ELCA NEWS SERVICE
June 19, 2012
ELCA leader grateful for halt in some youth deportations, but more to do
12-40-MRC
CHICAGO (ELCA) - Calling the Obama administration's decision to stop
the deportation of young undocumented immigrants who meet certain
criteria a step in the right direction, the Rev. H. Julian Gordy said
there is still more to do.
Gordy said the administration's policy change, announced June 15,
follows an action of the 2011 Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) that calls for comprehensive federal
immigration reform and support for the DREAM Act -- legislation that
would provide a path for citizenship for undocumented immigrant youth.
The administration's decision, however, falls short of what's called
for in the DREAM Act, according to Gordy, who is bishop of the ELCA
Southeastern Synod, Atlanta, and chair of the ELCA Conference of Bishops'
Immigration Ready Bench.
"It doesn't allow a path for permanent legal status or citizenship,"
he said. The policy change "is simply a two-year renewable opportunity
for young people to be in the United States legally and temporarily to
search for work. It accomplishes some of the goals of the DREAM Act but
not all of them. So there's more to do, but we're glad this much has been
done."
The change would halt deportations and grant work permits to
undocumented immigrant youth if they arrived in the United States before
turning 16 and are younger than 30, do not have a criminal record, lived
in the United States continuously for at least five years and have some
educational achievement or military service, along with other criteria.
Gordy said that the ELCA and other U.S. mainline denominations have
stressed the humanitarian aspect of immigration reform, "operating out of
a sense that Scripture calls us to love the immigrant among us." He said
businesses and many people in law enforcement also support immigration
reform "because they believe it's good for business and better public
safety."
Although the DREAM Act failed in the Senate in 2010, some senators
have recently expressed support for different versions of the act,
according to a Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service news release.
The Obama administration's announcement "builds on bipartisan
interest in protecting immigrant youth from deportation and investing in
them as future leaders of our great nation," said Linda Hartke, president
and CEO of the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service.
Based in Baltimore, the agency is one of the nation's leaders in
welcoming and advocating for refugees and immigrants, working on behalf
of the ELCA.
ELCA congregations and Lutheran social ministry organizations
provide critical services to migrant populations, spread the word of
welcome and advocate for fair and humane immigration reform.
---
About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United
States, with 4.2 million members in 10,000 congregations across the 50
states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work.
Our hands," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in
Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's
roots are in the writings of the German church reformer, Martin Luther.
For information contact:
Melissa Ramirez Cooper
773-380-2956 or Melissa.RamirezCooper@ELCA.org
http://www.ELCA.org/news
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Lutherans
Living Lutheran: http://www.livinglutheran.com
Monday, June 25, 2012
Thursday, May 24, 2012
World Week for Peace in Palestine/Israel
Announcement: Peace Not Walls - Stand for Justice in the Holy Land
"PRAY, EDUCATE and ADVOCATE FOR JUSTICE IN PALESTINE"
World Week for Peace in Palestine/Israel
28 May - 3 June 2012
THEME: Displacement
Visit and share: www.worldweekforpeace.org.
In just a few days the WORLD WEEK FOR PEACE IN PALESTINE/ISRAEL will get underway. Are there ways that you can bring the message to your communities in a special effort next week? Social networking is crucial. There is a Facebook page dedicated to the World Week for Peace; it needs more focused participation, I think. You can be part of it.
There are a number of pages linked from the World Week for Peace home page. I think the most helpful is this one devoted to What you can do: http://www.oikoumene.org/en/programmes/public-witness-addressing-power-affirming-peace/churches-in-the-middle-east/pief/world-week/what-you-can-do.html
Here is information provided by the World Council of Churches.
The Palestine Israel Ecumenical Forum (PIEF) of the World Council of Churches invites member churches, faith-based communities, and civil society organizations to join together in 2012 for a week of advocacy and action in support of an end to the illegal occupation of Palestine and a just peace for all in Palestine and Israel.
Congregations and individuals around the globe who share the hope of justice shall unite during the week to take peaceful actions, together, to create a common international public witness.
GET INVOLVED:
During World Week for Peace 2012, from 28 May to 3 June, participants are encouraged to plan their activities around the following three principles:
1. Praying with churches living under occupation, using a special prayer from Jerusalem and other worship resources prepared for the week.
