Global Refuge Pastor-in-Residence Eric Shafer to Speak in Carefree

Join the Rev. Eric C. Shafer, pastor-in-residence at Global Refuge, for a free forum on refugee resettlement and Lutheran accompaniment from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, October 3, followed by a reception at Christ the Lord Lutheran Church in Carefree. RSVP by Friday, October 2, to admin@ctlcarefree.org.

Pastor Shafer will also preach at the congregation’s 9 a.m. worship service Sunday, October 4. Learn how congregations can put faith and welcome into action alongside refugees, immigrants and asylum seekers.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardSeptember 3, 2026Christ the Lord Carefree, Global Refuge, Immigration and RefugeesComment

Five Years After the Afghan Evacuation, a Step Toward Keeping Families Together

Nearly five years after more than 17,000 Afghans were evacuated to the United States through Operation Allies Welcome, a federal court has ruled that the federal government cannot use travel-ban restrictions to prevent the spouses and children of Afghan asylees from joining their families in the United States.

Global Refuge—which has accompanied Afghan neighbors since the 2021 evacuation—welcomed the July 30 ruling while emphasizing that many families remain separated. The organization is calling for swift implementation of the ruling and broader protections for at-risk Afghans who have already been vetted and approved for lawful entry. Read Global Refuge’s full statement.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardAugust 28, 2026Global Refuge, Immigration and RefugeesComment

Global Refuge: The Refugee Convention Still Matters

As the 1951 Refugee Convention marks its 75th anniversary, Global Refuge reflects on the United States’ historic role in protecting people forced to flee—and warns that recent policy changes are weakening those commitments amid record global displacement.

For Lutherans, the anniversary invites both reflection and action rooted in our call to welcome the stranger and accompany our neighbors. Global Refuge outlines the history, the challenges facing refugee protection today, and ways advocates can urge Congress to recommit to a strong U.S. refugee resettlement system. Read the full reflection and take action.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardAugust 28, 2026Global Refuge, Immigration and RefugeesComment

World Refugee Day: Walking Alongside Our Neighbors in Hope

As the world observes World Refugee Day on June 20, Lutheran Disaster Response invites Lutherans to renew their commitment to refugees and migrants through learning, advocacy, and generosity. With global displacement at record levels, this reflection highlights our shared calling to accompany neighbors seeking safety, dignity, and hope.

Grounded in faith and solidarity, the article offers practical ways to respond through ELCA resources, advocacy opportunities, and support for Lutheran Disaster Response ministries serving displaced communities around the world. Read the full reflection from Lutheran Disaster Response.

ELCABrian FlatgardJune 19, 2026Immigration and Refugees, Lutheran Disaster ResponseComment

ELCA Resource Invites Public Witness on Immigration Detention

ELCA Advocacy and ELCA AMMPARO have released a new resource, “You Shall Also Love the Stranger,” offering history, Bible study, reflection questions and action steps related to for-profit immigration detention. A related webinar will be held Wednesday, June 24, from 1-1:30 p.m. Eastern, with optional Q&A. Read more and find the resource.

ELCABrian FlatgardMay 23, 2026Immigration and Refugees, Church and Society, Advocacy, ELCA AdvocacyComment

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 FlatgardMay 6, 2026Immigration and Refugees, Church and SocietyComment

Continue the Conversation: Refugee Webinar Part Two with Valentina Restrepo-Montoya

Join Part Two of our refugee webinar on Thursday, April 30 at 10:30 a.m., featuring Valentina Restrepo-Montoya, CEO of Arizona Legal Women and Youth Services. This follow-up session will offer practical insights into immigration and legal challenges impacting refugees and immigrant communities.

ELCA Action Alert: Protect Employment Authorization for Those Seeking Asylum

LAMA is highlighting an ELCA Action Alert urging action by April 24 against a proposed federal rule that would severely restrict work permits for people seeking asylum. The ELCA is calling on Lutherans to submit a public comment and contact members of Congress in support of protecting asylum seekers’ ability to work and meet their needs safely in our communities. Read the full post for background, theological grounding, and links to take action.

The Call of Welcome: Supporters Standing with Immigrants and Refugees

Inspired by a refugee family her own family hosted when she was just 11, Vicki Schmidt has dedicated decades to supporting those seeking safety. Watch her journey and discover how answering the call of welcome brings hope to refugees and immigrants, and meaning to those who choose to walk alongside them. Learn more in this video from Global Refuge.

Global Church, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardApril 14, 2026Global Refuge, Immigration and RefugeesComment

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.

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.

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.

ELCA AMMPARO: The Heart of Accompaniment: Casa Tochan

As part of the AMMPARO global migration strategy, the Iglesia Luterana Mexicana (ILM) provides a critical lifeline to those forced to flee their homes. This video highlights the ministry’s essential work in Mexico City's largest shelter, Casa Tochan, and showcases the amazing resilience of migrants seeking safety, dignity, and a better future. Download at bit.ly/4kWQ7RQ or view on YouTube.

ELCABrian FlatgardMarch 6, 2026AMMPARO, Immigration and Refugees, Mexican Lutheran ChurchComment

What is an AMMPARO Welcoming Congregation?

In this video, leaders from across the AMMPARO network share their experiences moving into ministry with migrants toward building deep, life-changing relationships with refugees, asylum seekers, and undocumented neighbors. Through stories of uncertainty into transformation, we see how congregations are being re-energized by seeing the face of Christ in everyone they accompany. Download at bit.ly/4rwuCcV and view on YouTube.

ELCABrian FlatgardMarch 6, 2026AMMPARO, Immigration and RefugeesComment

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

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

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