Stand with Refugee Families: Watch the Webinar + Take Action Today

Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest has shared a recording of its recent refugee services webinar, highlighting how federal policy changes are affecting families in Arizona and outlining ongoing work to support those already here. While new arrivals have paused, efforts continue in housing stability, employment support, ESL programs, and youth services.

Watch the webinar and take action by advocating, volunteering, or giving. In a time of uncertainty, this is an opportunity for our synod’s congregations and leaders to live out our call to accompany our neighbors with compassion and hope.

Take Action Now: LAMA Urges Advocacy on Voting Rights and Upcoming Events

LAMA’s latest newsletter highlights an urgent ELCA Action Alert opposing the SAVE America Act, along with upcoming events on immigration, voting rights, and public witness. Additional updates include legislative news, advocacy opportunities, and ways to stay engaged across Arizona.

Clergy Called to Courage: Join April 14 Conversation on Immigration & Faith

Clergy and ministry leaders are invited to a timely online gathering on Tuesday, April 14 (11:00 AM–12:30 PM) hosted by BJC and Christians Against Christian Nationalism. This Clergy Quarterly Touchpoint will focus on urgent issues at the intersection of immigration and religious freedom, offering conversation, leadership insight, and a call to action.

Designed to equip pastors for faithful leadership in a critical moment, the gathering will explore responses to immigration enforcement, support for mixed-status families, and ways to lead with clarity and courage. Register now and share with fellow leaders.

Mother’s Day Across Borders: A Call to Share Hope with Detained Families

This Mother’s Day (beginning May 7, 2026), Lutherans across the Grand Canyon Synod are invited to join a cross-border effort delivering yellow flowers to detention centers and migrant shelters as a sign of compassion and solidarity. Participants can donate flowers or serve as Volunteer Site Leaders, helping coordinate local actions that lift up the dignity of those separated from their families.

Organized by partners including International Friendship Park and Border Church, this campaign reflects our Lutheran call to love our neighbor and seek justice. Learn how your congregation can take part in this meaningful witness of hope and shared humanity. View a PDF flyer here.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardApril 6, 2026Immigration and Refugees, Church and SocietyComment

Holy Week Prayer and Public Witness: This Week from LAMA

This week’s LAMA newsletter invites us into Holy Week with a call to rest, pray, and renew our commitment to advocacy. Upcoming opportunities include hunger advocacy calls, environmental collaboration, poll chaplain training, and a national conversation on faith and democracy.

Explore new stories, action alerts, and events happening across the synod and beyond. Read the full newsletter and share it with your networks to stay engaged in this vital work.

Presiding Bishop Curry Calls Church to Love and Justice on Transgender Day of Visibility

In a March 31 message for Transgender Day of Visibility, Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry calls the ELCA to prayer, advocacy, and solidarity with transgender people, affirming that all are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139).

Amid rising anti-trans legislation, the message urges congregations to act through love, learning, and justice, and points to key ELCA resources that support this ongoing work of dignity and inclusion.

Bishop Curry, ELCABrian FlatgardMarch 31, 2026LGBTQIA+, Bishop Curry Letters, Church and SocietyComment

“You Are Seen, You Are Not Alone”: Presiding Bishop Curry Speaks on Gender-Based Violence

In a March 24 pastoral message, Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry addresses the reality of sexual and gender-based violence, offering a word of care to survivors and reaffirming the church’s commitment to dignity, justice, and healing. Grounded in the truth that all people are created in God’s image (Psalm 139), the message names violence as a misuse of power and calls the church to stand with those who have experienced harm.

The ELCA continues to provide resources, training, and advocacy to prevent abuse and support survivors. Read the full pastoral message and access key resources for ministry and care.

Bishop Curry, ELCA, LettersBrian FlatgardMarch 26, 2026Gender-Based Violence, Bishop Curry Letters, Church and SocietyComment

From Awareness to Action: Refugee Support Webinar April 1

Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest invites you to a live webinar, Supporting Refugees in a Time of Uncertainty, on Wednesday, April 1 from 11:30am–1:00pm (AZ Time) via Zoom. Learn about current resettlement realities, challenges refugees face, and practical ways to respond faithfully in your community.

Featuring guest speaker Valentina Restrepo-Montoya of ALWAYS, this conversation will equip individuals and congregations with timely insight and actionable next steps. Submit questions in advance when you register and join this important conversation.

From the Capitol to Congregations: LAMA’s Weekly Advocacy Update

This week’s LAMA newsletter includes a critical health care Action Alert (including HCR2056), along with opportunities to engage in advocacy, hunger ministry collaboration, voting rights efforts, and interfaith public witness.

Stay informed, take action, and live out our call to justice. Read and share the full LAMA newsletter.

Act Now: Voting Bills Move Forward + Key Advocacy Opportunities This Week

This week’s LAMA newsletter highlights Interfaith Day at the Capitol (March 25), upcoming hunger and justice events, and key ELCA action alerts on Dreamers, the Farm Bill, and child protection.

Read the full newsletter to stay informed, take action, and engage in faithful advocacy across Arizona and our synod.

Take Action for Dreamers: Highlights from the Latest LAMA Advocacy Update

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona’s latest newsletter highlights an urgent ELCA Action Alert supporting a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers, along with upcoming advocacy opportunities including the LAMA Liaison Roundtable (March 16) and Interfaith Day at the Capitol (March 25).

The update also includes legislative resources, hunger advocacy opportunities, and ELCA statements on peace and justice. Read the full LAMA newsletter to learn more and take action.

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

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