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.

“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

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.

Bishop Curry Calls for Justice After ICE Shooting in Minneapolis

Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry issued a statement mourning the Jan. 7, 2026, shooting death of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis, calling for a full investigation, accountability, and de-escalation of immigration enforcement. Rooted in Isaiah 1:17, the statement affirms the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s commitment to human dignity, just immigration policy, and prayerful solidarity with impacted communities.

The ELCA invites ongoing prayer, vigils, and advocacy, and lifts up resources from AMMPARO as the church continues its historic commitment to accompany migrants and refugees. Read the full statement.

ELCABrian FlatgardJanuary 13, 2026Bishop Curry Letters, Church and Society, Immigration and RefugeesComment

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

Invite Global Refuge’s Pastor-in-Residence: Schedule Rev. Eric Shafer for Winter–Spring 2026

Global Refuge’s volunteer Pastor in Residence, Rev. Eric C. Shafer, is booking Sunday visits to ELCA congregations in our synod to preach and lead an adult forum on Christian welcome. Available dates: Dec. 28, 2025; Jan. 4, 11, 18, 25; Feb. 1; and all Sundays in March 2026. Hosts provide travel expense support. To schedule, email ericcshafer@hotmail.com and learn more at globalrefuge.org.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardDecember 15, 2025Global Refuge, Immigration and RefugeesComment

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

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

Crossing Borders, Sharing Faith: Trinity Community Lutheran Welcomes All

In Point Roberts, Washington—a U.S. enclave accessible only through Canada—Trinity Community Lutheran Church embodies faith without borders. Founded in 1913 by Icelandic immigrants, the congregation now includes U.S. and Canadian members who gather for music, potlucks, and interfaith worship. Through Jazz Vespers, shared holidays, and rotating clergy, Trinity continues to live out the message that “all are welcome,” even amid changing politics and border challenges. Read more at Living Lutheran.

ELCABrian FlatgardNovember 12, 2025Living Lutheran, Immigration and RefugeesComment

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.

Join LSS-SW for a Refugee Services Webinar — November 14 at 11 a.m.

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.

Invite Global Refuge’s Pastor-in-Residence: Schedule Rev. Eric Shafer for Winter–Spring 2026

Global Refuge’s volunteer Pastor in Residence, Rev. Eric C. Shafer, is booking Sunday visits to ELCA congregations in our synod to preach and lead an adult forum on Christian welcome. Available dates: Dec. 28, 2025; Jan. 4, 11, 18, 25; Feb. 1; and all Sundays in March 2026. Hosts provide travel expense support. To schedule, email ericcshafer@hotmail.com and learn more at globalrefuge.org.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardOctober 29, 2025Global Refuge, Immigration and RefugeesComment

LSS-SW Calls Us to Stand with Refugees: Speak Up for SNAP Access Today

Federal shutdown delays have stalled this year’s refugee admissions, and SNAP food assistance has been halted for both refugees and all current recipients statewide. Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest continues serving resettled families and invites you to advocate with legislators for restored SNAP funding and refugee protection. The ELCA has provided an easy tool to contact Congress—learn more and take action.

“You Have a Light Inside You”: A Pastor’s Faith Transforms a Life

Fleeing abuse and seeking safety, Magali Sanchez-Hall found healing and purpose through Trinity Lutheran Church in Brooklyn and the guidance of Pastor Hector Carrasquillo. His steadfast support helped her rebuild her life, pursue education, and become a powerful advocate for justice. Today, her journey from survivor to community leader shines as a testimony to the light of faith and the church’s call to see every person as beloved and capable. Read the full story on Living Lutheran.

ELCABrian FlatgardOctober 14, 2025Living Lutheran, Immigration and RefugeesComment

Rooted in Community: A Young Leader Finds His Way Home

Born to Honduran parents in Waukegan, Illinois, Carlos Ferrera found strength and belonging through Sagrado Corazon Lutheran Church. After facing isolation abroad and hardship at home, Ferrera returned to his faith community—and to himself—through mentorship from Pastor Hector Carrasquillo. Now leading youth ministry, Ferrera brings joy and connection to young people, showing how faith can turn adversity into purpose.

👉 Read the full story on Living Lutheran.

ELCABrian FlatgardOctober 14, 2025Living Lutheran, Immigration and RefugeesComment

Speaking Out Against Inhumane Detention: A Pastoral Reflection

Rev. Christine Stoxen of Holy Trinity Lutheran in Chandler calls for humane immigration reform and oversight of Arizona’s ICE detention centers, where inhumane conditions continue to be documented. Rooted in Scripture and ELCA social teaching, she urges people of faith to advocate for justice, care for the imprisoned, and welcome the stranger in our midst. Click here to read more.

Grand Canyon Synod, Letters, NewsBrian FlatgardSeptember 18, 2025In the News, Fiesta Conference, Immigration and Refugees, Church and SocietyComment

Eucharist Across a Wall: Border Church’s Ministry of Presence

At the U.S.-Mexico border, the Border Church brings people together for worship on both sides of the wall. Rooted in prayer, accompaniment, and a ministry of presence, the congregation serves migrants and asylum-seekers while witnessing to Christ’s call for peace and justice. Despite barriers and fear, this community testifies to unity in Christ and hope for a world without walls. Click here to read the full story at Living Lutheran.

ELCA, News, Region 2Brian FlatgardSeptember 16, 2025Immigration and Refugees, Living LutheranComment

ELCA Condemns Supreme Court Ruling Allowing Racial Profiling

In response to the Supreme Court’s September 8 ruling permitting racial profiling in immigration enforcement, Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton calls the decision unjust and inhumane, rooted in the sin of racism. Speaking directly to the Latino community, she affirms their dignity as children of God and calls the church to advocacy, urging leaders to reverse discriminatory practices and protect constitutional safeguards. Resources from AMMPARO and ELCA social teaching are provided to help congregations stand with vulnerable neighbors. To read the full statement, click here.

ELCA, Bishop Eaton, Letters, NewsBrian FlatgardSeptember 11, 2025Immigration and Refugees, Bishop Eaton Letters, Church and SocietyComment

Latino Ministries Responds to Supreme Court Ruling on Immigrants’ Rights | Ministerios Latinos Responden al Fallo de la Corte Suprema sobre los Derechos de los Inmigrantes

La Asociación de Ministerios Latinos de la ELCA emitió un comunicado rechazando la reciente decisión de la Corte Suprema que permite a ICE detener inmigrantes en el sur de California sin sospecha razonable. La Asociación advierte que este fallo amenaza la dignidad y la justicia, invita a la oración y la solidaridad, y comparte recursos en inglés y español para las familias inmigrantes.

The Latino Ministries Association of the ELCA has issued a statement condemning the recent Supreme Court ruling that allows ICE to stop immigrants in Southern California without reasonable suspicion. Calling the decision a threat to dignity and justice, the Association urges prayer, solidarity, and provides resources in English and Spanish for immigrant families.

From Scripture to Borderlands: Our Call to Welcome the Stranger

Rev. Christine Stoxen of Holy Trinity, Chandler, writes that welcoming the stranger is not optional—it is a biblical mandate. Drawing on Isaiah and Micah, she reminds us that Jesus himself was a refugee, and that hospitality strengthens whole communities. Through ministries like AMMPARO and Global Refuge, the ELCA continues to advocate for migrants and asylum seekers. Faith calls us to justice, kindness, and humble service alongside the displaced and vulnerable in our midst. Click here to read her full op-ed.

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