Advocating for Dignity: LSS-SW Prepares for a Challenging 2026

Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest is preparing for a challenging 2026, as state leaders warn of a tight Arizona budget and federal officials propose changes to the “public charge” test that could harm immigrant communities and caregivers. Strong advocacy will be essential to protect basic needs, human dignity, and access to vital supports.

As people of faith, we remain committed to standing with our neighbors, amplifying unheard voices, and raising our voices together in hope as we move into the new year.

We Are Called as Lutherans: Responding Faithfully to Federal Budget Cuts

Recent federal spending cuts to Medicaid, refugee resettlement, and disaster response are already impacting Lutheran ministries across the country. In this Living Lutheran Voices of Faith column, Debra Madaris Efird reflects on how these changes affect agencies like Lutheran Services Carolinas—and asks what it means for us, as Lutherans, to respond with compassion, advocacy, generosity, and prayer. This timely reflection invites congregations and individuals alike to discern faithful action rooted in our shared call to love our neighbors. Read the full article at Living Lutheran.

ELCABrian FlatgardDecember 19, 2025Living Lutheran, Church and SocietyComment

Faith in Action This Week: LAMA Urges Urgent Advocacy for Creation and Justice

This week’s LAMA newsletter highlights urgent advocacy opportunities to protect creation, upcoming hunger and advocacy gatherings, and faith-based responses to pressing public issues. With key deadlines this week and important events ahead, now is the time to act. Read the full update and take part in advocacy grounded in Lutheran faith.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardDecember 18, 2025Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), Advocacy, Church and SocietyComment

Created in God’s Image: A Faithful Guide for Responding to Dehumanizing Language

The ELCA’s Advocacy and Migration Policy team has released a new conversation guide, Created in the Image of God, equipping faith communities to recognize and respond to dehumanizing language—particularly language directed at immigrants and forcibly displaced people. Grounded in Scripture and ELCA social teaching, the guide calls Christians to affirm the imago Dei in every person and to resist rhetoric that erodes empathy, dignity, and justice.

This timely resource invites congregations and individuals to engage difficult conversations with curiosity, compassion, and faith, using personal stories and theological grounding to challenge harmful narratives. Read the full reflection and download the conversation guide.

ELCABrian FlatgardDecember 17, 2025AMMPARO, Immigration and Refugees, Church and SocietyComment

From Lament to Action: Bishop Curry on Gun Violence and Advent Hope

Following a deadly shooting at Brown University that claimed two lives and injured many others, Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry calls the church to prayer, lament, and faithful public action. The statement names gun violence as a symptom of deeper brokenness in our common life and rejects its normalization in U.S. society.

Drawing on the ELCA’s social message on gun violence, Bishop Curry urges evidence-based, life-saving measures alongside sustained advocacy and accompaniment. In this Advent season, the statement affirms that God meets us in suffering and calls the church to work for justice, compassion, and peace. Read the full statement and prayer from Bishop Curry.

Standing with Our Jewish Neighbors After the Bondi Beach Attack

Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry has issued a statement following a deadly terror attack on the Jewish community gathered for a Hanukkah menorah lighting at Bondi Beach in Australia. Writing on the Third Sunday of Advent, Bishop Curry condemns antisemitism, reaffirms the ELCA’s commitment to opposing anti-Jewish hatred, and calls the church to concrete acts of solidarity, love, and peace with our Jewish neighbors.

Grounded in God’s irrevocable covenant and the hope of Advent, the statement invites prayer and faithful action as an antidote to fear and violence. Read the full statement and prayer from Bishop Curry.

LAMA Highlights: Christmas Service Opportunities, New Policy Priorities & Upcoming Events

This week’s LAMA newsletter features an urgent call for Christmas volunteers with LSS-SW, new advocacy events through mid-January, and the release of LAMA’s 2026 Policy Priorities. You’ll also find updates on H.R. 1’s potential impact in Arizona, resources for congregations, and opportunities to support Lutheran Day at the Legislature. Read the full newsletter to stay connected with the advocacy ministry of the Grand Canyon Synod.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardDecember 11, 2025Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), Advocacy, Church and SocietyComment

Faith Over Fear: Lutherans Pray for Evi and All Detained Neighbors

A small but resolute group of Asian and Pacific Islander (API) Lutheran leaders and community members gathered outside the Adelanto ICE Processing Center to pray for the release of Evi Sarlita Sihomping, a longtime ELCA member detained since June 7. Led by Pacifica Synod Bishop David Nagler and organized alongside the API Leaders Migration Justice Training, the vigil lifted up Evi’s humanity, rejected the “model minority” myth, and insisted that immigration policy must be shaped by empathy, not punishment.

The article from Living Lutheran highlights the broader advocacy of API ministries, AMMPARO, and ELCA leaders who refuse to stay silent as families are separated. It also shares practical ways to support Evi—including sending cards and contacting elected officials. Read the full story on Living Lutheran ›

ELCA, Region 2Brian FlatgardDecember 5, 2025Living Lutheran, Pacifica Synod, Immigration and Refugees, Church and SocietyComment

LAMA News: Giving Tuesday Goal Doubled & Key December Events Across Arizona

LAMA’s latest newsletter highlights urgent #GivingTuesday news—after surpassing its $5,000 goal, LAMA is aiming for $10,000. It also includes key December advocacy events, volunteer opportunities, ELCA Action Alerts, and updates on issues impacting Arizona communities. Plus: Christmas service opportunities, a save-the-date for Lutheran Day at the Legislature 2026, and the launch of LAMA’s new T-shirt Design Contest. Read the full newsletter here.

