Lutheran Synods Join Lawsuit Defending Sacred Spaces from Immigration Raids

Several ELCA synods, including our siblings in the New England, Greater Milwaukee, Southwest California, Southwestern Texas, and Sierra Pacific Synods, have joined other faith organizations in a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security. The case challenges a Trump-Vance administration policy that permits ICE raids at or near houses of worship—practices that plaintiffs argue violate religious freedom and harm congregational life.

The lawsuit, filed by Democracy Forward and partner organizations, highlights disturbing incidents of ICE activity during worship, preschool pickup, and pastoral preaching. The plaintiffs seek immediate relief to halt these actions nationwide. Click here to read the full story and view the complaint.

Region 2Brian FlatgardAugust 6, 2025Church and Society, Immigration and RefugeesComment

Why Churches Should Stay Out of Partisan Politics—And What’s at Risk

In BJC’s August Faith Freedom Dispatch, meet the 2025 BJC Fellows, learn how North Texans are organizing against Christian nationalism, and read why the Johnson Amendment still matters for churches. Plus, celebrate a $50,000 grant awarded to the BJC Center for Faith, Justice, and Reconciliation. Read the full BJC newsletter here.

Grace in the Face of Violence: Lutherans Respond to Political Division

In response to a tragic act of political violence in Minnesota, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry–Minnesota (LA-MN) offers tools and hope to address the root causes of division. From the Graceful Conversations workshop to emerging resources on media literacy and Christian nationalism, this spotlight highlights how faithful advocacy, grounded in Lutheran theology, can help rebuild community and resist extremism. Click here to read the full article from ELCA Advocacy.

ELCA, News, LettersBrian FlatgardAugust 6, 2025Church and Society, Advocacy, ELCA Advocacy, Christian NationalismComment

Speak Up for Gaza: Aid Must Reach the Vulnerable Safely

The ELCA urges action to ensure safe and neutral humanitarian aid access in Gaza. Current aid delivery mechanisms, backed by U.S. and Israeli authorities, force Palestinians to risk their lives for food and fail to provide access to medical and hygiene supplies. As people of faith, we are called to advocate for peace and human dignity. Learn how you can contact your lawmakers and make your voice heard. Click here for more.

Navigating Political Violence with Faith: New Season of Here I Pod Launches

The second season of Here I Pod from ELCA Advocacy launches with a compelling episode on faith, advocacy, and community in the face of political violence. Host Regina Q. Banks speaks with Lutheran leaders in Minnesota and across the church, including the Rev. Amy Reumann and the Rev. Angela Denker, about how we can respond theologically and practically to violence in our public life. To explore how our faith informs action in this moment, click here.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardJuly 24, 2025Here I Pod, ELCA Advocacy, Church and SocietyComment

Bishop Eaton Responds to IRS Ruling: “Protect the Church from Partisanship”

ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton has issued a video message in response to a recent IRS ruling that may reinterpret the Johnson Amendment to permit partisan activity by religious organizations. Emphasizing the church’s theological commitment to remain nonpartisan, Eaton urges vigilance while affirming our gospel call to advocate for justice. Watch the video and read the ELCA’s full statement online.

ELCA, Bishop Eaton, Letters, NewsBrian FlatgardJuly 24, 2025Bishop Eaton Letters, Church and SocietyComment

Church and State: ELCA Responds to IRS Ruling on Political Activity

In response to a recent IRS court filing, the ELCA reaffirms its support of the Johnson Amendment, which prohibits churches from endorsing political candidates. The church warns that loosening these protections could compromise gospel clarity and introduce partisanship into congregational life. The ELCA encourages faithful, nonpartisan civic engagement rooted in Lutheran theology.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardJuly 24, 2025Church and SocietyComment

“Grounded in Faith, Committed to Service”: Lutheran Services Responds to Budget Cuts

Lutheran Services in America has released a strong public statement following the passage of H.R. 1, a budget reconciliation bill that includes nearly $1 trillion in Medicaid cuts projected to leave 17 million fewer people insured over the next decade. While some harmful provisions were successfully removed, the bill poses real challenges for caregivers, providers, and vulnerable communities. The Lutheran network continues to stand firm—grounded in faith, committed to service, and urging leaders to work with nonprofits on practical, people-centered solutions. To read and share the full statement from Lutheran Services in America, click here.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardJuly 16, 2025Lutheran Services in America (LSA), Church and SocietyComment

Bishop Eaton: Budget Bill Harms the Most Vulnerable

In response to the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton issues a call to faithful action. The sweeping legislation threatens healthcare access, food assistance, immigrant families, and climate protections—policies that stand in opposition to Lutheran commitments to care for the vulnerable and support the common good. Bishop Eaton invites us to pray, partner, and act together as church to stand with our neighbors in need. Click here to read the full statement and watch the accompanying video on YouTube.

ELCA Denounces Gaza Hospital Attack: Bishop Eaton’s Urgent Call for Justice

Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton has issued a strong statement condemning the recent attack on Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza, a facility closely linked to the Lutheran World Federation through its partnership with Augusta Victoria Hospital. The ELCA joins its ecumenical partners in calling for accountability, an immediate ceasefire, and protection for all medical facilities under international law. We stand in prayerful solidarity with the injured, the grieving, and all who serve in places of healing. Click here to read the full statement.

