Public Policy
News releases, reports, statements and associated documents from public policy organizations whose goal it is to influence the debate Washington.
Featured Stories
VOTEVETS: NEW WASHINGTON POST STORY RAISES EVEN MORE QUESTIONS ABOUT TIM SHEEHY ACCOUNTS OF HIS MILITARY SERVICE
PORTLAND, Oregon, April 18 -- VoteVets issued the following statement on April 17, 2024:
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VoteVets issued the following statement today in response to fresh Washington Post reporting that raises even more questions about Tim Sheehy's accounts of his military service.
Statement of Travis Tazelaar, Marine Corps veteran and Political Director of VoteVets:
"The new Washington Post report detailing Tim Sheehy's inconsistencies in describing his military service raises even more serious questions and concerns. The question everyone in Montana should be asking themselves today is what is Tim
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PORTLAND, Oregon, April 18 -- VoteVets issued the following statement on April 17, 2024:
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VoteVets issued the following statement today in response to fresh Washington Post reporting that raises even more questions about Tim Sheehy's accounts of his military service.
Statement of Travis Tazelaar, Marine Corps veteran and Political Director of VoteVets:
"The new Washington Post report detailing Tim Sheehy's inconsistencies in describing his military service raises even more serious questions and concerns. The question everyone in Montana should be asking themselves today is what is TimSheehy hiding and why?
"He has admitted that he lied. But now the question is to whom, when and why. And voters in Montana have every right to know the answer.
"We are deeply troubled that a fellow veteran may have misrepresented aspects of their service while trying to win a political campaign, and lied to law enforcement. Sheehy should immediately release the medical documents related to his disputed injury and start answering the many questions that remain. Montanans deserve nothing less."
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Original text here: https://votevets.org/press-releases/votevets-new-washington-post-story-raises-even-more-questions-about-tim-sheehy-accounts-of-his-military-service
[Category: Political]
Rocky Mountain Institute: Maritime Book and Claim System Advances Pilot Study to Support First Movers in Zero-Emissions Shipping
BOULDER, Colorado, April 18 -- Rocky Mountain Institute issued the following news release:
RMI and the Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping (MMMCZCS) will collaborate with the Zero Emission Maritime Buyers Alliance (ZEMBA) and Hapag-Lloyd to pilot a Maritime Book and Claim System for tracking and decoupling greenhouse gas emissions from ocean transport services, which account for 3 percent of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and are anticipated to increase to 5-8 percent of GHG emissions by 2050 if no action is taken.
The maritime sector plays a pivotal role in enabling
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BOULDER, Colorado, April 18 -- Rocky Mountain Institute issued the following news release:
RMI and the Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping (MMMCZCS) will collaborate with the Zero Emission Maritime Buyers Alliance (ZEMBA) and Hapag-Lloyd to pilot a Maritime Book and Claim System for tracking and decoupling greenhouse gas emissions from ocean transport services, which account for 3 percent of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and are anticipated to increase to 5-8 percent of GHG emissions by 2050 if no action is taken.
The maritime sector plays a pivotal role in enablingglobal trade and accelerating the transition to a low-carbon economy. However, the sector's decarbonization faces challenges such as high costs and fragmented availability of low-emissions fuels, making voluntary interventions crucial to accelerating progress and mobilizing efforts through the value chain. ZEMBA's inaugural tender represents a significant step in this regard, sending a clear demand signal to the industry to transition to low-and zero-emissions fuels.
ZEMBA and Hapag-Lloyd's involvement in the pilot for developing the Maritime Book and Claim System also underscores their commitment to transparency and accountability in these emissions reduction efforts. This innovative system will provide stakeholders with the necessary tools to track verified emissions intensities of ocean transport services, enhancing trust and confidence in the market.
"Market-based interventions such as book and claim are a powerful decarbonization tool, especially in the early stages of establishing a differentiated market," said Aparajit Pandey, principal and shipping decarbonization lead at RMI. "The Maritime Book and Claim System in conjunction with efforts like ZEMBA's tender will allow cargo owners to use their purchasing power to advance low-emissions ocean transportation solutions in a transparent, credible manner."
