Connecting NEPA Synod with the AMMPARO Initiative

The ELCA’s AMMPARO initiative—“Accompanying Migrants with Protection, Advocacy, Representation, and Opportunities”—responds to the urgent needs of children and families fleeing violence, poverty, and displacement in Central America. The NEPA Synod’s Racial Justice Team is seeking an AMMPARO liaison to help strengthen this vital ministry through communication, connection, and advocacy.

National Day of Remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools

Wear Orange on September 30 This summer the ELCA Churchwide Assembly passed a memorial to address the legacies of our church’s role in Indian Boarding Schools. For 150 years, over 500 Indian boarding schools operated in the United States, where Native children were forcibly taken from their families and communities, prohibited all expression of Native…

Black History Month: Week 4

Racial Justice is Something I Didn’t Sign Up For!

“Pastor, it’s a shame that we have school districts that have so many minorities.”

This was one of the most heartbreaking comments I’ve ever heard. I serve in Schuylkill County, which is at the last census 90.7% white in its population and 3.8% black, and also 3.3% Hispanic. Yes, I am aware that this adds up to 97.8, and the rest of that is designated as “other”. That comment that you read above? It came not from any parishioner I’ve had, but from someone who attended a funeral that I had led.

Black History Month: Week 3

Racial Justice Work is God’s Work, Our Hands

“Why should I care about all this racial justice stuff?”

“The church should stick to spiritual matters, not get involved in politics!”

I sometimes hear these arguments. And I get it. There was a time when I didn’t see how my call to be a pastor included a call to work for justice. I thought these were two separate things – both good things, to be sure – but not necessarily related. Was I ever wrong!