ELCA Advocacy
Presiding Bishop Eaton Issues Pastoral Message on Executive Orders
Following are excerpts from Bishop Eaton’s Message.
On Monday, our nation witnessed the peaceful transfer of power central to our democracy, followed by sweeping actions by the incoming Trump administration…
…I am concerned about the ways that many of the executive actions have created uncertainty and fear in our communities among neighbors struggling to survive, neighbors struggling to provide for their children, and neighbors struggling to be seen.
As a church, we are called to speak up when the government distorts or denies the image of God in each person by endangering access to protection, peace and daily bread. Where harm or inequity occur, we are called by God to respond with love and advocacy….
This church is committed to upholding the humanity of everyone, … As the ELCA, we will continue to proclaim the radical inclusivity of Christ's love. And we will deepen our local and global partnerships with those working to build a just and compassionate society, especially through our ecumenical and interreligious networks…
As we move forward, let us hold fast to our faith and to one another. Let us be bold in our witness to the gospel, steadfast in our prayers for those in authority and tireless in our efforts to seek justice for all….
-The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, Presiding Bishop
The Three ELCA Bishops in Illinois have also sent a pastoral message on executive orders: Illinois ELCA Bishops Pastoral Message on Executive Orders.
Vetted Refugees Denied Entry in the US and Funding Cut to Welcoming Agencies
The Administration’s executive order to abruptly halt refugee admissions is devastating to families who have waited years for the chance to rebuild their lives in safety. Many were prepared to leave for the U.S., only to learn their flights were canceled.
Refugees go through one of the most rigorous vetting processes in the world and it’s heartbreaking to see their dreams of safety derailed just days before, or in some cases, just hours before they were set to begin their new lives here. And now, the Administration has also ordered Global Refuge to stop serving the 5,870 recently arrived refugees in its care! Government funding that helps to provide food, housing, education, job placement, healthcare, and basic needs to newly arrived refugees has been halted. This order also affects Exodus World Service, the agency through whom Trinity has helped welcome refugees.
Of course, the welcoming agencies will continue to serve newly arrived refugees. But now there is now a larger-than-ever need for your support. Please go to https://www.globalrefuge.org/ and donate now.
The wildfire disaster in California is just one of many — including hurricanes, war and famine — to which Lutheran Disaster Response is still responding. Your gifts to Lutheran Disaster Response equip us to respond to communities affected by wildfires and related disasters. These gifts also empower us to respond to disasters whenever and wherever they strike. Gifts to "U.S. Wildfires" will be used in full (100%) to assist those affected by wildfires until the response is complete.
As Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton said in her statement about the wildfires, "The prophet Isaiah writes that even when fires rage, the final word is faith, not fear. God redeems us and calls us by name to be agents of healing and hope, even amid staggering loss. In faith, we respond through prayer, accompaniment and action."
Lutheran Disaster Response is coordinating with the Southwest California Synod and Pacifica Synod to assess the needs of people impacted by the wildfires. We will work with them to address immediate needs amid the destruction and assist with recovery efforts for months and years to come.
Continue to pray for communities in California impacted by the wildfires. May God's healing presence bring them peace and hope in their time of need and give strength to those working diligently to contain the fires and care for affected communities. To view the links and Bishop Eaton’s Statement, visit the Trinity Weekly or the online version of the Bulletin.
Green Advocacy Victories in Illinois in 2024
Illinois became the 5th state to require the teaching of climate change in publics chools with HB4895/ Public Act 103-0837.It also creates professional development resources for teachers.
SB1289/ Public Act 103-0651,the The Carbon Capture and Sequestration Regulations bill, will provide essential standards to protect our air, water, climate, and communities from the risks associated with each stage of CCS and the use of carbon dioxide (CO2)for enhanced oil recovery. It sets forth the strongest carbon dioxide-related safety protections in the nation.
SB2781/ Public Act 103-0923 creates a Forests, Wetlands, and Prairies Grant Program to restore degraded lands and promote the growth of native vegetation.
SB2876/ Public Act 103-0927,the Large Event Facilities Act aims to reduce plastic pollution in Illinois by requiring large event facilities such as convention centers and sports stadiums(3,500+ capacity) to provide access to recycling and composting bins, helping to reduce the waste from single-use plastics and food scraps.
SB2960/ Public Act 103-0934,the Small Single-Use Plastic Bottle Act, requires hotels with 50 or more rooms to eliminate the use of small, single-use plastic bottles, such as those containing shampoo.
ELCA Good Gifts
ELCA Good Gifts are perfect for honoring your loved ones at Christmas. They support ELCA ministries and help people to provide for themselves, their families, and their communities! Browse the catalog online or pick up a catalog in the narthex.
Hurricanes in Florida struck our congregations and members
Pastor Rob Rose, Assistant to the Bishop of the Florida-Bahamas Synod toured the synod from the west coast to the east, meeting with congregations that had been battered by both Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, along with the tornadoes that tore through communities in their wake. As he reflected on his journey, Pastor Rob is profoundly reminded that we are not defined by the storms of life, but by our faith in Christ, who is our refuge and strength (Psalm 46:1). The synod provides emergency grants to congregations who provide them to both members and neighbors alike. Every dollar donated to the hurricane disaster fund is being used to support these efforts—100% of it going directly to help those impacted by the storms.
To all who have given, prayed, or sent words of encouragement – thank you! The road ahead may be difficult, but with Christ as our foundation and our community as our strength, we are church together. We will rebuild, and through it all, God’s faithfulness endures.
Click on the link to view and read his report:
Faith through the Storm: Rebuilding Together in Christ’s Strength
ACTION ALERT!
Raise Your Voice for the Wetlands and Small Streams Protection Act
As the Illinois General Assembly debates a wetlands protection bill, we need to remind our state lawmakers to protect these habitats. Voice your support for the Wetlands and Small Streams Protection Act (SB3669/HB5386), to protect Illinois wetlands left vulnerable by the U.S. Supreme Court and urge Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker to do the same!
Wetlands are vital for wildlife and people. Despite their crucial nature, federal protections for wetlands were stripped by the Supreme Court in a 2023 ruling that limited the Clean Water Act. Therefore, we must prioritize their restoration and protection with state-level policies — particularly in Illinois, where we have already lost 90% of our wetland coverage.
Native plants and animals find sanctuary in these habitats that allow them to thrive. Wetlands also improve human health and provide opportunities for recreational activities like birdwatching, kayaking, photography and more.
Tell Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker you support the Wetlands and Small Streams Protection Act! You can use the letter provided or customize it with your own stories and sentiments about why protecting wetlands is so essential. (This campaign is hosted by Shedd Aquarium.)
Lutheran Disaster Response Requests Donations
Hurricane Helene hit the coast of Florida as a devastating Category 4 hurricane and moved inland as a tropical storm through the southeastern United States. But wherever this storm goes, Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) will be there. LDR has strong relationships in the region and is already at work on the ground. Working alongside synods and other partners, LDR is prepared to expand to all impacted areas. We anticipate that our greatest impact will be reaching those in underserved and rural areas. Your gifts help our church provide not only immediate relief but also a long-term response when needed. GIVE NOW