ZEMBA's inaugural tender process demonstrates that cargo owners are willing to pay more for premium, zero-emissions shipping services, but are struggling to access those fuels at the scale required for commercial deployment. The Maritime Book and Claim System links this demand signal with a credible and transparent chain of custody model. By decoupling fuel attributes from the physical value chain, book and claim enables transactions of a digitalized version. This ensures that cargo owners can make real investments in low-emissions fuels, moving the market from announcements of e-fuel projects to actual investments, deployment, and cost-competitive commercial availability.
"The collaboration with ZEMBA further strengthens the development of a global Maritime Book and Claim System and underlines how important such a system will be to overcome obstacles to accelerate the adoption of low-emissions fuels at scale." said Frederik Jacobsen, project manager at the Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping.
The Maritime Book and Claim system registry is currently being tested by decarbonization first movers across shipping segments, including container ships, bulk carriers, and vehicle carriers. The registry will provide attribute and transaction traceability to enhance transparency and system acceptance. RMI and MMMCZCS have partnered with Energy Web Foundation to develop the registry, leveraging their extensive experience in building chain-of-custody models, including the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Registry (SAFc).
"This registry will demonstrate how technology can enhance transparency and confidence in complex and cross-sectoral supply chains," said Jesse Morris, CEO at Energy Web Foundation. "Having ZEMBA and Hapag-Lloyd in the pilot is a critical step forward in developing a robust and credible system."
Moving forward, RMI and MMMCZCS remain committed to supporting initiatives like the Maritime Book and Claim system that drive progress toward a low-carbon future. This tender led by ZEMBA is the first leg in a longer voyage, and will require the support and commitment of several actors to increase the options of verified, credible, and low-emissions transport services. We urge stakeholders across the industry to join us in this important journey toward decarbonization.
The Maritime Book and Claim System is expected to go live in Fall 2024.
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About RMI
RMI, founded as Rocky Mountain Institute in 1982, is an independent nonprofit that transforms global energy systems through market-driven solutions to align with a 1.5 C future and secure a clean, prosperous, zero-carbon future for all. We work in the world's most critical geographies and engage businesses, policymakers, communities, and NGOs to identify and scale energy system interventions that will cut greenhouse gas emissions at least 50 percent by 2030. RMI has offices in Basalt and Boulder, Colorado; New York City; Oakland, California; Washington, D.C.; and Beijing.
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About the Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping
The Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping is a not-for-profit, independent research and development center looking to accelerate the transition towards a net-zero future for the maritime industry. By building a neutral and open platform for cross-disciplinary collaboration, the Center contributes to research, innovation and development of technologies and solutions to facilitate and accelerate the decarbonization of the global maritime industry. MMMCZCS has been partnered with RMI since 2022 to develop a maritime Book & Claim system that allows any company in the maritime value chain to accelerate their decarbonization journey.
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About Energy Web Foundation
Energy Web is a global non-profit accelerating the clean energy transition by developing open-source technology for energy systems. Our enterprise-grade solutions improve coordination across complex energy markets, unlocking the full potential of clean, distributed energy resources for businesses, grid operators, and customers. The Energy Web ecosystem comprises leading corporates, energy companies, utilities, renewable energy developers, transportation sector majors and telecommunications leaders.
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Original text here: https://rmi.org/press-release/maritime-book-and-claim-system-advances-pilot-study-to-support-first-movers-in-zero-emissions-shipping/
[Category: Energy]
MC USA's Safe Church Ministry Offers Background Checks for Congregations
ELKHART, Indiana, April 18 -- Mennonite Church USA issued the following news:
Mennonite Church USA's Safe Church ministry is strengthening its commitment to ensuring safe spaces for all members by offering background checks (mennoniteusa.org/background-checks [https://www.mennoniteusa.org/background-checks]) for church employees and volunteers through an agreement with Safe Hiring Solutions.
