		The Lutheran Office of Public Policy—California An Advocacy Ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America 1701 L Street Sacramento, CA 95811 Voice: (916) 447-6666 Fax: (916) 447-6668 E-Mail: lutheranadvocate@earthlink.net The Lutheran Office of Public Policy–California is a justice advocacy ministry of the Pacifica, Southwest California & Sierra Pacific Synods, and the Church in Society Program Unit of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

Health Care—Our Shared Endeavor

Read the ELCA social statement which guides the efforts of the church in health insurance reform and other health education and advocacy work.

Left, one of many health care rallies and lobby days at the State Capitol, summer of 2007. From left: Roberta Ranstrom, Lutheran Church of the Incarnation, Davis and original Policy Council Chair of the Lutheran Office of Public Policy in the 1980's; Mark Carlson, Director of the Lutheran Office of Public Policy; Rev. Minh Hanh Nguyen, an ELCA pastor serving St. Anselm's Episcopal Church in Garden Grove. Larger image

In 2008, supporters of SB 840, Senator Kuehl's single payer health care bill which passed the Legislature, rally at the Capitol asking for Governor Schwarzenegger's signature. In front, a group of Lutherans and a former Lutheran (now Methodist). Larger image

Health advocates protest cuts in the 2008-2009 state budget. The fire engine is not a prop. A respected environmental justice advocate fell on the Capitol steps and required emergency medical care. Link to larger image

Anthony Wright, Executive Director of Health Access, addresses the press about the final state budget agreement in September 2008. In the light suit is Mike Herald, advocate for the Western Center on Law and Poverty.: Link to larger image