2026 National Gathering Workshops
April 21, 2026 - Morning (11:30 a.m.)
Workshop #1: Churches and Affordable Housing & Homelessness
Houses of worship are increasingly active in developing shelters and homes as affordable housing becomes one of the leading causes of poverty. Participants will leave equipped with actionable insights on advocacy developments on Capitol Hill, Administrative updates, key policy opportunities on housing, and more.
Workshop Presenters: Andrew Fuller, Program Director of Economic Policy and Chair Domestic Policy, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s Witness in Society office; Lindsey Delks, Policy Advisor, The Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations.
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Workshop Location: WCCOB Sanctuary
Workshop #2: From Congregations to Capitol Hill: A Christian Response to U.S. Immigration Policy
Immigrant and refugee families in and en route to the United States have faced enormous difficulties over the past year. Yet in an environment of ICE arrests, detention, deportation, and cuts to social services, faith communities have stepped up to welcome and protect immigrant neighbors. This workshop explains some of the most significant challenges faced by immigrants to and in the United States, and how communities are practicing solidarity – from migrant shelters in Latin America to churches in the U.S., from neighborhood food drives to advocacy on Capitol Hill. Hear from those most impacted by recent policy changes and learn how you can join ongoing efforts to enact positive change. This workshop is organized by the Interfaith Immigration Coalition (IIC), a partnership of over 65 national faith-based organizations working for more just and humane immigration policies. The IIC has an active presence in Washington, DC and plays an essential role in advancing policies that reflect faith‑based values across diverse traditions.
Workshop Presenters: Kate Parsons, Program Director for Migration Policy, ELCA; Galen Fitzkee, Legislative Associate for Immigration, Mennonite Central Committee; Patrick Giuliani, Federal Advocacy Specialist, CASA.
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Workshop Location: CHUMC Sanctuary
Workshop #3: Advocacy 101
Is this your first time at Ecumenical Advocacy Day? Or your first time talking to staff on Capitol Hill? Then this workshop is for you! Participants will learn best practices for meeting with legislative offices, the importance of sharing stories, and what makes faith-based advocacy effective and successful.
Workshop Presenters: Alex Parker, Advocacy Coordinator, ELCA.
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Workshop Location: WCCOB Fellowship Hall
April 21, 2026 - Afternoon (1:30 p.m.)
Workshop #1: Creation Groans for Repair: Current State of Environmental Policy and Tangible Community Solutions
Join Creation Justice Ministries, NETWORK Lobby and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) to learn how environmental policy has been impacted under the current Administration and how planting trees can be a tool for justice and resilience in a time of environmental degradation.
Workshop Presenters: Madison Mayhew, Advocacy Manager, Creation Justice Ministries; Christine Moffett, Program Director for Environment and Energy, ELCA; Drake Starling, Senior Government Relations Advocate for Energy and Environmental Policy, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice; Derrick Weston, Director of Theological Education and Formation, Creation Justice Ministries.
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Workshop Location: CHUMC Sanctuary
Workshop #2: A Faithful Response to Food Insecurity
Join us as we discuss the current state of play in the food security/nutrition world. From the Farm Bill and cuts to SNAP, to other social service food programs, we will discuss what advocates can do to advance policies that leave no one hungry. Participants will learn how to approach food policy topics when meeting with members of Congress and how people of faith provide unique perspectives to food policy debates.
Workshop Presenters: Sammi Goldsmith, Deputy Director of Public Policy, MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger; Ruby Zimmerman, Legislative Assistant, MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger; Luke McCann, Policy Analyst for Basic Needs, The Salvation Army.
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Workshop Location: WCCOB Sanctuary
Workshop #3: Faith Under Fire: Defending Democracy in the Age of Authoritarian Threats
As We The People and democratic institutions face renewed assaults from the Trump Administration and Congress, people of faith are called to uphold truth, justice, and participation. This workshop explores how voting rights, faithful leadership, and civic voices are being undermined, and how faith communities and secular partners are organizing powerfully in response to restore integrity and inclusion to our democracy.
Workshop Presenters: Min. Christian Watkins, Senior Government Relations Advocate for Criminal Legal Systems, Democracy Reform, and Reparatory Justice, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice
Workshop Location: WCCOB Fellowship Hall