"Background checks are important and necessary to protect our faith communities, especially children, youth and vulnerable adults," said Nancy Kauffmann, interim director of Church Safety at MC USA. "They
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ELKHART, Indiana, April 18 -- Mennonite Church USA issued the following news:
Mennonite Church USA's Safe Church ministry is strengthening its commitment to ensuring safe spaces for all members by offering background checks (mennoniteusa.org/background-checks [https://www.mennoniteusa.org/background-checks]) for church employees and volunteers through an agreement with Safe Hiring Solutions.
"Background checks are important and necessary to protect our faith communities, especially children, youth and vulnerable adults," said Nancy Kauffmann, interim director of Church Safety at MC USA. "Theyallow the church community to move forward with more confidence, confirming that their employees and volunteers do not have any previous sexual or criminal convictions," she explained.
The new comprehensive background check package from MC USA's Safe Church ministry offers three key benefits for congregations: thoroughness, a trusted screening provider and a layer of confidentiality for the employee/volunteer.
MC USA's Safe Church screening package includes checks at the county, state and federal level, specifically:
* Social Security number verification
* National Sex Offender Registry
* National Criminal Database
* Arrest Alert Pre-Search
* County Criminal Search (looking back seven years)
* Federal Criminal Courts (regional database searches)
"Not all services or packages provide the same level of protection," Kauffmann said, explaining that less expensive options may only cover federal or state searches. "We strongly recommend that all background checks include county-level searches for maximum protection," she added.
Kauffmann said MC USA evaluated several other leading screening firms before selecting Safe Hiring Solutions. "We were impressed with Safe Hiring Solutions' in-depth screening process and extensive experience providing background checks to more than 5,000 churches, schools and volunteer organizations across the U.S.," she said.
If a Safe Church background check reveals something problematic, MC USA staff notifies the congregation of any red flags and, upon request, will share the full report with the candidate. This also provides more confidentiality for the applicant than if the church contracts with a vendor directly.
The cost for a Safe Church background check ranges from $28-$74 per inquiry. Everence offers a Safe Church Grant that can help eligible churches cover or defray these expenses.
According to Kauffmann, implementation of background checks aligns with MC USA's ongoing commitment to promoting a culture of transparency, accountability and inclusivity within its congregations. All credentialed leaders in MC USA undergo background checks as part of its Ministerial Leadership Inquiry process.
Safe Hiring Solutions' leadership team has decades of experience in law enforcement, criminal records, security and technology and are routinely invited to testify or advise policymakers on best practices in background screening. The company is based in Danville, Indiana.
Mennonite Church USA is an Anabaptist Christian denomination, founded in 2002 by the merger of the Mennonite Church and the General Conference Mennonite Church. Members of this historic peace church seek to follow Jesus by rejecting violence and resisting injustice. MC USA's Renewed Commitments state the following shared commitments among its diverse body of believers: to follow Jesus, witness to God's peace and experience the transformation of the Holy Spirit. Mennoniteusa.org
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Original text here: https://www.mennoniteusa.org/news/background-checks/
[Category: Religion]
Justice Action Network: New Federal Rules Modernize Juvenile Sentencing, Correct Misuse of Acquitted Conduct
WASHINGTON, April 18 -- The Justice Action Network issued the following news release:
The U.S. Sentencing Commission finalized rules that drew broad bipartisan support from criminal justice advocates Wednesday.
Among the 2024 changes to federal sentencing guidelines are rules that alter how sentences for offenses committed prior to the age of eighteen are considered in the calculation of a defendant's criminal history score, and eliminate the consideration of offenses for which a person of any age has been acquitted during subsequent interactions with the justice system.
"Juvenile brains both
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WASHINGTON, April 18 -- The Justice Action Network issued the following news release:
The U.S. Sentencing Commission finalized rules that drew broad bipartisan support from criminal justice advocates Wednesday.
