From Hunger to Voting Rights: LAMA’s February Updates

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), our synod’s official advocacy ministry, continues to mobilize Lutherans across Arizona to bring our faith into the public square.

Here are the most urgent updates from this week’s LAMA newsletter:

Action Alert: Food Insecurity Bills

Legislation impacting food insecurity in Arizona is being heard this week.

LAMA urges advocates to use the Request to Speak (RTS) system to communicate with legislators. Hunger is not abstract — it impacts real families in our congregations and communities.

As Lutherans, we confess that God is revealed in the hungry, the thirsty, and the stranger (Matthew 25). Advocacy is one way we respond.

Lutheran Day at the Legislature — February 23

📍 Wesley Bolin Plaza, Arizona State Capitol

🗓 Monday, February 23 | 9:30 am – 1:30 pm

Lutherans from across the state will gather to:

• Rally and pray together

• Meet with legislators

• Be introduced in both chamber galleries

• Learn about current policy priorities

Preparation opportunities include:

• Advocacy Day Prep: Feb. 16 | 4:00–5:00 pm (Zoom)

• LAMA Liaison Roundtable: Feb. 16 | 6:30 pm (Zoom)

Register and get details at LAMAz.org.

Environmental Day at the Capitol — February 11

LAMA also encourages participation in Environmental Day at the Capitol, partnering with AFN and other advocacy groups to support climate and environmental protections.

Additional Action Alerts

Recent ELCA-wide alerts highlighted in the newsletter include:

• Opposing voting barriers (SAVE Act)

• Protecting humanitarian funding

• Advocating for responsible homeland security funding

These national efforts connect directly to our local witness.

Living Our Public Faith

The Lutheran tradition has always insisted that faith is active in love. Advocacy is not about party affiliation — it is about neighbor love and seeking the common good.

Whether through RTS, attending Lutheran Day, or sharing articles with your congregation, your voice matters.