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

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.

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.

Faith Leaders Gather for Prayerful Vigil at ICE Phoenix Office

The Arizona Faith Network invites faith leaders and community members to a nonviolent prayer vigil on Sunday, January 25 at 4:00 PM outside the ICE Phoenix Field Office (2035 N. Central Ave, Phoenix). This vigil calls faith communities to public witness and prayer in response to harms connected to ICE enforcement, standing in solidarity with those under threat of detention and separation.

Clergy from many traditions will offer prayers and reflection. Participants should bring a candle, water, and wear clergy or justice-themed attire. Nearby church parking is available. Register and share with others here: bit.ly/azfaithfulwitness.

Lutheran Bishops Stand with Greenland: “We Are People, Not Property”

In a joint statement released Jan. 16, 2026, national bishops from Lutheran churches in the United States, Canada, and Denmark voiced strong support for the Greenlandic people amid growing international pressure on Greenland’s future. The statement affirms Greenland’s right to self-determination, peace between nations, and respect for international law, echoing the words of Paneeraq Siegstad Munk: “We are people, not property. Greenland is not land to be bought.”

The bishops invite Lutherans to pray for Greenland and to contact elected leaders, urging them to respect the independence, dignity, and human rights of the Greenlandic people.

ELCA, Bishop CurryBrian FlatgardJanuary 20, 2026Church and Society, Bishop Curry Letters Comment

Faith Freedom Dispatch: Standing Against Christian Nationalism and for Religious Freedom for All

The January Faith Freedom Dispatch from the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty highlights faith-rooted advocacy resisting Christian nationalism and defending religious freedom for all. Inside: organizing against state-mandated prayer in Texas schools, a January 20 info session for the BJC Fellows Program, powerful clergy witness at an ICE field office in North Texas, the new Winter issue of Report from the Capital, and an invitation to a January 29 faith-rooted clergy organizing call.

This issue offers both theological grounding and practical ways to engage. Read the full newsletter to learn more, access resources, and explore how people of faith are standing together for pluralism, democracy, and human dignity.

Clergy Invited: Faith-Rooted Organizing to Confront Christian Nationalism

Clergy are invited to a timely online gathering, Confronting Christian Nationalism: Faith-Rooted Organizing for Clergy, on Thursday, January 29, from 10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. MT / 9:30–11:00 a.m. PT via Zoom. Hosted by BJC, this Clergy Quarterly Touchpoint offers space for connection, shared learning, and concrete action as faith leaders navigate growing pressure in their communities.

The gathering will include honest conversation, practical breakout sessions, and tools to help clergy move from concern to faithful practice. Open to clergy only. Registration required.

“God’s Beloved”: A Lutheran Call for Peace and Accountability in Venezuela

In response to U.S. military action in Venezuela, Bishop Yehiel Curry calls the church to prayer, solidarity, and faithful civic engagement rooted in baptismal identity. The statement lifts up concern for the Venezuelan people, the Venezuelan Lutheran church, and the more than 600,000 Venezuelans in the U.S. facing uncertainty over Temporary Protected Status.

Affirming Lutheran social teaching, the ELCA urges humanitarian pathways, congressional accountability over war powers, and resistance to economic or political exploitation. Read the full statement and prayer.

ELCABrian FlatgardJanuary 13, 2026Bishop Curry Letters, Church and SocietyComment

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