Here I Pod from ELCA Advocacy

This Special Episode is a conversation between the Rev. Amy E. Reumann, senior director of ELCA Witness in Society, and the Rev. Kevin E. Strickland, bishop of the ELCA Southeastern Synod. Rev. Reumann and Bishop Strickland discuss a letter to the ELCA signed by ELCA synod bishops. 

On our first episode of our new special series, Bishop Strikland shares the meaning of “Evangelical” in his southern context on behalf of the Evangelica...

One of the most pressing aspects of the current shutdown of the US federal government is its effect on SNAP and other hunger related programs. The interviews you're about to hear were recorded on Monday, October 27th, as advocates across the country expected SNAP funding to run out or be withheld starting November 1st.

Since this was recorded, SNAP benefits were not released on November 1st, and federal judges have is...

In this episode of Here I Pod, host Regina Q. Banks speaks with Sean Coffman from Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR). Sean and Regina were both in Washington, D.C. to meet with legislators on October 22, 2025 regarding proposed FEMA reform alongside other members of LDR's community of practice. 

Following the conversation with Sean, we hear from two other members of the community of practice, as well as Marcus T. Coleman, Jr from...

In this episode, we travel with host Regina Q. Banks to the ELCA World Hunger Leadership Gathering, which took place this September in Columbus, Ohio. 

The following people were interviewed: 

• Dr. Evie Landrau, Director of Networks & Engagement for ELCA World Hunger
• Deacon Nick Bates, Director of Hunger Network in Ohio
• Deaconess Katelin Hansen, Church & Community Development for All People
• Hallie Carrino-Lee, Government Relat...

In the first episode of Season 3, Regina Banks speaks with Mary Campbell, director of ELCA AMMPARO. AMMPARO is the "the ELCA’s strategy to Accompanying Migrants with Protection, Advocacy, Representation and Opportunities (AMMPARO)." Mary provides crucial updates regarding how the ELCA's own congregational lives are being impacted by this administration's immigration actions, including rescinding the sensitive lo...

In this episode, Regina Banks speaks with Phoebe Morad, Executive Director of Lutherans Restoring Creation, about the intersection of faith and climate advocacy. They discuss the importance of integrating climate justice into congregational life, the role of young adults in advocacy, and the resources available for faith communities to engage in climate conversations. The conversation highlights the need for intergenerational dialo...

In this episode, our host Regina Banks speaks with Silas Kulkarni, director of strategy and advocacy for ELCA Witness in Society. They discuss how the ELCA has advocated at the federal level around budget reconciliation and rescission bills, as well as the opportunities for advocacy during August Recess, when members of Congress return to their districts and are available for meetings with their constituents. 

We will then hear from...

This conversation explores recent policy changes to FEMA and the evolving role of Lutheran Disaster Response in disaster management, highlighting community resilience efforts and the importance of advocacy. The speakers discuss the challenges faced in disaster response, the significance of local partnerships, and the need for effective preparation and recovery strategies. They also reflect on the moral imperative of supporting thos...

In episode 1 of season 2, our host Regina Q. Banks speaks with Tammy Walhof & Jacob Summerville from Lutheran Advocacy - Minnesota about the recent political violence that occurred in their state. 

Following their interview, Regina checks in with The Rev. Amy Reumann to discuss the various resources the ELCA has at its disposal to speak to political violence.

Finally, The Rev. Angela Denker, author and ELCA pastor serving in Minn...

In episode 10, our final episode for season one, host Regina Banks speaks with the Rev Amy Reumann, senior director of Witness in Society. They discuss how Witness in Society fits into the rest of the ELCA and alongside other faith-based partners, how the work of advocacy has changed, different forms of activism, and much more. 

After the interview we’ll hear first from hunger advocacy fellow Joey Chin, who will discuss the Lutheran...

In episode 9, host Regina Q. Banks speaks with Sasha Ghosh-Siminoff, program director for Middle East & North Africa (sometimes referred to as MENA) policy with ELCA Witness in Society. 

 This is a wide ranging conversation which discusses many aspects of the ELCA's relationship with local church bodies in the Holy Land and in other parts of the region.

Regina & Sasha also discuss many current events, including...

In episode 8, host Regina Q. Banks speaks to Vance Blackfox (Director of Indigenous Ministries and Tribal Relations for the ELCA), Justice Nichols (Program Coordinator for Indigenous Ministries and Tribal Relations for the ELCA), and Brenda Blackhawk (Director of Communications at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis).

This conversation delves into the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) and the broader context ...

In episode 7 of Here I Pod, host Regina Q. Banks speaks to Alesia Frerichs, President and CEO of Lutheran Services in America. They discuss the broad array of services LSA provides and how they plan to respond to the upcoming budget reconciliation process, which is set to start in earnest around May 7th.

 Following the interview, our impact story comes from Hailea James of Lutheran Social Services of Northern California, and illustr...

In episode 6, our host Regina Banks speaks to Rev. Dr. Lamont Wells, Executive Director of the Network of ELCA Colleges and Universities (which you will hear referred to by its acronym, NECU) about the challenges facing institutions of higher education. 

In our history segment, Hunger Advocacy Fellow Joey Chin shares about Martin Luther's steadfast support for education. 

In our impact story segment, campus pastor for Wittenberg...

In episode 5 of Here I Pod, host Regina Q. Banks is joined by the ELCA's Program Director for Migration Policy, Giovana Oaxaca for an extended interview. 

Their conversation explores the work of AMMPARO and the ELCA in supporting migrants and refugees. Oaxaca provides historical contexts for today's current immigration policies, and the church's response to these challenges. It highlights the importance of advocacy, c...

Episode 4 of Here I Pod from ELCA Advocacy takes a critical look at the direct impact on lives worldwide of the evolving landscape of U.S. foreign assistance. Featuring conversations with the ELCA program director for international policy, a leader working on the ground in Tanzania and other key voices, this episode examines the critical connection between U.S. policy, vulnerable people and the ELCA's commitment to global aid....

Real people making a real difference come to the fore in Episode 3 of Here I Pod from ELCA advocacy, delving into how faith-based advocates can engage in shaping public policy and drive meaningful community engagement. Featuring the Rev. Erin Jones and advocacy efforts in Pennsylvania, join the discussion of how people get involved and hear from state Rep. Carol Hill-Evans of Pennsylvania’s 95th legislative District, who illuminate...

This conversation explores the intersection of faith and environmental advocacy within the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) with the ELCA Program Director for Environment and Energy Policy and additional guests. The dialogue highlights the challenges and opportunities faced by congregations in implementing sustainable practices and the importance of community engagement and storytelling in advocacy efforts, especially ...

In the inaugural episode of Here I Pod from ELCA advocacy, host Regina Q. Banks and featured guest Andrew Fuller, ELCA Program Director for Economic Policy, discuss the pressing issues of housing and homelessness in the United States. They explore the alarming trends, the policy landscape intersecting with these trends, as well as what faith-based organizations are seeing and doing to address these challenges. The conversation emph...