From the Legislature to Lent: What’s Inside This Week’s LAMA Advocacy Update

Read the full newsletter here

Urgent advocacy opportunities and upcoming events fill this week’s Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA) newsletter—including a critical action alert on SNAP policy that requires action by February 4.

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), an advocacy ministry of the Grand Canyon Synod of the ELCA, has released its February 3, 2026 newsletter with timely calls to action, opportunities for engagement, and upcoming events that equip people of faith to live out their baptismal calling in public life.

Action Alert: Act by February 4

LAMA is urging advocates to speak out now in support of SNAP integrity without punitive measures. Two bills—HB2206 and SB1333—would impose new SNAP error-rate mandates and a forensic audit process that could restrict access to food assistance for those who need it most.

Advocates are encouraged to submit testimony through Arizona’s Request to Speak (RTS) system before the February 4 hearing at 9:00 a.m. Lutheran talking points are provided to help frame this action through a faith-based lens rooted in care for neighbors facing hunger.

Upcoming Advocacy Events

This week’s newsletter also highlights multiple opportunities to connect, learn, and advocate alongside interfaith partners:

  • Arizona Faith Network Social Justice Commission – Thursday, February 5, 8:30–9:30 a.m.

  • AFN Faithful Voter AZ (Voting Rights) Committee – Thursday, February 5, 2:00–3:00 p.m.

  • Anti-Hunger & Food Systems Advocacy Call – Friday, February 6, 12:00–1:00 p.m.

  • Request to Speak (RTS) Training – Monday, February 9, 4:00–5:00 p.m.

  • AFN Cherishing Creation Collaborative – Tuesday, February 10, 10:00–11:30 a.m.

  • Bread for the World: 2026 Offering of Letters Launch – Tuesday, February 10, 6:00–7:00 p.m.

These gatherings reflect Lutheran commitments to justice, participation in civic life, care for creation, and accompaniment of neighbors experiencing hunger.

News and Resources from LAMA

The newsletter also links to recent blog posts and announcements, including:

  • The 40-40-40 Lenten Challenge for 2026, supporting ELCA World Hunger

  • Lutheran Day at the Legislature, coming February 23

  • A pastoral statement from Lutheran bishops addressing immigration concerns

  • Upcoming conversations with hunger leaders and theologians, including the Spirited Book Club discussion of Strange Worship

We encourage you to read the LAMA newsletter in full, share it with your networks, and follow LAMA on Facebook to stay connected to advocacy opportunities across Arizona. This is one tangible way we live out our Lutheran conviction that faith is active in love—especially in the public square.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardLutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), Advocacy, Church and SocietyComment