Church & Society

As the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry invites Lutherans to hold both gratitude and humility. In the latest installment of his All Together in One Place series, Curry reflects on the nation’s aspirations, its failures to live fully into those ideals, and the Christian call to repentance, justice, and service rooted in Christ’s resurrection.

Drawing on Scripture and the ELCA’s social teaching, Curry encourages the church to remember its baptismal unity, name sin honestly, and work for the common good while trusting in God’s ever-unfolding grace. Read Presiding Bishop Curry’s full reflection.

The latest Arizona Faith Network newsletter features upcoming Bags of Hope heat-relief events, Election Protection volunteer opportunities, interfaith dialogue and prayer gatherings, a summer healing book study, and advocacy efforts related to Oak Flat and sacred land protection.

Readers are encouraged to explore the full newsletter for registration links, volunteer opportunities, event details, and additional resources from AFN and its partners across Arizona.

The newest LAMA newsletter features an ELCA Action Alert on Cuba, Election Protection volunteer trainings, immigration detention discussions, hunger ministry collaboration, and new resources on faithful public witness. Readers will also find opportunities for advocacy, service, and community engagement across Arizona.

Arizona Faith Network’s latest newsletter features Election Protection volunteer opportunities, extreme heat advocacy, interfaith dialogue events, meditation gatherings, and summer service opportunities. Explore the full newsletter for upcoming events, trainings, and practical ways to live out faith in public life.

This week’s LAMA newsletter includes voter registration reminders ahead of Arizona’s July primary, hunger and immigration advocacy opportunities, poll chaplain training, and new ways Lutherans can engage faithful public witness. Read the full newsletter for upcoming events, action alerts, and resources for advocacy across the synod.

Arizona Faith Network’s 2026 Extreme Heat Relief Program is now serving communities across the state, providing cooling spaces, water, supplies, and compassionate care during dangerous summer temperatures. Congregations and individuals can support this ministry through donations, volunteering, supply drives, sharing resources, and using a congregational toolkit to help protect vulnerable neighbors this summer.

Arizona Faith Network’s latest newsletter includes opportunities for advocacy, service, and interfaith engagement across Arizona this summer. Highlights include heat relief efforts, election protection volunteer opportunities, environmental justice conversations, meditation and dialogue gatherings, and ways to support vulnerable neighbors during extreme heat.

This week’s Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA) newsletter features an urgent Farm Bill action alert, opportunities to advocate around hunger and immigration, updates on extreme heat relief and Oak Flat, and upcoming events focused on justice, creation care, and faithful civic engagement.

The latest Arizona Faith Network newsletter features security and preparedness training, interfaith dialogue, justice and voting initiatives, creation care opportunities, Sacred Peaks advocacy, heat relief volunteering, and family food assistance resources. Read the full newsletter for events, registration links, and ways to get involved.

The latest LAMA newsletter includes advocacy opportunities, immigration and racial justice events, hunger action alerts, election-year guidance for congregations, heat relief resources, and upcoming grant opportunities. Read the full update to discover practical ways to put faith into action across Arizona.

ELCA Advocacy and ELCA AMMPARO have released a new resource, “You Shall Also Love the Stranger,” offering history, Bible study, reflection questions and action steps related to for-profit immigration detention. A related webinar will be held Wednesday, June 24, from 1-1:30 p.m. Eastern, with optional Q&A. Read more and find the resource.

Following the deadly shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego, ELCA Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry has issued a pastoral response condemning Islamophobia, grieving with Muslim neighbors and calling Lutherans to visible solidarity, relationship-building, advocacy and courage in the face of hatred. Grounded in Lutheran teaching and resurrection hope, Bishop Curry reminds the church that “hate will not have the final word.”

This week’s LAMA newsletter includes an Arizona election action alert, anti-hunger and immigration-related events, cooling center resources, advocacy updates, and opportunities for congregations to engage faithfully in public life. Explore highlights from Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona and read the full newsletter for ways to stay informed and advocate for neighbors across our communities.

Arizona Faith Network’s latest newsletter includes updates on cooling center funding, interfaith dialogue, democracy and voting efforts, community safety, healing practices, creation care, and opportunities to support vulnerable neighbors during Arizona’s extreme heat season. Explore this week’s highlights and read the full newsletter to learn how faith communities are engaging the common good across Arizona.

The latest LAMA newsletter features advocacy alerts on hunger funding, immigration, voting rights, and nonprofit security, along with upcoming events and opportunities for faithful public engagement across Arizona. Read the full newsletter to stay connected with LAMA’s ongoing work for justice and advocacy.

