Justice Committee
The Mission of the Justice Committee is to promote and advocate for justice in our local community, our church, the PCUSA, and the rest of the world.
The Justice Committee provides education and outreach for justice issues in several subcommittees. Carol Chonoska serves as chair. For more information about ELPC’s mission ministries, contact The Rev. Patrice Fowler-Searcy at PatriceFS@coh.net or 412.441.3800 x230; or Gloria Knopp at GloriaK@coh.net or 412.441.3800 x222.
Full Inclusion
- Pridefest March, Booth, and ad in Pride Magazine
- Support More Light Presbyterians
- Support Covenant Network
- Solidarity Sunday, celebrated annually in early October
- Building an Inclusive Church training with Lutherans Concerned
Women and Children Issues
- Children’s Sabbath, celebrated annually in mid-October
- Legal Forum for Women
Letter Writing Campaigns
Our Mission Board Committees hosts letter writing campaigns to get in touch with our legislators, advocating for action on a variety of social justice issues—including driving privileges for immigrants; fair housing and nondiscrimination policies; environmental protections; prisoners’ rights; gun violence; and more. The events enable participants to learn about these important issues and the role our elected officials and other leaders have in making and changing related laws and policies.
Your voice and your calls for action make a difference. Below are some tips for writing a letter, as well as three sample letters.
- How to be “Heard” by Your Legislators
- Sample Farm Bill Letter to Senator Casey
- Sample Farm Bill Letter to Senator Fetterman
- Sample Letter on Banned Books
Environmental Issues
We routinely inform and stay informed on several key environmental initiatives, including disseminating information to the congregation on recycling/disposal of appliances; following the progress of Marcellus Shale drilling in Western Pennsylvania and its environmental impact; petitioning the EPA for more stringent regulation of air pollution related to gas drilling.
Pittsburgh Presbytery’s study group on the environmental impacts of hydrofracturing has compiled a binder of the study materials and resources used, as well as their recommendations—located in the Presbytery Resource Center, and a second binder in our own ELPC library. You are encouraged to peruse this binder and request copies of specific articles. If you are interested in being part of future environmental study groups, please contact Carol Chonoska, chair of the Justice Committee, at 724.272.9722.
Human Safety and Dignity Issues
- Petition for stricter gun laws
- Meetings held the second Sunday monthly after 11 am worship. New members and new ideas are always welcomed. Contact Carol Chonoska, chair of the Justice Committee, at 724.272.9722. Each subcommittee brings issues or calls to action before the congregation through the Justice Committee. Educational and informational programs are planned throughout the year. Additional information can be found in ELPC’s library (first floor) on the Justice shelf.
ELPC is an Earth Care Congregation
ELPC received the first year certification as an Earth Care Congregation by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s Presbyterian Hunger Program in March 2020. We were recertified through February 2022. This honor speaks to the great commitment that ELPC has made to care for God’s Earth.
To become an Earth Care Congregation, ELPC affirmed an Earth Care Pledge to integrate environmental practices and thinking into their worship, education, facilities, and outreach.
The Earth Care Congregation certification is designed to recognize churches that make the commitment to take seriously God’s charge to “till and keep” the garden.
Started in 2010 by the PC(USA), the goal of this program is to inspire churches to care for God’s Earth in a holistic way, through integrating Earth care into all aspects of their church life. The Earth Care Congregation certification honors churches that make the commitment to intentionally care for God’s Earth and encourages others to follow their example.
Recycling Information
The Justice Committee has placed copies in our library of the list of recyclable materials by county and household chemical collection sites. Please help yourself! The church provides bins for recycling of plastic bottles used in the church and paper bulletins.
Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
Pittsburgh Community Services, Inc. (PCSI), offers programs and workshops through their EECO initiative, designed to create changes in your lifestyle that will reduce your carbon footprint and function within the ecological limits of our planet: renewable energy, stormwater management, container herb gardening, composting, energy efficiency tips for your home, water efficiency for your home, basics of recycling. PCSI is located at 249 N. Craig St., Pittsburgh, 15213.