09/05/2014

Advocacy Updates from ELCA Advocacy Office and SOS Public Policy Task Force

In an effort to highlight Lutheran advocacy actions happening throughout the country, we present the ELCA Advocacy Update for the month of September! (Please see the document below.)

In this month’s edition:

+ Continuing support for the EPA’s proposed carbon rule

+ Advocating for humanitarian aid in the Holy Land

+ Preparing for the People’s Climate March in New York (September 21, 2014)

+ Bristol Bay Advocacy

+ Efforts led by Lutheran advocacy offices throughout the country

Elca Advocacy Update Sept 2014

An update from Nick Bates, Chairperson of the SOS Public Policy Task Force regarding Moral Movement Week at the Ohio Statehouse in August.

From Thursday August 21 – August 28, faith leaders from across Ohio gathered at the Statehouse for a week of prayer. The prayer week builds on the moral movement that began in North Carolina. Ohio joined with 11 other states this week in prayer.

ELCA pastors Mark Diemer and Al Debelak led prayers for economic justice and equal protection under the law. Diaconal Ministry candidate Nick Bates led prayers on justice for children and youth. Bishop Tony Minor with Lutheran Metropolitan Ministries in Cleveland led the opening prayer on the final day.  Another pastor quipped, “The Lutherans seem to be taking over.” The group also prayed for women, education, criminal justice, healthcare, and environmental justice.

The week centered on our call to do justice in our world, improve civic discourse, and our responsibility as a society to care for our neighbor. Policies such as Medicaid expansion were lifted up as an example of moral leadership, while public school funding and growing economic inequality were identified as areas that our state leaders needed to focus their attention.

On Thursday August 28^th, speakers recapped each day of prayer – highlighting some of the concerns that emerged each day. Each speaker concluded by calling out, ‘we pray to the God of love and justice to guide our moral movement.’  Those praying throughout the week were often reminded that prayers were not about making a wish, but opening ourselves to God to be guided to action. Prayer is the beginning of a moral movement, it is not the end.

If you're interested in being part of the SOS Public Policy Task Force, please contact Nick Bates at batesyep@gmail.com.