Nations to championing civic engagement and justice in Colorado, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Wisconsin, our church is making an impact globally and locally. Learn more about these efforts and how you can get involved.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment
Bridging Divides: How Lutherans Can Foster Peace in Polarized Times
Bridging Divides: How Lutherans Can Foster Peace in Polarized Times

In a time of deep political tension, the ELCA calls on its congregations to be peacemakers. Anxiety around potential violence is high, yet our faith community has a unique role to play. Reflecting on the call to witness peace, truth, and reconciliation, the ELCA provides guidance to equip Lutherans to respond with love, serve as peacemakers, and support civil servants through prayer and action. Learn how we can embody Christ’s peace and advocate for a more just and respectful society in this post from ELCA Advocacy.

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ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardAdvocacy, ELCA Advocacy, Church and Society, Elections and Voting RightsComment