November/December 2024 Edition

POLICY NOTES | FEATURED RESOURCES | DATES OF NOTE

POLICY NOTES

Child Hunger

The Food Research & Action Center (FRAC), of which the ELCA is a supporter, released a new report last month highlighting modest increases to participation in after-school meal programs, but the anti-hunger programs are still widely under-utilized by eligible children in need.

COP29

The 29th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) is being held Nov. 11-22, 2024, in Baku, Azerbaijan. Two ELCA staff are attending in-person, and six others online, to advocate to global leaders for increased ambition and climate action.

ACT Alliance

ACT Alliance is a global faith-based coalition organized in national and regional forums operating in more than 120 countries, including the ELCA. Witness in Society staff travelled to Yogyakarta, Indonesia to attend the ACT 2024 General Assembly, which took place Oct. 28-Nov. 1.

United States-Israel Relations

[Editor’s Note: This message was compiled days ago and does not reflect recent developments which ELCA staff is monitoring.] On Oct. 16, a letter from U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III was delivered to Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, which demanded that Israel allow essential humanitarian aid into Gaza and gave a 30-day deadline to comply with U.S. law or face potential consequences, such as potential stoppage of U.S. weapons transfer.

Challenges to DACA

On Oct. 10, a federal court heard arguments over the Biden administration’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) regulation, which has returned to the courts after several states challenged its legality. The case will almost certainly end up at the Supreme Court.

VIDEO | Woven Together: A Post-Election Message

“We’re going to remember that Jesus commands us to feed the hungry and give the thirsty drink and cloth the naked and visit those in prison and welcome the stranger…No election decides what our mission is. No election decides who we are or who’s in and who’s out as a church because we are inextricably woven together in the body of Christ.” – Bishop Elizabeth Eaton

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BLOG | Honoring Indigenous Peoples and Alaska Natives in November

In the United States, November is Native American Heritage Month. In this ELCA Racial Justice blog post, voices and work are elevated including observance of "National Day of Mourning" on the fourth Thursday in November, "a day known as the Thanksgiving holiday,” with an annual march and rally organized by the United American Indians of New England (UAINE). “This tradition and commemoration serve as a solemn occasion to honor Native ancestors and Wampanoag stories while fostering greater awareness and understanding among the U.S. public about the destructive presence of pilgrims and settlers in and around Patuxet, also known as Plymouth."

BLOG | Incarnating Peace in Political Anxiety

"We witness to God’s resolve for peace rooted in the cross and resurrection of Christ and by incarnating in our lives and actions Jesus’ command to love one’s enemies and Paul’s instructions to be ambassadors of reconciliation. The Church breathes life into this calling when we share responsibility for the wellbeing of our neighbors and nation." - The Rev. Amy E. Reumann

BLOG | Hunger Advocacy Fellows Serving with ELCA Witness in Society

ELCA Witness in Society is excited to introduce the six members of the 2024-2025 Hunger Advocacy Fellows cohort. The year-long fellowship integrates professional development with faith formation and offers fellows the unique opportunity to address issues at the state, national and even global level, with placements in California, D.C., Kansas, Minnesota and New York.

RESOURCE | Words Create Worlds

Use this reflection guide by ELCA AMMPARO (Accompanying Migrants with Protection, Advocacy, Representation, and Opportunities) to explore the power of language in shaping perceptions on migration. Learn tips to inspect words and their potential impact.

16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence

The 16 Days campaign is a moment to raise awareness and call for action to prevent and respond to violence against women and girls, whenever and wherever it happens.

World AIDS Day

On this day, we remember all who have been and continue to be affected by HIV and AIDS. We also take this day to raise awareness and recommit to a faithful and dedicated response.