This Week with LAMA: HIV/AIDS Funding, AFN Gathering, and December Opportunities

Stay up to date with Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona through this week’s newsletter, featuring an urgent Action Alert for World AIDS Day, upcoming December events, new blog posts, and preparations for Lutheran Day at the Legislature. Read the full newsletter to connect with statewide justice efforts, prayer opportunities, and ways your congregation can support LAMA’s ministry.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardNovember 26, 2025Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), Advocacy, Church and SocietyComment

Support FEMA Reform, Join Upcoming Events, and Stay Engaged with LAMA

This week’s LAMA newsletter highlights an urgent ELCA Action Alert supporting FEMA reform, multiple advocacy and interfaith events, the AFN Annual Gathering, and new blog updates on immigration, climate justice, and Lutheran Day at the Legislature. Read the full newsletter at LAMAz.org.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardNovember 20, 2025Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), Advocacy, Church and SocietyComment

Image-Bearers of God: How Lutherans Resist Dehumanizing Language

When migrants and other neighbors are labeled “invasion,” “animals,” or “illegals,” our faith compels us to respond. This AMMPARO reflection names dehumanization as sin and calls Lutherans to “faithful resistance” in our words, actions, and hearts, grounded in Scripture’s witness that every person bears the image of God.

Read how this resistance takes shape in daily life—through language, advocacy, and humble service rooted in Micah 6:8—by reading the full article from AMMPARO.

ELCABrian FlatgardNovember 19, 2025AMMPARO, Immigration and Refugees, Church and Society, AdvocacyComment

Faith and Advocacy: Updates from LAMA’s November 11 Newsletter

The latest newsletter from Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA) calls us to faithful advocacy on behalf of our neighbors and creation. This week’s Action Alert urges Lutherans to contact legislators and advocate for U.S. participation in global climate talks (COP30).

Upcoming events include the Power of Hello workshop on community safety (Nov. 17), the LAMA Liaison Roundtable (Nov. 17), Bread for the World regional meetings (Nov. 18–19), and the Grand Canyon Synod Hunger Leaders Network (Nov. 25).

The newsletter also features the LAMA T-Shirt Design Contest, ELCA World Hunger’s Daily Bread Grants, and a Save the Date for Lutheran Day at the Legislature 2026 (Feb. 23). Read more at lamaz.org and join the movement for justice and compassion in Arizona.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardNovember 13, 2025Advocacy, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA), Church and SocietyComment

Faith Freedom Dispatch: Confronting Christian Nationalism & Defending Religious Liberty

Explore highlights from BJC’s November Faith Freedom Dispatch, including the 2025 Shurden Lectures on sanctuary and migrant justice, new clergy organizing efforts to confront Christian nationalism, and Season 7 of the Respecting Religion podcast. Additional updates include a new BJC merch shop, national news coverage of religious liberty, and upcoming Supreme Court advocacy. Read the full newsletter here.

Refugee Services Update: Join LSS-SW Webinar Nov. 14

Join Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest for a Refugee Services Update Webinar on Friday, November 14, at 11 a.m. Hear directly from Connie Phillips, President & CEO, and key staff about the state of refugee resettlement in Arizona and what’s ahead in 2026. Learn how congregations and individuals across our synod continue to walk alongside refugee families with compassion and hope. Register here.

Understanding Christian Nationalism: A Community Conversation at King of Glory in Tempe

King of Glory Lutheran Church, Tempe, will host a community conversation on Christian Nationalism on Tuesday, November 18, 2025 (6:30–8:00 p.m.) with guest speakers Rev. Caleb Campbell and Rev. Ellie Hutchison. All are invited to explore what Christian Nationalism is, why it matters, and how people of faith can respond with humility, grace, and Gospel-centered love. Learn more at kogaz.org/events. View PDF flyer here.

Take Action for SNAP and Join Arizona Lutherans in Advocacy This Week

Stay informed and engaged with Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA) in this week’s update, featuring an urgent SNAP Action Alert, events for faith-based advocates, and new blog stories on hunger, refugee policy, and Reformation courage.

Read the full LAMA Newsletter for November 4, 2025 to learn how you and your congregation can take part in advocacy for justice, hunger relief, and faithful civic engagement.

Here I Pod: Lutheran disaster responders speak to FEMA legislation

In a new episode of Here I Pod, Lutheran Disaster Response staff and partners share their recent conversations with legislators in Washington, D.C., urging stronger FEMA reform to support disaster-affected communities. Listeners also hear practical ways to take action and strengthen congregational preparedness. Listen and read more on Living Lutheran: Here I Pod: Lutheran disaster responders speak to FEMA legislation.

ELCABrian FlatgardNovember 5, 2025Lutheran Disaster Response, Here I Pod, Church and SocietyComment

Understanding Christian Nationalism: A Community Conversation at King of Glory

King of Glory Lutheran Church, Tempe, will host a community conversation on Christian Nationalism on Tuesday, November 18, 2025 (6:30–8:00 p.m.) with guest speakers Rev. Caleb Campbell and Rev. Ellie Hutchison. All are invited to explore what Christian Nationalism is, why it matters, and how people of faith can respond with humility, grace, and Gospel-centered love. Learn more at kogaz.org/events. View PDF flyer here.

This Week with LAMA: Take Action to Protect International Food Aid

Explore this week’s LAMA advocacy update, including an ELCA Action Alert urging Congress to protect international food aid in the upcoming Farm Bill. You’ll also find upcoming events—on hunger ministry, public lands, Christian nationalism, civic engagement—and new reflections from the LAMA blog. Read the full newsletter, event details, and action links here.

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