Among the 2024 changes to federal sentencing guidelines are rules that alter how sentences for offenses committed prior to the age of eighteen are considered in the calculation of a defendant's criminal history score, and eliminate the consideration of offenses for which a person of any age has been acquitted during subsequent interactions with the justice system.
"Juvenile brains bothtake on and respond to risk differently than adults. It's encouraging to see the justice system taking development seriously in the way it addresses criminal offenses, particularly because we also know that cycles of incarceration started early in a person's life often lead to more crime, not less," said JC Hendrickson, Federal Affairs Director for Justice Action Network, "Likewise, the commission's decision to discontinue the use of acquitted conduct in sentencing decisions corrects a practice which has long raised major constitutional issues, depriving citizens of due process to which they are entitled under both the fifth and sixth amendments. We are pleased to see the commission promulgating rules that align with brain science and correct fundamental injustice in our criminal legal system."
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Original text here: https://www.justiceactionnetwork.org/news/qkfiky3qar9qxdjpk5x6l9p6auese7
[Category: Sociological]
Farm Bureau Supports Greater Public Access to Biosecurity Information, Urges Governor's Signature on Senate Bill 979
CAMP HILL, Pennsylvania, April 18 -- The Pennsylvania Farm Bureau issued the following news release:
Pennsylvania Farm Bureau applauds the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for its bi-partisan approval of Senate Bill 979, which would give the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture the authority to specifically require the posting of dangerous transmittable disease information at domestic animal and feed locations where animals and feed are offered for public sale. This measure, which previously passed the state Senate unanimously, would promote greater awareness of the need for enhanced biosecurity
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CAMP HILL, Pennsylvania, April 18 -- The Pennsylvania Farm Bureau issued the following news release:
Pennsylvania Farm Bureau applauds the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for its bi-partisan approval of Senate Bill 979, which would give the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture the authority to specifically require the posting of dangerous transmittable disease information at domestic animal and feed locations where animals and feed are offered for public sale. This measure, which previously passed the state Senate unanimously, would promote greater awareness of the need for enhanced biosecuritymeasures protecting the Commonwealth's livestock industries to both farmers and the general public.
"Strong, consistently implemented biosecurity practices are essential to help Pennsylvania farmers keep their animals healthy and protect them from diseases that threaten not just the agricultural economy, but the economy of the entire state," said Farm Bureau President Chris Hoffman. "Pennsylvania Farm Bureau has been a leader in providing timely, accurate biosecurity information to our members and their neighbors, and Senate Bill 979 will assist us in reaching an even wider audience. We thank the House and Senate for their action on this bill, and we urge Gov. Shapiro to swiftly sign it into law."
Senate Bill 979 would help to ensure that even more Pennsylvanians have the necessary awareness and knowledge to do their part in mitigating the threats posed by serious communicable diseases such as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) that can devastate segments of the livestock industry. The bill would also be a helpful tool in bringing awareness to those who may not utilize modern communication methods, particularly within plain sect communities who frequent domestic animal and feed locations. Owners of backyard flocks who may not be as attuned to the threats of transmissible diseases would also benefit greatly from postings.
For more information on biosecurity resources available to farmers and backyard flock owners, please click here (https://pfb.com/biosecurity-is-key-in-preventing-avian-influenza-spread/).
For more information on biosecurity related to HPAI cases in dairy cattle, click here (https://pfb.com/hpai-in-dairy-cattle-resource-guide-what-to-know/).
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Pennsylvania Farm Bureau is the state's largest farm organization, representing farms of every size and commodity across Pennsylvania.
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Original text here: https://pfb.com/farm-bureau-supports-greater-public-access-to-biosecurity-information-urges-governors-signature-on-senate-bill-979/
[Category: Agriculture]
EWG Honors 2024 Changemakers at 15th Annual Earth Day Dinner in San Francisco
SAN FRANCISCO, California, April 18 -- The Environmental Working Group issued the following news release:
The Environmental Working Group is proud to announce five recipients of its 2024 Changemakers Award, which recognizes exceptional leaders in California business and politics who have dedicated their careers to protect public health and the environment.
