Kathleen Daugherty served as the director of Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in PA from 1997 through 2005. She was the fourth LAMPa director. During her service, many significant issues were addressed: equity in public education funding; welfare reform (including the impact of Federal legislation on the ability of the state to care for persons in  need); gambling; factory farms; child-care licensing; food stamps; legislative and judicial pay raises; discrimination due to disability, ancestry, and sexual orientation; and tuition vouchers. And, the list could go on.

     A theme of LAMPa’s and Kathleen’s work is evident. Voice was given to the voiceless. Poverty was addressed. She served effectively through a very important time in the social history of our Commonwealth.

     As the synods and the ELCA looked at the future of advocacy in Pennsylvania, it seemed an appropriate time to  re-engage the constituency in mapping that future. Over the past several years, the financial support of LAMPa has decreased. If that course were to continue, the office would have few program dollars and a reduced staff. It is important to produce a financially-sustainable office. It was judged that a change in leadership could help move this forward.
 

     And now we seek to find the way. Let us build on Kathleen’s legacy of active advocacy. The Policy Council of LAMPa, and the Bishops, are intent on fostering a strong voice based on Biblical principles. Two persons from each synod serve on the Policy Council along with representatives of Lutheran agencies and institutions. In the next several months, this representative body will be considering the appropriate shape of advocacy work for the future and searching for a new director. Feel free to contact members of the Policy Council indicating your desire and commitment to move the church forward as it gives voice in the public square.