An ineffective SNAP policy that takes food assistance away from people who can’t meet a work-reporting requirement will return this summer, after being paused during the public health emergency.

June/July 2023. ELCA Advocacy publishes monthly updates from Lutheran Office for World Community and state public policy offices (SPPOs) in the ELCA Advocacy BLOG each month.

This is your opportunity to engage your community, both at church and at large, on climate care. As an ambassador, you will be connected with people as passionate about the climate and the gospel as you are while being equipped with tools to help you turn your passion into action.

Explore the latest Summer Good Green News from Lutherans Restoring Creation. Discover opportunities for young adults at the Climate Summit, learn about the importance of a peaceful heart for environmental stewardship, and meet the team behind LRC initiatives.

ATTN Young Adults 18-35: If you care about the climate, we want YOU! Deadline to apply for a spot at this ELCA Fall Climate Summit is July 26. Spread the word ~ let’s get some GCS representation at the Climate Summit!

Arizona's unique method for awarding water to tribes was supposed to open up economic possibilities beyond farming for the Hopi Tribe. Instead, the tribe says it has dashed their dreams of building a thriving homeland.

The statement reads in part, “Whether we worship at a church, mosque, synagogue, or temple, America has no second-class faiths. All are equal under the U.S. Constitution. As Christians, we must speak in one voice condemning Christian nationalism as a distortion of the gospel of Jesus and a threat to American democracy.”

The First Amendment in the Bill of Rights guarantees freedoms concerning religion, expression, assembly, and the right to petition. It forbids Congress from both promoting one religion over others and also restricting an individual’s religious practices.

David D. Grafton raises the question of what it means to do public ministry in a multi-faith context. He proposes that thinking about ministry in a multi-faith North America actually provides opportunities for the authentic Christian witness and a faithful Christian life.

The BJC Center for Faith, Justice & Reconciliation produced this 10-part podcast series in 2019 on the dangers of Christian nationalism. The series features interviews with theologians, historians, authors and activists, including Bishop Elizabeth Eaton, Walter Brueggemann, Sen. John Marty (D), MN, author Steven Green and many others.

“An element in our country wants to legislate that the United States is a Christian nation where Christianity should be privileged and only Christians should hold office. This is Christian Nationalism, which is neither Christian nor patriotic.” The Rev. Elizabeth Eaton, in Living Lutheran

After decades of policies encouraging growth and farming at all costs, there are signs that Arizona may finally be coming to grips with its status as a dry state.  —Hank Stephenson, Arizona Agenda

The ELCA welcomes Haemin Lee, the new director of ELCA World Hunger, who will lead the team working with ELCA World Hunger’s domestic and international grants. Read Haemin’s greeting in this post.

In light of the GCS Assembly approving the Hunger Leaders Network’s Resolution, the HLN will be tracking the hunger ministries and hunger leaders in every GCS congregation. Please take 2 minutes to complete the survey for your church.

ELCA World Hunger's VBS for 2023 gives groups the chance to learn about animals. By helping farmers access animals and learn new ways to care for them, we can take an effective, sustainable step toward ending hunger. Each day of “God’s New Creation” offers large- and small-group activities, crafts, games, snacks and more.

Bishop Hutterer accepts a trophy from the Southeastern Iowa Synod on behalf of the GCS for edging out its sister synod in the friendly 40-40-40 Lenten Challenge.

In honor of World Refugee Day on June 20, the ELCA and LIRS advocacy networks invite their members to a national day of advocacy, intended to build urgency for robust support for refugees, immigrants, asylum seekers. We urge all to learn more about refugee admissions in the United States, join LIRS's 125 Watch campaign, accompany migrants through AMMPARO, and advocate through prayer and action for our neighbors in need.

Grand Canyon Synod Resolution S23.01 titled Encouraging congregations to support local hunger ministries, increase awareness of hunger and poverty issues, and increase opportunities to financially support the work of ELCA World Hunger passed unanimously on Saturday, June 10 at the 2023 Synod Assembly in Oro Valley, Arizona.