The honorees will receive the award during EWG's 15th Annual Earth Day Dinner, on April 18, in San Francisco. The dinner's theme this year is "California Championing Change," placing emphasis on the state and its leadership, which is paving
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SAN FRANCISCO, California, April 18 -- The Environmental Working Group issued the following news release:
The Environmental Working Group is proud to announce five recipients of its 2024 Changemakers Award, which recognizes exceptional leaders in California business and politics who have dedicated their careers to protect public health and the environment.
The honorees will receive the award during EWG's 15th Annual Earth Day Dinner, on April 18, in San Francisco. The dinner's theme this year is "California Championing Change," placing emphasis on the state and its leadership, which is pavingthe way for important progress in the fight to safeguard public health.
Over the past 12 years, 25 EWG-sponsored laws protecting people and the environment have become law in California.
2024 EWG Changemakers are:
* Debbie Levin, CEO of the Environmental Media Association, or EMA
* Assemblymember Laura Friedman (D-Burbank)
* Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino)
* Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-Pasadena)
* Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi (D-Torrance)
"We commend the 2024 EWG Changemakers for their outstanding contributions to environmental protection and public health," said EWG President Ken Cook. "Their leadership and dedication serve as an inspiration to us all, and we are proud to honor them at our 15th Annual Earth Day Dinner."
Through her leadership at the EMA, Levin has harnessed the power of the media and entertainment communities to drive social activism. This work has made her one of the most influential figures in both the environmental movement and the entertainment industry.
The four assemblymembers have shown unwavering commitment to environmental protection, public health and social justice on behalf of all California residents - dedication that shows in their legislative accomplishments in Sacramento.
Their work on pressing issues such as climate change, the toxic "forever chemicals" known as PFAS and other harmful substances in consumer products and food, clean energy and sustainable communities, among others, has significantly contributed to California's leadership on these and many other initiatives.
EWG has sponsored or co-sponsored 16 bills authored by the assemblymembers who are being honored at the Earth Day Dinner. This total includes eight bills that cleared the Legislature and were signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom.
What award recipients say about being named EWG Changemakers:
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Debbie Levin, CEO of EMA
Being recognized as one of EWG's 2024 Changemakers is a tremendous honor. EWG and the Environmental Media Association share a fundamental desire to safeguard our future by championing transparency and awareness of what's in products brought into our homes.
Communicating that by understanding ingredients can massively help to keep our families healthier. By weaving emotional connections through storytelling, we can all spark action and inspire a shift towards not only a safer planet but a safer home.
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Assemblymember Laura Friedman
California leads the nation in clean air and water standards, preserving our natural resources, and banning dangerous chemicals and carcinogens from consumer goods, our homes and our environment. That work is accomplished by a small but fierce and dedicated army of environmental champions, buttressed and supported every step of the way by the Environmental Working Group.
Thank you to EWG and my fellow awardees for the work you do and the remarkable fruit of your labor.
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Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel
The Environmental Working Group's leadership to protect Californians from toxic and harmful chemicals has helped make our state a safer and healthier place for children and families.
I applaud EWG for their important work and I am grateful for their tireless advocacy as a sponsor of the California Food Safety Act, which made California the first state to ban four dangerous chemicals from use in foods.
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Assemblymember Chris Holden
I am deeply honored to be recognized by EWG, an organization that shares my commitment to safeguarding our children from lead exposure. Lead contamination remains a critical issue, particularly affecting our youth and marginalized communities at disproportionate rates.
As someone who has long championed safe drinking water and led efforts to limit children's exposure to lead, I firmly believe that California must continue to take proactive measures to ensure the health and well-being of our youngest residents. It is our moral obligation to do everything in our power to shield the children of our state from this insidious neurotoxin.
Together, let us continue to work tirelessly to eradicate the threat of lead contamination and ensure a brighter, healthier future for all Californians.
