This story from the Los Angeles Times reveals a sea change among that city’s law enforcement agencies when it comes to the scourge of sex trafficking. They recognize children caught in this web for what they are — innocent victims, not prostitutes. May this realization take root in every city in America, and lead to true legislative change to rescue, treat and protect all young people involved.
Author: Lutheran Engagement and Advocacy in Nevada
ELCA Presiding Bishop Denounces Possible Anti-Muslim Protests
In response to announcements from anti-Muslim activists intending to protest outside U.S. mosques and Muslim community centers this weekend, the Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), released on Oct. 9 the following statement:
“As Christians, we are freed in Christ to love and serve our neighbors. Today our neighbors include Muslims – upstanding faithful Americans. The enemy we face is not Islam but hatred and fear. I join my sisters and brothers in calling for gestures of solidarity with our American Muslim neighbors. Together we can witness to the world that God’s love will have the last word.”
Eaton’s statement is one of several from U.S. religious and other leaders made available through the Shoulder to Shoulder Campaign: Standing with American Muslims, Upholding American Values. The ELCA is a founding member of the campaign.
LEAN’s Mike Patterson Takes Part in DC Advocacy Gathering
Recently the Rev. Mike Patterson, LEAN’s advocate to the Nevada Legislature, took part in a nationwide advocacy event in Washington, D.C., along with LEAN Policy Board member and retired Lutheran Pastor Jack Ericson. These photos capture moments from their experience.
Pr. Jack Ericson (center) and Rev. Mike Patterson (right) with Grand Canyon Synod Bishop Steve Talmage.
Rev. Mike Patterson with the Most Rev. Dr. Katharine Jefferts Schori (right) and an ELCA Bishop from the Midwest.
Participants view a speech by Pope Francis
Pr. Jack Ericson speaks with two fellow Advocacy Gathering attendees.
A Look at LEAN’s Legislative Work in 2015
How did LEAN fare as an advocate for social justice and fairness during the 2015 session of the Nevada Legislature? Our advocate, Rev. Mike Patterson, submitted the attached spreadsheet showing all final bills both advocated and strongly opposed by LEAN and its constituents. Click on the link below to download and view.
LEAN Mission Keeps Rolling Toward 2017
The Nevada Legislature has adjourned until February, 2017. That doesn’t mean that nothing is going on with regard to state government, however. Likewise, LEAN is not taking the next 18 months off.
State employees continue to do their jobs and legislative and money decisions are taken care of by the Legislative Commission and the Interim Finance Committee. These two groups are appointed by the members of the Senate and Assembly and are authorized to carry on business as needed on behalf of the whole legislature. The Legislature assigns other work for the interim as well. Several committees have been established by statute to examine policy issues on particular topics. Each committee reports back to the full Legislature the results of their analysis and recommendations for changes to the law. Although their personnel change from session to session, these “standing” committees are part of the legislative process.
The Legislature also appoints special committees to study “hot topics” as they come up. There is a Subcommittee on the Medical Use of Marijuana, for example. (Some committees include members of the general public. There’s a place on the legislative website where you can complete an application.)
All this effort while the Legislature is “not in session” represents a wise recognition that our state’s “citizen legislators” can’t be experts in all policy areas, but there’s a lot they need to know. So they delegate to smaller work groups.
Lutheran-Episcopal Advocacy in Nevada likewise recognizes that there’s a lot parishioners want to know and need to know about policy issues. It’s really daunting to try to keep up with it all, especially during the interim when media coverage dies down. That’s why there’s LEAN.
LEAN will continue over the next 18 months to monitor the interim committees and dialog with parishioners about issues. We will continue to tell you about the ELCA Social Statements, and invite you to look with us at the issues in light of the Social Statements. Economic justice continues high on LEAN’s agenda, in the same way it is dominating the presidential race. The oldest of the ELCA Social Statements, “Sufficient, Sustainable Livelihood for All” is at least as relevant today as it was in 1991. LEAN’s years-long commitment to criminal justice reform continues, and we have “The Church and Criminal Justice: Hearing the Cries” (2013) to guide us.
Our Advocate, Rev. Mike Patterson, hopes to recruit some student interns to help monitor the interim committees. We have an obligation to at least provide supplies, if not office space to them. In spite of some health issues, Rev. Patterson has worked without any clerical help, and minimal pay. Scarce travel funds have made it virtually impossible for the LEAN Board members from north and south to meet face-to –face.
August is Second Mile Giving month for LEAN. A donation to LEAN will help us bring your Parish Communicators together so they can tell us your concerns and report back to you what is happening during the interim. We will strive to go the second mile on your behalf, and we hope you will walk with us.
Lutheran Engagement and Advocacy in Nevada 