2. Educating about actions that make for peace, and about facts on the ground that do not create peace, especially issues related to displacement.
3. Advocating with political leaders using ecumenical policies that promote peace with justice.
WHY:
This annual observance of a week of prayer, education, and advocacy calls participants to work for an end to the illegal occupation of Palestine, so that Palestinians and Israelis can finally live in peace. It has been more than 63 years since the partition of Palestine hardened into a permanent nightmare for Palestinians. It is now more than 44 years since the occupation of East Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza overwhelmed the peaceful vision of one land, two peoples.
Yet the dream of one nation cannot be fulfilled at the expense of another.
The message for this week of action is NOW:
- It's time for Palestinians and Israelis to share a just peace.
- It's time for freedom from occupation.
- It's time for equal rights.
- It's time for the healing of wounded souls.
For further information, or to share details about your plans for World Week for Peace in Palestine Israel 2012, please contact Rev. John Calhoun, the convenor of World Week for Peace 2012, by email at calhoun.wwppi@gmail.com, or visit www.worldweekforpeace.org
"PRAY, EDUCATE and ADVOCATE FOR JUSTICE IN PALESTINE"
World Week for Peace in Palestine/Israel
28 May - 3 June 2012
THEME: Displacement
Visit and share: www.worldweekforpeace.org.
In just a few days the WORLD WEEK FOR PEACE IN PALESTINE/ISRAEL will get underway. Are there ways that you can bring the message to your communities in a special effort next week? Social networking is crucial. There is a Facebook page dedicated to the World Week for Peace; it needs more focused participation, I think. You can be part of it.
There are a number of pages linked from the World Week for Peace home page. I think the most helpful is this one devoted to What you can do: http://www.oikoumene.org/en/programmes/public-witness-addressing-power-affirming-peace/churches-in-the-middle-east/pief/world-week/what-you-can-do.html
Here is information provided by the World Council of Churches.
The Palestine Israel Ecumenical Forum (PIEF) of the World Council of Churches invites member churches, faith-based communities, and civil society organizations to join together in 2012 for a week of advocacy and action in support of an end to the illegal occupation of Palestine and a just peace for all in Palestine and Israel.
Congregations and individuals around the globe who share the hope of justice shall unite during the week to take peaceful actions, together, to create a common international public witness.
GET INVOLVED:
During World Week for Peace 2012, from 28 May to 3 June, participants are encouraged to plan their activities around the following three principles:
1. Praying with churches living under occupation, using a special prayer from Jerusalem and other worship resources prepared for the week.
2. Educating about actions that make for peace, and about facts on the ground that do not create peace, especially issues related to displacement.
3. Advocating with political leaders using ecumenical policies that promote peace with justice.
WHY:
This annual observance of a week of prayer, education, and advocacy calls participants to work for an end to the illegal occupation of Palestine, so that Palestinians and Israelis can finally live in peace. It has been more than 63 years since the partition of Palestine hardened into a permanent nightmare for Palestinians. It is now more than 44 years since the occupation of East Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza overwhelmed the peaceful vision of one land, two peoples.
Yet the dream of one nation cannot be fulfilled at the expense of another.
The message for this week of action is NOW:
- It's time for Palestinians and Israelis to share a just peace.
- It's time for freedom from occupation.
- It's time for equal rights.
- It's time for the healing of wounded souls.
For further information, or to share details about your plans for World Week for Peace in Palestine Israel 2012, please contact Rev. John Calhoun, the convenor of World Week for Peace 2012, by email at calhoun.wwppi@gmail.com, or visit www.worldweekforpeace.org
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Lutheran Leymah Gbowee at SMU tomorrow night
It would be great to see some NT-NL folks turn out to hear
Leymah Gbowee at SMU tomorrow night. Call 214-965-8412 for tickets ($35).
More information is at this link: http://blog.smu.edu/forum/2012/05/16/nobel-laureate-leymah-gbowee-to-speak-at-smu-may-23-2012/
More information is at this link: http://blog.smu.edu/forum/2012/05/16/nobel-laureate-leymah-gbowee-to-speak-at-smu-may-23-2012/
A few of us are going, that I know of. I heard Leymah
Gbowee at an ELCA Global Mission Event several years ago. She will change the way you
think about peace and power.