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Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi
As the lawmaker who spearheaded the California Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act, I am honored to be recognized by EWG as a Changemaker.
It's rewarding to see our state leading the nation in setting stringent safety standards for personal care products. This law was born out of a desire to remove the most harmful chemicals from our routines, chemicals our children are exposed to from the products they use every day.
I want to acknowledge the support and collaboration of the Environmental Working Group, whose contribution was very much appreciated. And I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all my fellow Changemakers for prioritizing the well-being of Californians.
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The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is a nonprofit, non-partisan organization that empowers people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment. Through research, advocacy and unique education tools, EWG drives consumer choice and civic action.
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Original text here: https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news-release/2024/04/ewg-honors-2024-changemakers-15th-annual-earth-day-dinner-san
[Category: Environment]
ELCA Church Council Holds Spring Meeting
CHICAGO, Illinois, April 18 -- The Evangelical Lutheran Church of America issued the following news release:
The Church Council of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) gathered at the Lutheran Center in Chicago, April 11-14. The council, which serves as the ELCA churchwide organization's board of directors and interim legislative authority between meetings of a churchwide assembly, carries out its work in support of the ELCA's priority areas of being a welcoming church, a thriving church, and a connected and sustainable church.
In her report to the council, ELCA Presiding Bishop
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CHICAGO, Illinois, April 18 -- The Evangelical Lutheran Church of America issued the following news release:
The Church Council of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) gathered at the Lutheran Center in Chicago, April 11-14. The council, which serves as the ELCA churchwide organization's board of directors and interim legislative authority between meetings of a churchwide assembly, carries out its work in support of the ELCA's priority areas of being a welcoming church, a thriving church, and a connected and sustainable church.
In her report to the council, ELCA Presiding BishopElizabeth Eaton gave thanks to the Rev. Michael Burk for his service as presiding bishop pro tempore during her leave of absence. Eaton returned from leave on March 18.
Addressing the work and purpose of this church, Eaton spoke of the particular witness to the gospel that identifies Lutherans.
"The unique work of the church is to give the gospel free course in the world," Eaton said. "To care for the gospel, including the word as well as the sacraments. No other institution on earth has that charge."
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The council took the following actions:
* Elected the Rev. M. Wyvetta Bullock as the executive for administration for a term coterminous with that of the presiding bishop.
* Received "Faithful Teaching," the Common Statement of the Twelfth Round of the U.S. Lutheran-Catholic dialogue. Next year will mark 60 years of dialogue between Lutherans and Catholics in the United States. During this time, substantial progress has been made in discovering the shared unity that is detailed in what are now 12 common statements.
* Adopted "Gun-related Violence and Trauma" as an official social message of the ELCA.
* Authorized the development of a social message on child protection and maltreatment in response to a 2022 Churchwide Assembly memorial.
* Revised a continuing resolution outlining the pre-assembly identification process for the elections of churchwide officers.
* Requested a review of ELCA World Hunger FY24 revenue and expense performance through May 2024, sharing recommendations with the budget and finance committee and authorizing the executive committee to approve necessary revisions to the World Hunger FY24 spending authorization following the review.
* Approved adding a Roth option for elective retirement contributions through Portico Benefit Services, beginning Jan. 1, 2025.
* Approved amendments to the churchwide organization's personnel policies.
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The council received/engaged in the following:
* An update from the co-chairs of the Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church (CRLC).
* An update on the God's Love Made Real initiative.
* An update on the work of the budget prioritization task force.
* Reports and updates from officers, the chair of the Conference of Bishops, and Church Council committees.
* Reports and updates from the Administrative Team.
* Presentations from representatives of the ethnic associations and Reconciling Works.
* Racial justice and gender justice education.
* Ecumenical greetings from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, the Moravian Church in America, and The Episcopal Church.
* Personal reflections on faith from council members.
* Worship, prayer and fellowship.
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About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 3 million members in more than 8,700 worshiping communities 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.
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Original text here: https://www.elca.org/News-and-Events/8221
[Category: Religion]
