Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton has released a statement following the September 10 shooting in Utah that claimed the life of Charlie Kirk. Eaton calls the church to say a definitive “no” to political violence, reminding us that our unity in Christ is a grace-filled gift in a fractured society. She urges Lutherans to be peacemakers, embodying Christ’s message of forgiveness and healing through civic engagement and active witness. To read her full message, click here.

In response to the Supreme Court’s September 8 ruling permitting racial profiling in immigration enforcement, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton calls the decision unjust and inhumane, rooted in the sin of racism. Speaking directly to the Latino community, she affirms their dignity as children of God and calls the church to advocacy, urging leaders to reverse discriminatory practices and protect constitutional safeguards. Resources from AMMPARO and ELCA social teaching are provided to help congregations stand with vulnerable neighbors. To read the full statement, click here.

The Rocky Mountain Synod has released a special pastoral message in response to two recent school shootings in Evergreen, Colorado, and Orem, Utah. Bishop Meghan Johnston Aelabouni, along with local pastors, offers prayers, words of comfort, and a call to faithful action against the ongoing reality of gun and political violence. Worship resources, prayers, and litanies are also available to support congregations in lament and healing. To read the full message and resources from the Rocky Mountain Synod, click here.

Christian leaders in Jerusalem—including Emeritus Lutheran Bishop Munib Younan—have issued a letter calling for peace, justice, and equality for all people in the Holy Land. Declaring that “to stay is to bear witness,” they affirm their continued presence in the land as a spiritual act of love and resistance, rooted in the Gospel. Their message urges pastors to walk closely with their people and reminds the global Church of its call to solidarity with Christians in Palestine/Israel. View as PDF.

La Asociación de Ministerios Latinos de la ELCA emitió un comunicado rechazando la reciente decisión de la Corte Suprema que permite a ICE detener inmigrantes en el sur de California sin sospecha razonable. La Asociación advierte que este fallo amenaza la dignidad y la justicia, invita a la oración y la solidaridad, y comparte recursos en inglés y español para las familias inmigrantes.

The Latino Ministries Association of the ELCA has issued a statement condemning the recent Supreme Court ruling that allows ICE to stop immigrants in Southern California without reasonable suspicion. Calling the decision a threat to dignity and justice, the Association urges prayer, solidarity, and provides resources in English and Spanish for immigrant families.

Nearly 80 clergy from Southern Arizona have released an ecumenical statement titled For God So Loved the World: A Christian Witness Against Harm. The statement denounces unjust policies targeting immigrants, the poor, LGBTQ individuals, and God’s creation, while calling Christians to follow Jesus’ way of love, mercy, and compassion. Additional clergy from Southern Arizona may sign on, and others are invited to form local groups of witness in their own contexts: bearwitnessnow.org.

Dr. Philip Farah, Palestinian-American economist and founding member of the Palestinian Christian Alliance for Peace, will speak at St. Francis Xavier Church in Phoenix on Sunday, Sept. 14 from 6:00–7:30 p.m. Farah will share his personal story and insights on how Americans can support a just peace in Palestine and Israel. RSVP required. Refreshments served.

Dr. Philip Farah, Palestinian-American economist and founding member of the Palestinian Christian Alliance for Peace, will speak at St. Francis Xavier Church in Phoenix on Sunday, Sept. 14 from 6:00–7:30 p.m. Farah will share his personal story and insights on how Americans can support a just peace in Palestine and Israel. RSVP required. Refreshments served.

BJC shares a major court victory blocking a Texas law requiring Ten Commandments displays in public classrooms, warns against new IRS guidance weakening the Johnson Amendment, and opens applications for a new Director of Development. Save the date for the Shurden Lectures this October and explore more updates in BJC’s Faith Freedom Dispatch. Read the full newsletter.

Medicaid is more than a program—it is a lifeline for families. Paige Ballinger, a Mosaic at Home Coordinator and niece of someone supported by Mosaic in Northern Colorado, shares how Medicaid services have transformed her aunt’s life and lifted the burden on her family. With recent federal budget cuts threatening these supports, Mosaic leaders emphasize the urgent need for continued advocacy to preserve and protect Medicaid for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Read Paige’s story and learn how you can join Mosaic Allied Voices to advocate for Medicaid—click here.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has issued new federal grant terms for FY2025 affecting programs such as FEMA, HHS, and the Nonprofit Security Grant Program. These terms include restrictions related to ICE cooperation, DEI/DEIA activities, and certain boycotts. ELCA congregations and ministries are advised to carefully review the new requirements and consult legal counsel before applying. Read the full ELCA guidance →

Rev. Christine Stoxen of Holy Trinity, Chandler, writes that welcoming the stranger is not optional—it is a biblical mandate. Drawing on Isaiah and Micah, she reminds us that Jesus himself was a refugee, and that hospitality strengthens whole communities. Through ministries like AMMPARO and Global Refuge, the ELCA continues to advocate for migrants and asylum seekers. Faith calls us to justice, kindness, and humble service alongside the displaced and vulnerable in our midst. Click here to read her full op-ed.