Join us in asking for program funding that honors our call to love our neighbor! Visit the ELCA Advocacy Action Center to contact Congress now!
Congress’ deadline to designate funding for government programs that safeguard children and families is the end of the month. With thousands of children forcibly displaced from their communities in Central America, U.S. funding that protects their God-given dignity can make a significant difference. Next week, ELCA bishops, grassroots leaders from across the country, state public policy office staff, and churchwide staff of the ELCA will gather on Capitol Hill with our Episcopal Church partners to ask for funding that respects and protects vulnerable people, including children from Central America.
As Congress allocates funds, they must honor the God given dignity of those from Central America in need of protection. As you know, Congress considered two different versions of a bill that would determine U.S. investment in Central America. The House version would put children in harm’s way by conditioning funding for Mexico and Central America on increasing border security and reducing migration without ensuring the protection of the most vulnerable, including asylum seekers. The Senate version of the bill provides funding to address poverty and insecurity; the two principal reasons why many children are forced to flee. It also supports the protection of human rights and free speech, while requesting a results-oriented long term plan for the region.
Our advocacy in Washington next week will coincide with Pope Francis’ visit to Washington, DC and speech to Congress. During his remarks, the Pope is expected to address the need to welcome migrants and protect those fleeing for safety. His message of love for our neighbor is echoed by Lutherans and ecumenical partners who already have planned great ways to show their support. Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania will join the 100 Women 100 Miles journey, in which they will walk from an immigration detention center in Pennsylvania to Washington, DC to uplift the message of human dignity.
Join all of us in supporting those who are in critical need of protection by visiting our Action Center. Our unified voice at this critical time calling for effective and responsible policies can make a difference for Lutherans in Central America.
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