Ann Hafften
Public Witness Team
Thursday, April 26, 2012
ELCA NEWS SERVICE
April 25, 2012
ELCA bishop urges Congress to quickly enact U.S. immigration reform
12-23-MRC
CHICAGO (ELCA) - The Rev. Mark S. Hanson, presiding bishop of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), joined with other national
church leaders in urging members of Congress and President Obama to enact
U.S. immigration reform "as soon as possible" in April 24 letters. The
leaders wrote that state and local governments have taken measures to
fill the void in the absence of one federal immigration system.
"As political candidates debate immigration policy and courts decide
about laws, may we continue to witness to our faith by welcoming the new
immigrants in our communities and advocating for fair and just
immigration reform," said Hanson in an interview.
"At a time when these issues often become divisive, we have a
marvelous opportunity to carry out the ministry of reconciliation God
entrusts to us," he said.
In the April 24 letters, the church leaders identified what
immigration reform should, at the minimum, entail:
+ Reaffirmation of federal authority and responsibility to enact and
implement the nation's immigration laws
+ Protection and recognition of family unity as the cornerstone of the
U.S. immigration system
+ Establishment of functional legal mechanisms for the entry of immigrant
workers
+ Creation of a sound, equitable process toward citizenship for currently
undocumented immigrants who want to embrace the responsibilities and
privileges of becoming a U.S. citizen
+ Assurance that U.S. laws are enforced in ways that recognize the
importance of due process, the sanctity of the human person, the
incomparable value of family and the integrity of borders.
As the U.S. Supreme Court began proceedings April 25 on the case of
Arizona v. the United States, the church leaders urge Congress to
reassert their authority "and move to enact immigration reform
legislation."
"We are witnessing an unprecedented transfer of authority for
immigration policy from the federal government to state and local
governments, to the detriment of our nation and our local communities,"
stated the letter.
"We now have many states and an untold number of localities
attempting to create their own immigration policies. This only will lead
to a patchwork of laws which would cause family separation, economic
disruption and divided communities," the letter said.
The ELCA and Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service prepared
a "Statement of Interest" to serve as part of a brief submitted to the
Supreme Court by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The brief was
filed as voluntary information in the case of Arizona v. the United
States.
The ELCA has a long-standing commitment to social justice for people
living in the United States undocumented. The 2011 ELCA Churchwide
Assembly approved a resolution that calls this church, in partnership
with Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, to continue to advocate
for comprehensive U.S. immigration reform and against "harmful laws" such
as Arizona's SB1070, according to the Statement of Interest.
Based in Baltimore, the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service
is one of the United States' leading agencies in welcoming and advocating
for refugees and immigrants. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops
approached the ELCA and the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service to
participate in the brief.
---
About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United
States, with 4.2 million members in 10,000 congregations across the 50
states and in the Caribbean region. Members of the ELCA believe that they
are freed in Christ to serve and love their neighbor. With their hands,
they do God's work of restoring and reconciling communities in Jesus'
name throughout the world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the
German church reformer, Martin Luther.
For information contact:
Melissa Ramirez Cooper
773-380-2956 or Melissa.RamirezCooper@ELCA.org
http://www.ELCA.org/news
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Lutherans
Living Lutheran: http://www.livinglutheran.com
April 25, 2012
ELCA bishop urges Congress to quickly enact U.S. immigration reform
12-23-MRC
CHICAGO (ELCA) - The Rev. Mark S. Hanson, presiding bishop of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), joined with other national
church leaders in urging members of Congress and President Obama to enact
U.S. immigration reform "as soon as possible" in April 24 letters. The
leaders wrote that state and local governments have taken measures to
fill the void in the absence of one federal immigration system.
"As political candidates debate immigration policy and courts decide
about laws, may we continue to witness to our faith by welcoming the new
immigrants in our communities and advocating for fair and just
immigration reform," said Hanson in an interview.
"At a time when these issues often become divisive, we have a
marvelous opportunity to carry out the ministry of reconciliation God
entrusts to us," he said.