Education, Health, and Hunger at Risk—Learn More in Monday’s Webinar

Join BJC, Bread for the World, and NETWORK for a live webinar on Monday, June 16 at 2:30 p.m. ET to learn how the “Big Beautiful Bill” could harm education, health care, and food assistance—and how you can take faithful action. This 45-minute event includes expert speakers, Q&A, and practical steps for advocacy. Register now to receive your Zoom link.

Bishop Eaton: Call for the body of Christ to affirm every body

In her Pride Month message, Bishop Eaton urges us affirm every person, every body and join together as one in the body of Christ. "Our unity doesn’t come from all being the same. It comes from being joined in Christ, who gathers every member, every body, into one." Sign the Interfaith Alliance pledge to Recommit to Pride: Sign the Interfaith Alliance pledge to Recommit to Pride. More info at interfaithalliance.org. Download video here.

Bishop Eaton, ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardJune 9, 2025LGBTQIA+, Church and SocietyComment

Presiding Bishop Responds to New U.S. Travel Ban

Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton has issued a statement opposing the Trump administration’s newly announced travel ban affecting immigrants from 12 countries. Citing both scripture and Lutheran commitments to hospitality, interfaith solidarity, and refugee resettlement, Bishop Eaton urges the church to speak out and stand with those impacted. The ELCA’s partnerships with affected communities and churches call us to advocacy, accompaniment, and action. Click here to read the full statement.

Obispa Hutterer: Edificar el Cuerpo de Cristo

Al prepararnos para reunirnos en la Asamblea del Sínodo del Gran Cañón de 2025, mi corazón está lleno de gratitud y esperanza. El tema de este año, “Edificar el Cuerpo,” nos recuerda que nuestros ministerios no son esfuerzos aislados, sino que están entretejidos en el diseño más grande de Dios para la iglesia y el mundo. Cada uno de ustedes aporta una voz, un don y una presencia únicos que fortalecen nuestra misión compartida como cuerpo de Cristo.

Bishop Hutterer: Building Up the Body of Christ

As we prepare to gather for the 2025 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly, my heart is full of gratitude and hope. This year’s theme, “Build Up the Body,” reminds us that our ministries are not isolated efforts but woven together in God’s greater design for the church and the world. Each of you brings a unique voice, gift, and presence that strengthens our shared mission as the body of Christ.

We gather in Las Vegas at Community Lutheran Church for our 37th synod assembly. Whether you are attending as a voting member, a ministry partner, or a visitor, you are part of a Spirit-led community that believes God is not done with the church.

Let us be bold and courageous in speaking for justice, compassionate in amplifying voices often unheard, and steadfast in proclaiming God’s grace through actions that heal and reconcile.

Vicar Wanda Frenchman Calls Us to Remember and Advocate This MMIWGR Day, May 5

May 5 is Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Relatives (MMIWGR) Day—a time of remembrance, advocacy, and action. Vicar Wanda Frenchman of Native American Urban Ministry in Phoenix shares her personal story and invites us to raise awareness through worship, education, and public witness. Join the ELCA-wide effort by wearing red, naming the missing, and attending a candlelight vigil via Zoom.

Click here to read Wanda’s full reflection on Boldcafe.org and learn how your congregation can participate.

Why We Wear Red: Honoring Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives

The red dress has become a sacred symbol of remembrance and justice for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR). In this moving reflection, Prairie Rose Seminole, an ELCA leader and MHA Nation member, calls us to grieve together, learn the truth, and live out our Lutheran faith through advocacy, solidarity, and action. As we approach the National Day of Awareness on May 5, we are invited to wear red—not only as a sign of mourning, but as a promise to seek justice for those taken. Click here to read the full article at Boldcafé.

Hope, Hosanna, and Heartbreak: ELCA Joins Solidarity Visit to Palestinian Lutherans

In a powerful joint statement following a Holy Week solidarity visit, ELCA and ELCIC leaders affirm unwavering support for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land. As the last hospital in Gaza was bombed on Palm Sunday and hope continues to dim for many Palestinians, the call for justice, accompaniment, and presence rings out louder than ever. “As long as the ELCJHL is here, we are all here.” Click here to read the full statement at ELCA.org.

Bishop Hutterer: Christ Is Risen—Now What?

This resurrection we celebrate as Easter people is not a retreat from the world, but an uprising of love within it. It is God’s way of saying that goodness is stronger than evil and that love is stronger than death. Every time we welcome the stranger, tend to the broken, or speak truth in love—we bear witness to resurrection.

Let us be bold and courageous in speaking for justice, compassionate in amplifying voices often unheard, and steadfast in proclaiming God’s grace through actions that heal and reconcile.

Who Is Christ for Us Today? Honoring Bonhoeffer’s Legacy of Courage and Faith

April 9 marks 80 years since the martyrdom of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the German Lutheran pastor and theologian executed for resisting the Nazi regime. Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania (LAMPa) has curated a powerful set of resources—including a congregational curriculum, prayer liturgy, podcast, and event recordings—to help us reflect on Bonhoeffer’s enduring question: Who is Christ for us today? Explore how Bonhoeffer’s life and theology continue to shape Lutheran faith, civic responsibility, and resistance to Christian nationalism.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardApril 9, 2025Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Church and SocietyComment

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