Arizona Faith Network’s latest newsletter features voting rights advocacy, interfaith dialogue, healing practices, security training, and community events across Arizona. Read the full update to learn about upcoming opportunities for engagement, reflection, and faithful public life.

As America approaches its 250th anniversary, Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty is inviting people to share stories of faith, community, and civic engagement through its new “Founders Wall” project. Participants can submit written reflections, photos, audio, or short videos describing how they are helping build stronger neighborhoods, congregations, schools, and communities. Share your story here.

The project emphasizes the idea that “every generation is the founding generation” and invites people of faith to reflect on vocation, public witness, and care for neighbor. Read more and learn how to participate through the BJC campaign website.

Arizona Faith Network’s newest newsletter features interfaith dialogue opportunities, prophetic witness media training, immigration advocacy updates, security webinars, and recruitment for its 2026 Heat Relief Program. Upcoming events include visits to the Mesa Arizona Temple Visitors’ Center, online justice trainings, and creation care gatherings across Arizona.

LAMA’s newest newsletter highlights the ELCA’s observance of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Awareness Day, upcoming advocacy and hunger ministry events, Arizona budget updates, voting rights engagement, and new nonprofit security grant information.

This Mother’s Day (beginning May 7, 2026), Lutherans across the Grand Canyon Synod are invited to join a cross-border effort delivering yellow flowers to detention centers and migrant shelters as a sign of compassion and solidarity. Participants can donate flowers or serve as Volunteer Site Leaders, helping coordinate local actions that lift up the dignity of those separated from their families.

Organized by partners including International Friendship Park and Border Church, this campaign reflects our Lutheran call to love our neighbor and seek justice. Learn how your congregation can take part in this meaningful witness of hope and shared humanity. View a PDF flyer here.

The ELCA’s latest advocacy blog explores how civic engagement—including voting—is a vital expression of Lutheran discipleship, grounded in our call to serve the neighbor and seek the common good. The piece highlights both the theological foundations for participation in public life and ongoing challenges to equitable access, including voter suppression and recent legal developments affecting voting rights.

As the church continues its nonpartisan public witness, Lutherans are encouraged to engage faithfully—through voting, advocacy, and supporting fair access for all—while remaining rooted in prayer and a commitment to justice. Read more and access the full article here.

LAMA’s latest newsletter highlights an urgent Farm Bill vote that could significantly impact SNAP and hunger programs, along with action alerts and advocacy resources from the ELCA. The update also includes upcoming events, grant opportunities, and Bishop Hutterer’s recent op-ed on food access in Arizona.

Read the full newsletter to stay informed, connect with advocacy efforts, and take faithful action in support of our neighbors.

With SNAP participation in Arizona dropping by nearly half in the past year, Bishop Deborah K. Hutterer calls attention to the real human impact behind the numbers and urges leaders to ensure access to food assistance as budget decisions are made.

May 5, 2026 is the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Relatives (MMIWGR). The ELCA invites congregations and leaders to participate by wearing red, sharing resources, and engaging in prayer, learning, and advocacy. A new toolkit provides practical ways to take part and extend awareness beyond a single day.

Rooted in our call to justice and solidarity, this is an opportunity for the Grand Canyon Synod to stand with Indigenous communities, honor those who are missing, and support ongoing efforts for healing and change.

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.

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.

LAMA’s latest update highlights urgent advocacy opportunities, including a public comment period open through April 24 to support work permits for those seeking asylum. The newsletter also features upcoming events like the Earth Day Vigil at the Capitol, advocacy training, hunger network gatherings, and funding opportunities for ministries.

Read the full newsletter for key actions, events, and resources—and find your place in this week’s work for justice.

Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest has shared a recording of its recent refugee services webinar, highlighting how federal policy changes are affecting families in Arizona and outlining ongoing work to support those already here. While new arrivals have paused, efforts continue in housing stability, employment support, ESL programs, and youth services.

Watch the webinar and take action by advocating, volunteering, or giving. In a time of uncertainty, this is an opportunity for our synod’s congregations and leaders to live out our call to accompany our neighbors with compassion and hope.

LAMA’s latest newsletter highlights an urgent ELCA Action Alert opposing the SAVE America Act, along with upcoming events on immigration, voting rights, and public witness. Additional updates include legislative news, advocacy opportunities, and ways to stay engaged across Arizona.