Presiding Bishop Curry Calls Lutherans to Prayer and Advocacy as Iran War Intensifies

In a March 4 pastoral statement, ELCA Presiding Bishop Rev. Yehiel Curry calls the church to prayer, advocacy, and renewed commitment to peace as war involving the United States, Israel, and Iran intensifies. Grounded in Scripture and Lutheran social teaching, Curry laments the loss of life—including Iranian schoolchildren and U.S. service members—and raises concern about the lack of congressional authorization prior to U.S. military engagement.

The bishop urges Lutherans to pray for peace, support diplomatic and humanitarian efforts, and stand in solidarity with companions in the Middle East, including the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land. Read the full statement from the ELCA Presiding Bishop.

ELCA, Bishop Curry, LettersBrian FlatgardMarch 4, 2026Bishop Curry Letters, Church and SocietyComment

Federal Court Blocks ICE Raids at Houses of Worship, Affirming Religious Freedom

A federal judge has issued a preliminary injunction blocking ICE from conducting enforcement actions at or around houses of worship for five ELCA synods and their ecumenical partners. Region 2 synods — Sierra Pacific and Southwest California — were among the plaintiffs. The ruling restores long-standing protections for sensitive locations and affirms religious freedom under the Constitution. Read more about this significant step forward for sacred spaces and immigrant communities.

ELCA, Region 2Brian FlatgardFebruary 23, 2026Immigration and Refugees, Church and SocietyComment

ELCA Voices Profound Concern Over EPA Repeal of Climate “Endangerment Finding”

On February 12, 2026, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced it would rescind the 2009 “Endangerment Finding,” the legal foundation for regulating greenhouse gas emissions under the Clean Air Act. The ELCA, which previously testified in support of upholding the finding, has expressed profound concern and disappointment, calling this a “Kairos moment” for urgent climate action grounded in faith and science.

In its official statement, the ELCA affirms that caring for creation is a sacred responsibility and urges the EPA to restore protections that safeguard public health and future generations. Read the full ELCA statement and learn more about the church’s advocacy response here.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardFebruary 23, 2026Church and Society, Climate Change, Advocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment

Tell the Senate Your Story: Faith Communities & ICE Enforcement

BJC and Christians Against Christian Nationalism are collecting stories of ICE activity occurring on or near houses of worship after some U.S. senators questioned whether such enforcement is happening. If you have witnessed or experienced such activity, BJC invites you to submit detailed documentation. Read their full message for submission guidelines and links.

Healthcare, Hunger & Voting Rights: LAMA’s February Advocacy Update

LAMA invites Lutherans to gather for Lutheran Day at the Legislature on February 23 at the Arizona Capitol and to take action through RTS on healthcare and food insecurity legislation moving during crossover week. Additional opportunities include the Hunger Leaders Network (Feb. 24) and voting rights advocacy. Read the full LAMA newsletter for event details and action links.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardFebruary 19, 2026Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), Advocacy, Church and SocietyComment

Author Drew Strait Joins Spirited Book Club Conversation on Strange Worship

The Spirited Book Club at Spirit in the Desert meets Thursday, February 26, from 3:00–4:00 pm AZ (MST) to discuss Strange Worship: Six Steps for Challenging Christian Nationalism—with author Drew J. Strait joining the conversation. Facilitated by Sheri Brown, this timely gathering invites faithful reflection on how worship, theology, and public witness intersect.

It’s not too late to register or read the book. Rostered ministers and lay leaders across the Grand Canyon Synod are warmly invited to take part in this important and hope-filled discussion.

Striving for Justice and Peace: Join Lutherans at the Capitol on February 23

Lutherans from across Arizona will gather at the Arizona Capitol for Lutheran Day at the Legislature on Monday, February 23, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Wesley Bolin Plaza in downtown Phoenix. Rooted in our baptismal calling to strive for justice and peace, the day will include speakers, legislative meetings, prayer, training, and opportunities to engage directly with public leaders.

Registration opens at 8:30 a.m., with breakfast and lunch provided. All Lutherans and friends of Lutherans are invited to learn, witness, and raise a faithful voice in the public square. Registration is now open.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardFebruary 17, 2026Advocacy, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), Church and SocietyComment

Presiding Bishop Curry Urges Humane Immigration Policies Ahead of DHS Vote

With a February 13 deadline looming for DHS funding, ELCA Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry joined eight other Christian leaders in urging Congress to enact just and humane immigration policies. The February 9 letter calls for due process, accountability for violence, protections for houses of worship, limits on excessive enforcement funding, and an end to the detention of children.

Grounded in Isaiah 58 and Leviticus 19, the letter affirms that immigrants are “beloved children of God” and encourages reforms that reflect human dignity and the common good. Read the full letter here. Read the original post at ELCA.org here.

Bishop Curry, ELCA, LettersBrian FlatgardFebruary 12, 2026Bishop Curry Letters, Church and SocietyComment

From Hunger to Voting Rights: LAMA’s February Updates

LAMA’s February update highlights urgent action on food insecurity legislation, preparation for Lutheran Day at the Legislature (Feb. 23), Environmental Day at the Capitol, and national ELCA action alerts. Lutherans across Arizona are invited to activate their faith in love through advocacy, prayer, and public witness. Read the full LAMA newsletter for action links and registration details.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardFebruary 11, 2026Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), Advocacy, Church and SocietyComment

Protecting Sacred Spaces: February Faith Freedom Dispatch Calls for Action

The February 2026 Faith Freedom Dispatch from BJC highlights urgent actions to protect religious freedom, including calling on Congress to pass the Protecting Sensitive Locations Act, submitting public comments to safeguard church–state separation by February 9, and applying for the 2026 BJC Fellows Program.