In the April 24 letters, the church leaders identified what
immigration reform should, at the minimum, entail:
+ Reaffirmation of federal authority and responsibility to enact and
implement the nation's immigration laws
+ Protection and recognition of family unity as the cornerstone of the
U.S. immigration system
+ Establishment of functional legal mechanisms for the entry of immigrant
workers
+ Creation of a sound, equitable process toward citizenship for currently
undocumented immigrants who want to embrace the responsibilities and
privileges of becoming a U.S. citizen
+ Assurance that U.S. laws are enforced in ways that recognize the
importance of due process, the sanctity of the human person, the
incomparable value of family and the integrity of borders.
As the U.S. Supreme Court began proceedings April 25 on the case of
Arizona v. the United States, the church leaders urge Congress to
reassert their authority "and move to enact immigration reform
legislation."
"We are witnessing an unprecedented transfer of authority for
immigration policy from the federal government to state and local
governments, to the detriment of our nation and our local communities,"
stated the letter.
"We now have many states and an untold number of localities
attempting to create their own immigration policies. This only will lead
to a patchwork of laws which would cause family separation, economic
disruption and divided communities," the letter said.
The ELCA and Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service prepared
a "Statement of Interest" to serve as part of a brief submitted to the
Supreme Court by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The brief was
filed as voluntary information in the case of Arizona v. the United
States.
The ELCA has a long-standing commitment to social justice for people
living in the United States undocumented. The 2011 ELCA Churchwide
Assembly approved a resolution that calls this church, in partnership
with Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, to continue to advocate
for comprehensive U.S. immigration reform and against "harmful laws" such
as Arizona's SB1070, according to the Statement of Interest.
Based in Baltimore, the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service
is one of the United States' leading agencies in welcoming and advocating
for refugees and immigrants. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops
approached the ELCA and the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service to
participate in the brief.
---
About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United
States, with 4.2 million members in 10,000 congregations across the 50
states and in the Caribbean region. Members of the ELCA believe that they
are freed in Christ to serve and love their neighbor. With their hands,
they do God's work of restoring and reconciling communities in Jesus'
name throughout the world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the
German church reformer, Martin Luther.
For information contact:
Melissa Ramirez Cooper
773-380-2956 or Melissa.RamirezCooper@ELCA.org
http://www.ELCA.org/news
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Lutherans
Living Lutheran: http://www.livinglutheran.com
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Each NFL Super Bowl Sunday, many people host or attend parties with
abundant food, friendship, and fellowship. At the same time, over 1billion people around the world go hungry.
On Feb. 5, Super Bowl Sunday, please join more than 2,000 Lutheran
youth groups to do something to change all of that. Learn how to be
involved at this ELCA link. -
http://cts.vresp.com/c/?NorthernTXNorthernLA/c69ad369ab/TEST/2d3a34a75b
The Souper Bowl of Caring is a youth-led ecumenical and grassroots
movement that unites youth under a single cause: to end hunger.
Collectively, this movement raised over $10 million for
hunger-related charities in 2010. And ELCA Lutherans raised nearly
$800,000! But that's not all. Youth across the country also collected
more than 4.5 million pounds of food and provided countless hours of
service.
Please forward this email to your youth leaders and others involved
in world hunger projects. Forward this message to a friend -
http://oi.vresp.com/f2af/v4/send_to_friend.html?ch=c69ad369ab&lid=TEST&ldh=TEST
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Support the rights of Holy Land Christians to worship during Holy Week
The Palestine-Israel Ecumenical Forum (PIEF) of the World Council of Churches has issued an alert regarding the rights of Christians to worship during Holy Week.
Israeli restrictions prevent Palestinian Christians from attending Holy Week services in Jerusalem. Israel allows only 8000 pilgrims and few hundreds of locals to enter the city where the Holy Sepulchre Church, and its surroundings become off limits for Christians through a complex network of walls, checkpoints, and security apparatuses.
For Easter, Palestinian Christians living outside of Jerusalem in the West Bank and Gaza are required to apply for permits to access their holy sites in occupied East Jerusalem, and it is estimated that only 2000–3000 Palestinian Christians receive permits. (Muslims too have difficulties in accessing their holy sites, but Jews do not have to apply for permits.) The heavy presence of Israeli police and military forces in and around the Old City preventing Christians from accessing the Holy Sepulcher Church neighborhood disturbs the spiritual atmosphere and joy of celebrating Easter.
