The ELCA’s Truth-Seeking and Truth-Telling Initiative is expanding nationwide in 2026, inviting clergy and lay leaders to research and confront Lutheran involvement in Indian boarding schools. This growing effort focuses on uncovering historical records, educating the church, and supporting truth-telling and healing for Native communities impacted by this legacy.

Participants can contribute through research, education, and quarterly gatherings. All are welcome to get involved. Learn more and sign up at tstti.org.

The 2026 Rostered Ministers Gathering will take place July 6–9 in Indianapolis, inviting pastors, deacons, bishops, and candidates for call into a time of renewal, connection, and reflection under the theme “Woven Together.” Registration is open through June 5, with early and regular pricing available.

Featuring worship, workshops, keynote speakers, and opportunities for fellowship, the gathering offers space to reconnect with colleagues and be renewed for ministry. Participants may also contribute to a shared fabric art project, symbolizing the diverse stories woven together across the ELCA.

The April Advocacy Connections update outlines major federal policy issues, including hunger provisions in the Farm Bill, voting access concerns, climate policy changes, and global conflicts. ELCA advocacy continues to engage lawmakers and mobilize faith-based action on issues affecting vulnerable communities.

Action alerts and ongoing advocacy efforts invite Lutherans to speak out on hunger, immigration accountability, and voting rights. Read more and take action through ELCA Advocacy.

Recent climate disasters and escalating conflicts across multiple regions have displaced millions and increased urgent humanitarian needs worldwide. From flooding in Africa and South America to ongoing conflict in the Middle East and beyond, the scale of crisis continues to grow.

Lutheran Disaster Response is accompanying affected communities through relief, recovery, and long-term resilience efforts. Read more about the global situation and how to support this work.

A new seven-part film series, Caring for the Earth: Stories From Faith Communities, premieres April 25 as part of the National Faith + Climate Forum. Featuring ELCA leaders alongside interfaith partners, the series explores how faith shapes commitment to creation care, with free study guides for congregational use.

The forum gathers over 2,000 participants across 80+ locations, offering resources and conversation tools for faith-based climate action. Read more and access the series and resources.

At its April 16 meeting, the ELCA Church Council elected Rachel Wind as executive for administration and took action on a wide range of priorities, including climate justice commitments, ministry strategies, and governance updates. Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry emphasized building a more connected and sustainable church through 2028.

The council also addressed policy updates, affirmed global and ecumenical commitments, and continued work on major churchwide initiatives. Read more about the council’s actions and priorities.

In the latest Pivot podcast, Rolf Jacobson shares what he learned, theologically and personally, about suffering, community, and what it means to show up for someone in crisis.

• Holy Land: We are peacemakers, that is our calling

• Empowered to lead

• Wittenberg: strengthening a shared commitment to gender justice

• Lutheran youth explore lessons from South Africa’s peacebuilding history

• Scholarship holders and alumni reflect on church leadership dimensions

• For peace and reconciliation among the nations, especially in Iran, Lebanon, Gaza, South Sudan, Ukraine, and Venezuela…

• For all immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers…

• For an end to gun violence, and for all victims of gun violence, especially in the communities of Shreveport, Louisiana and Winston-Salem, North Carolina, as well as tourists visiting the Teotihuacán site near Mexico City…

• For healing, resilience, and rebuilding in Midwestern communities recovering from tornadoes, and for all living in areas facing wildfires and wildfire risk…

• For the wellbeing of our planet as we celebrate Earth Week, and for human hearts, minds, and wills to work for its health…

• For Christian unity as we celebrate the season Easter, and for an end to interreligious conflict and religious persecution…

• For farmers and farm workers, and for all who work with the land to provide food…

As the 2026 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly approaches, congregations and ministries across the synod are invited to share stories of how God is at work in their communities. Submissions—including written reflections, photos, short videos, or audio—should be sent to Brian Flatgard by Friday, May 8, 2026. Learn how to share your story here.

Gathering under the theme “Rooted in God’s Story” (Psalm 78:4), the synod will highlight around 50 ministry stories through the assembly, blog, newsletter, and social media. This is an opportunity to celebrate the many ways God is working across Arizona, southern Nevada, St. George, Utah, and the Navajo Nation.

LAMA is highlighting an ELCA Action Alert urging action by April 24 against a proposed federal rule that would severely restrict work permits for people seeking asylum. The ELCA is calling on Lutherans to submit a public comment and contact members of Congress in support of protecting asylum seekers’ ability to work and meet their needs safely in our communities. Read the full post for background, theological grounding, and links to take action.

In a recent Verde Independent feature, the Hands Healing Hunger ministry of Christ Lutheran Church in Sedona is recognized for raising $111,000—every dollar supporting 13 food providers across the Verde Valley. Among the gifts, a $10,000 contribution to The Station on 6th helps sustain its Meals on Wheels program, ensuring vulnerable neighbors continue to receive daily meals.

Through auctions, community partnerships, and deep congregational generosity, this ministry embodies our shared calling: God’s work, through our hands, for the sake of our neighbors. Read more in the full news story.

The Grand Canyon Synod Assembly will feature a Friday Night Variety Show on June 12, 2026, offering an evening of music, storytelling, humor, and creative performances from across the synod. If you would like to be considered for the Friday Night Variety Show, please submit a brief description of your act using this form by Monday, April 27, 2026.

The planning team is currently inviting 5–7 minute family-friendly acts from individuals, groups, congregations, and families. Interested performers are encouraged to submit a short description of their act using the online form, with selected performers contacted prior to Assembly. If you would like to be considered for the Friday Night Variety Show, please submit a brief description of your act using this form by Monday, April 27, 2026.

Arizona Faith Network’s latest newsletter highlights upcoming opportunities for engagement, including Earth Day events, a Doctrine of Discovery teach-in, interfaith dialogue, health and safety trainings, and community care initiatives. The update also includes upcoming media training and openings for the 2026 Heat Relief Program.