Justice Committee

The Mission of the Justice Committee is to promote and advocate for justice in our local community, our church, the PC(USA), and the rest of the world.

Vision Statement: To increase congregational awareness, participation and engagement in stewardship of our Earth and justice issues including immigration, criminal justice system, gender equity, inclusion, and safety of the LGBTQIA+ community.

The Justice Committee provides education and outreach for justice issues in several subcommittees. Meetings are held via Zoom on the fourth Wednesday of each month. Carol Chonoska serves as chair. For more information about Justice Committee and to get our Zoom link, contact the Rev. Dr. Patrice Fowler-Searcy at PatriceFS@coh.net or 412.441.3800 x230. Additional Justice information can be found on the library shelves in the Garth Overlook Room on the first floor.

 

Full Inclusion

  • Pridefest March, Booth, and ad in Pride Magazine
  • Support More Light Presbyterians & Covenant Network
  • Support transitional housing at Proud Haven and TransYOUniting
  • Solidarity Sunday, celebrated annually in October 
  • Member of LGBTQ Affirming Ministries of Pittsburgh (LAMP)

Immigration and Integration Issues

  • Assist housing for refugees through AJAPO
  • Support THRIVE
  • Support Blessing Board
  • ESL classes with Casa San José

Human Safety and Dignity Issues

  • Criminal Justice Reform
  • Alternatives to Death Penalty
  • End Solitary Confinement at Allegheny County Jail and Prisons

Environmental Issues

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has long recognized our obligation to take actions as faithful stewards. The church acknowledges the realities of global warming, its effect on the “least of these” and the need to reduce energy consumption and reliance on fossil fuels.

The Environmental Team of the Justice Committee works to inform and stay informed about important environmental issues. We are interested in energy reduction, climate change and environmental justice. Topics span renewable energy, electrification, Inflation Reduction Act incentives, reducing waste (eg. food) and air pollution. We support individual actions in these areas. Our work includes joining with Facilities and the Property Committee to reduce energy consumption and usage in our building.

We hold letter writing events and work for good policy and legislation to move us towards sustainability. We have national and local memberships and partnerships that guide us in this area (eg. Interfaith Power and Light, Presbyterians for Earth Care).

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 2024. This honor speaks to the great commitment that ELPC has made to care for God’s Earth.

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.

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