News

In a reflection marking International Women’s Day (March 8), ELCA advocacy intern Ashley Chepkorir shares her journey from Kenya to global policy studies and advocacy work in Washington, D.C. Her story highlights the power of education, mentorship, and faith communities in helping girls imagine futures that once seemed impossible.

Drawing on the ELCA’s teaching that every person is created with dignity and gifted to contribute to society, Chepkorir invites faith communities to consider how they can encourage and support girls and young women today. Read the full reflection on the ELCA Advocacy Blog.

Congress is currently debating the 2026 Farm Bill, one of the most significant pieces of legislation affecting agriculture, hunger programs, rural communities, and conservation in the United States and around the world. In a recent update, ELCA Advocacy outlines both encouraging provisions and ongoing concerns, urging lawmakers to adopt policies that reflect our shared faith commitments to feed hungry neighbors, support farmers and rural communities, and care for God’s creation.

The ELCA continues to call for stronger protections for programs like SNAP, international food aid, and conservation initiatives that promote soil health and sustainable agriculture. Learn more about the current status of the Farm Bill and how Lutherans can engage in advocacy by reading the full update. Read more at ELCA.org.

In a new ELCA Advocacy devotional, Daniella Garber reflects on Jesus’ image of a “city on a hill that cannot be hidden” and what it means for Christians to remain steady and visible in their advocacy for neighbors and God’s creation. Drawing on childhood memories of mountains that never move, Garber reminds readers that faithful advocacy is often slow and unseen—but our calling is to remain present, hopeful, and unhidden in the world.

This reflection invites us to consider where we find steady presence in our lives and how the church can remain a visible witness to God’s justice and compassion. Read the full devotional.

In “Light on the Hill,” Jeffrey M. Jordan II of the ELCA Witness in Society office reflects on advocating for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) on Capitol Hill alongside members of the National TPS Alliance. Rooted in Matthew 5:14–15, the devotional reminds us that advocacy is not merely political strategy—it is Christian witness. When human stories are reduced to policy categories, followers of Christ are called to place the light of dignity, justice, and mercy where it can be seen.

As congregations across the Grand Canyon Synod continue to engage issues of immigration and public policy, this reflection offers theological grounding for faithful presence in the public square. We invite you to read and reflect on how God is calling you to place your light on the lampstand. Read the full devotional from ELCA Advocacy.

The ELCA’s Witness in Society team has shared an updated overview (Feb. 18, 2026) of sign-on letters—a timely advocacy tool that functions like a petition to members of Congress or other decision makers, often tied to an immediate issue or impending vote. These letters help educate leaders, name shared faith-rooted values, and urge specific action—often alongside ecumenical and interfaith partners.

The update also explains how the ELCA decides to sign on: careful analysis rooted in ELCA social teaching and policy priorities, attention to accuracy and tone (avoiding hyper-partisan language), and discernment about impact. The post includes a running list of recent ELCA-supported sign-on letters (last updated Feb. 12, 2026) with links to read each statement in full. Read more on the ELCA Advocacy blog.

ELCA-affiliated state public policy offices in Kansas, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Wisconsin are actively engaging 2026 legislative sessions with bold, faith-rooted advocacy. From defending immigrant neighbors and LGBTQ+ communities to advancing hunger relief, maternal health reform, voting rights, and anti-trafficking legislation, Lutheran leaders are mobilizing congregations and communities for public witness grounded in the belief that every person is made in the image of God.

These winter updates highlight rallies, lobby days, youth engagement, new advocacy resources (including a Lent curriculum on Faith and Civic Life), and growing interfaith coalitions. Read the full state-by-state update and explore how Lutheran advocacy continues to seek the well-being of all. Read the full update at ELCA.org.

The January 2026 issue of Advocacy Connections from the ELCA advocacy office in Washington, D.C., includes action alerts, resources, and updates on federal policy engagement. Expanded Policy Notes will return in an upcoming issue.

Readers are invited to read the current issue and subscribe to receive Advocacy Connections directly in their inbox. Read the January update →