Church Property as Gospel Witness: A Conversation on Land Back

The Grand Canyon Synod begins a new series highlighting the Church Property Resource Hub (CPRH)—an ELCA resource designed to help congregations and synods steward their buildings and land as a witness to the gospel.

The first opportunity is a no-cost Zoom webinar, “Land Back as Property Stewardship Ethic,” on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at 6 p.m. Central Time. That is 4 p.m. in most of Arizona and southern Nevada and 5 p.m. in St. George and the Navajo Nation. Register for the webinar today →

This conversation honors the ELCA Churchwide Assembly social policy resolution, Supporting ELCA Land Back Efforts and Indigenous Ministries. Indigenous leaders within and beyond the ELCA will share about the Land Back movement and the repudiation of the Doctrine of Discovery. Participants also will hear from congregations and synods engaged in land return and reconciliation efforts.

Land is never merely an asset. It is part of God’s creation, held in trust and bound up with the histories and relationships of the people who have lived upon it. As Lutheran Christians, we are called to examine how our stewardship reflects our commitments to justice, truth-telling, neighbor love, and right relationship with Indigenous peoples and tribal nations.

The Church Property Resource Hub responds to questions congregations and synods have raised about the use, management, and support of church-held property. Its resources can help leaders consider property decisions faithfully and thoughtfully—including when a congregation is exploring the transfer or sale of real property.

As this series continues, the synod will share additional CPRH resources and learning opportunities for congregational councils, rostered ministers, property teams, and all leaders entrusted with the care of church buildings and land.

For questions about the webinar, contact Sarah Kretchmann at CPRH@elca.org. Explore the Church Property Resource Hub →