ELCA News Blog
September 7, 2006
ELCA Online Farm Bill Discussion Group Announced
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."
For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or news@elca.org http://www.elca.org/news ELCA News Blog: http://www.elca.org/news/blog