Welcome to the LPPO

healthmarchThe Lutheran Public Policy Office (LPPO) of Washington State is one of the 18 State Public Policy Offices of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
To advocate is to plead the cause of those suffering injustice.  Advocacy ministry is rooted in our baptismal calling to strive for justice and peace in all the earth (Affirmation of Baptism, ELW).  It is part of our vocation as a church body and as individuals, to advocate for and with our neighbor in need.  To this end we use our voices in places where important political and economic decisions are being made.

We engage with congregations, organizations, and government for a just and sustainable world.

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Please explore our site and visit our blog for the latest news from LPPO.

Food Policy Council Working Group begins meeting in November

OLYMPIA – State agencies and non-governmental organizations gathered for the first time as a State Wide Food Policy Council Working Group on November 23, 2010.  Last June, Gov. Chris Gregoire issued an executive order directing state agencies to collaborate with non-governmental organizations to strengthen the state’s food policy, programs and address other food-related issues.

“By acting today we will bring all aspects of our food system together,” Gregoire said. “This executive order will help identify the gaps in the food system that prevent nutritious food from getting to all people in Washington, and to find solutions and bridge those gaps.”

Gregoire signed the order, entitled “Strengthening Washington’s Food Systems through Policy and Collaboration,” at the Food Systems Strategies Summit on the University of Washington campus. The event was sponsored by the Access to Healthy Foods Coalition, a collection of businesses and organizations working together to positively influence health and nutrition in Washington state by improving the access to healthier foods for Washington citizens.

In the executive order, Gregoire calls for a report to her and the Legislature to be completed by December 31, 2011. This report will provide an assessment of existing food policies and programs as well as identify gaps and issues that need to be addressed.

The executive order is intended to help Washington qualify for federal funding as well as funds from other available sources. In addition, it will provide information to help promote nutrition, educate the public on the issue of hunger and preserve productive farmland.

“We lose 70,000 acres of farmland every year, the average age of our farmer is 57, obesity is epidemic and hunger is on the rise,” said Ellen Gray, a spokesperson for the Washington Good Food Coalition. “Our local food system needs attention. Collaboration across all sectors of the food system is critical toward addressing these unsustainable trends. We applaud the Governor for taking this important and innovative first step and look forward to the Food Policy Council’s recommendation.”

Advocating Congregations

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The Advocating Congregations program is an initiative of the LPPO to support congregations who are striving for justice and peace through advocacy.  Congregations advocate in a variety of ways, including:

  • Convening advocacy bible studies
  • Holding a regular offering of letters
  • Hosting nonpartisan forums with elected officials
  • Sending members to Faith Advocacy Day

The LPPO offers our support to these congregations through a covenantal relationship that includes:

  • Providing congregations with advocacy resources
  • Making staff available for preaching and teaching
  • Offering consultation on congregational advocacy plans
  • Helping to coordinate advocacy forums around the state

The Lutheran Public Policy Office can partner with your congregation to begin or deepen your advocacy ministry.  To learn more, visit our Advocating Congregations page.