by Annie Lynsen, ELCA Washington Office
An online discussion for Lutherans on the U.S. Farm Bill is now
available on LutherLink. The U.S. Farm Bill, legislation that
determines agriculture, nutrition and conservation policy, is
scheduled to be reviewed by Congress in 2007. "This
reauthorization only happens every five years, so it is a big
chance for us as a church to impact agriculture, conservation and
food policy -- issues that affect the lives of people in the
United States and around the world," said Andrew Genszler,
director of domestic policy, Washington Office of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).
Topics for discussion range from access to healthy foods to
promoting good stewardship of farm and ranch land, from rural
economics to developing new markets for farm products. The online
discussion is in addition to listening sessions the ELCA
Washington Office is hosting. LutherLink is part of Ecunet, a
faith-based online community with more than 22,000 members.
"Over fifty percent of ELCA congregations are in small towns and
rural settings," said Mary Minette, director of environmental
education and policy, ELCA Washington Office. "The voices of
Lutherans from these areas -- as well as those in urban and
suburban areas -- are extremely important in shaping the debate
on the U.S. Farm Bill."
- - -
About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 2.8 million members in more than 8,500 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.
For information contact:
Candice Hill Buchbinder
Public Relations Manager
Candice.HillBuchbinder@ELCA.org