The issue also features BJC’s voice in Rolling Stone on immigration enforcement and religious liberty. Read the full newsletter to learn how people of faith can defend sacred spaces, uphold freedom of conscience, and take action now.

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

This week’s Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA) newsletter includes an urgent action alert calling advocates to speak out by February 4 in support of SNAP integrity and against punitive legislative measures. The update also highlights advocacy events focused on hunger, voting rights, creation care, and civic engagement, along with new LAMA blog posts and upcoming opportunities to learn and act.

Read the full newsletter to find talking points, event links, and ways to engage faithfully in public life across Arizona.

Legislative Session Underway: What LSS of the Southwest Is Watching

The 57th session of the Arizona Legislature is underway, with more than 1,000 bills already introduced and major decisions ahead on housing, tax conformity, education funding, and the state budget. In this advocacy update, Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest highlights key legislation to watch, including the reintroduction of the “Yes in God’s Backyard” bill, renewed debate around Proposition 123, and emerging budget negotiations for FY2027.

The update also looks ahead to Lutheran Day at the Legislature on Monday, February 23 at 9:30 a.m. at Wesley Bolin Plaza, where people of faith are invited to advocate on food insecurity, housing and homelessness, healthcare, and civic engagement.

Author Drew Strait Joins Spirited Book Club Conversation on Strange Worship

The Spirited Book Club at Spirit in the Desert meets Thursday, February 26, from 3:00–4:00 pm AZ (MST) to discuss Strange Worship: Six Steps for Challenging Christian Nationalism—with author Drew J. Strait joining the conversation. Facilitated by Sheri Brown, this timely gathering invites faithful reflection on how worship, theology, and public witness intersect.

It’s not too late to register or read the book. Rostered ministers and lay leaders across the Grand Canyon Synod are warmly invited to take part in this important and hope-filled discussion.

Lutherans Worldwide Stand with U.S. Church Leaders Against Fear and Violence

In a letter to Yehiel Curry, Presiding Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Lutheran World Federation General Secretary Anne Burghardt expresses deep concern and heartfelt solidarity as U.S. church leaders respond to rising political polarization and deadly violence, particularly in Minnesota. She affirms the ELCA’s courage in condemning violence, accompanying immigrants and refugees, and refusing to let fear silence the gospel—calling this “the prophetic witness the church is called to embody.”

The Lutheran World Federation assures the ELCA of the prayers and support of the global communion, lifting up those who grieve, those living in fear, and leaders who choose justice over violence. Read the full letter and story from Lutheran World Federation.

Global ChurchBrian FlatgardFebruary 2, 2026Church and Society, Lutheran World FederationComment

Striving for Justice and Peace: Join Lutherans at the Capitol on February 23

Lutherans from across Arizona will gather at the Arizona Capitol for Lutheran Day at the Legislature on Monday, February 23, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Wesley Bolin Plaza in downtown Phoenix. Rooted in our baptismal calling to strive for justice and peace, the day will include speakers, legislative meetings, prayer, training, and opportunities to engage directly with public leaders.

Registration opens at 8:30 a.m., with breakfast and lunch provided. All Lutherans and friends of Lutherans are invited to learn, witness, and raise a faithful voice in the public square. Registration is now open.

From Faith to the Floor: This Week’s LAMA Action Alerts and Events

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona’s latest newsletter is filled with timely action opportunities, including registration for Lutheran Day at the Legislature on February 23, advocacy alerts on housing and immigration, and multiple trainings and events in the coming weeks. From confronting Christian nationalism to learning how to use Arizona’s Request to Speak system, LAMA continues to equip people of faith to act for justice.

Read the full newsletter for dates, links, and ways to engage—and share it with others to strengthen our collective Lutheran witness for the common good.

A Call to Protect Sacred Space: Faith Leaders Urge Congress to Act on ICE Accountability

Faith leaders across the country are calling on Congress to act as immigration enforcement increasingly threatens places of worship and community safety. A new call to action urges lawmakers to pass the Protecting Sensitive Locations Actand to hold ICE accountable by withholding funding, citing escalating enforcement actions on church grounds and growing fear among immigrant and refugee communities.

Rooted in the conviction that religious freedom must be lived and defended—not just named—this appeal invites people of faith to contact their elected officials and take action now. Read the full call and learn how to respond faithfully and urgently.

Perfect Peace in Troubled Times: A Call to Lament, Prayer, and Courage

In a time marked by fear, violence, and division, Women of the ELCA calls the church to peace rooted in prayer, lament, and faithful engagement. Reflecting on recent deaths, detentions, and rising fear in communities, this message invites Lutherans to resist dehumanization and choose a deeper trust in God—through two upcoming online conversations focused on truth, prayer, and faithful response.

ELCA, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardJanuary 28, 2026Women of the ELCA (WELCA), Church and SocietyComment

“We Will Not Grow Weary”: Lutheran Bishops Condemn Aggressive Immigration Actions

Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry and Minnesota ELCA synod bishops have released a joint pastoral video condemning aggressive immigration activity and addressing the fear and uncertainty experienced by many communities. Grounded in Christ’s promises, the bishops call the church to faithful lament, moral clarity, and continued witness rooted in human dignity.

Watch and share the video message as an act of prayerful solidarity and hope.

ELCA, Bishop CurryBrian FlatgardJanuary 28, 2026Immigration and Refugees, Bishop Curry Letters, Church and SocietyComment

Action Alert: Tell Congress to Protect Religious Freedom and Hold ICE Accountable

Immigrant and refugee communities are increasingly facing fear as immigration enforcement enters churches and other sacred spaces. The Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty is calling on Congress to hold ICE accountable and pass the Protecting Sensitive Locations Act to safeguard places of worship, schools, and healthcare facilities.

People of faith are urged to contact their members of Congress and take action now.

Grand Canyon Synod

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