We call on all our leaders, friends, brothers and sisters around the world to take the following practical steps:
* Write to your political representatives informing them of the situation and asking them to put pressure on Israel to end its restrictions on religious rights, to end its military occupation on this land, and to respect international law;
* Write directly to the Israeli Ambassador to register you compaint against Israels actions, against military occupation on this land, and asking for respect for international law and human rights. [Embassy address: 3514 International Drive, NW, Washington, D.C. 20008]
See this link to read more from the Kairos community.
Israeli restrictions prevent Palestinian Christians from attending Holy Week services in Jerusalem. Israel allows only 8000 pilgrims and few hundreds of locals to enter the city where the Holy Sepulchre Church, and its surroundings become off limits for Christians through a complex network of walls, checkpoints, and security apparatuses.
For Easter, Palestinian Christians living outside of Jerusalem in the West Bank and Gaza are required to apply for permits to access their holy sites in occupied East Jerusalem, and it is estimated that only 2000–3000 Palestinian Christians receive permits. (Muslims too have difficulties in accessing their holy sites, but Jews do not have to apply for permits.) The heavy presence of Israeli police and military forces in and around the Old City preventing Christians from accessing the Holy Sepulcher Church neighborhood disturbs the spiritual atmosphere and joy of celebrating Easter.
We call on all our leaders, friends, brothers and sisters around the world to take the following practical steps:
* Write to your political representatives informing them of the situation and asking them to put pressure on Israel to end its restrictions on religious rights, to end its military occupation on this land, and to respect international law;
* Write directly to the Israeli Ambassador to register you compaint against Israels actions, against military occupation on this land, and asking for respect for international law and human rights. [Embassy address: 3514 International Drive, NW, Washington, D.C. 20008]
See this link to read more from the Kairos community.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Coming up in April: NT-NL's second immigration reform seminar
NEW - Event info in Spanish
Coming up: NT-NL's second immigration reform seminar
April 9, 2011, at Christ Lutheran Church, 3001 Lovers Lane, Dallas
8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.
Registration - $20 at the door, includes lunch.
Goals:
Scholarships are available.
Contact Gabriela Dowson
818-400-3754
gabrieladowson@aol.com
For information about this seminar contact:
Rev. Franz Schemmel
817-925-1318
franzschemmel@gmail.com
Chuck Hubbard
214-395-6978
chuck.hubbard@yahoo.com
Coming up: NT-NL's second immigration reform seminar
April 9, 2011, at Christ Lutheran Church, 3001 Lovers Lane, Dallas
8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.
Registration - $20 at the door, includes lunch.
Who Is My Neighbor? Immigration, Justice, and Congregational Ministry is a one-day seminar that seeks to equip participants to respond from a faith perspective to current immigration concerns, and to continue in our synod a faithful discussion of immigration reform.
To register online send an email to Franz Schemmel, Click here
To download a flyer and registration form to print, click here
Goals:
- To look at the biblical question, “Who is my neighbor?” and the theological implications for justice and ministry.
- To learn about U.S. immigration law and the economic realities that drive immigration.
- To learn about problems with current immigration law and how to be effective advocates for immigration reform in Texas and nationally.
- To gain understanding of the needs of immigrants and the challenges of congregations serving them.
- To build bridges of love and understanding among all people of our synod.
Speakers:
- The Rev. Kevin Kanouse, Bishop
Northern Texas-Northern Louisiana Mission Area, ELCA - Pastors and lay members of NT-NL congregations with immigrant members
- Eric Sigmon, Director for Advocacy
Lutheran Immigration and Refuge Service, Washington, D.C. - Dr. Pia M. Orrenius, Economist. Federal Reserve Bank, Dallas
- Bee Moorhead, Executive Director, Texas Impact, Austin
- Javier (Jay) Alanis, Director
Lutheran Seminary Program of the Southwest, Austin
--- --- --- ---
Scholarships are available.
Contact Gabriela Dowson
818-400-3754
gabrieladowson@aol.com
For information about this seminar contact:
Rev. Franz Schemmel
817-925-1318
franzschemmel@gmail.com
Chuck Hubbard
214-395-6978
chuck.hubbard@yahoo.com
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