Church & Society

Join Lutherans and friends across Arizona for Lutheran Advocacy Day on February 10, 2025, at Wesley Bolin Plaza in Phoenix. From 8:30 am to 1:00 pm, engage in our call to justice as we meet legislators, pray for those who serve, and connect with Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Arizona leaders. Register today to be part of this impactful day of faith and advocacy.

In the polarized climate of the 2024 Presidential Election, University Lutheran’s Paul Westermann shares his experiences as a poll worker in Maricopa County, where voters and poll workers alike upheld a neutral, civil atmosphere. Amid concerns about ballot security, Paul and his colleagues reassured voters, providing resources and ensuring every voice was heard. His story underscores the Lutheran commitment to serving our neighbors and the importance of civic duty in safeguarding democracy. Read more to learn how Paul’s work exemplifies faith in action at the polls in the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona blog post.

Equip your congregation to navigate the post-election season with Faith+Lead’s free 2024 Election Toolkit. Filled with resources for fostering empathy, addressing complex issues, and promoting Gospel values over partisanship, this toolkit offers practical guidance for preaching, teaching, and living out justice and faith. Access these tools to help diffuse tension and encourage understanding as we walk together through challenging times. Learn more

As election results come in, Arizona Faith Network remains steadfast in our mission to bring people of faith together for the common good. Our commitment to building bridges and breaking down barriers endures beyond any single election outcome. We recognize that this moment may stir many emotions within our communities. Yet, our purpose remains clear: to unite, bringing people of faith together to organize and act in the pursuit of justice. Together, we will continue to face challenges with resilience and hope, strengthening our shared commitment to a more just and compassionate world. Read more in the latest Arizona Faith Network's newsletter.

Blessed Tomorrow reflects on this past election season, giving thanks for the faith and climate communities who worked tirelessly to promote climate-conscious voting. Now, as we pause to recharge, we also look ahead to 2025 with actionable steps for creation care. Join Blessed Tomorrow in leading the way toward climate justice, and read more in their post here.

The day after the 2024 presidential election, Bishop Eaton reflects on the many expressions of our church being woven together as strands of a large tapestry, even as individually people are experiencing joy or grief. She reminds us that regardless of who is elected president or to other leadership positions in our country, our call to be Christ in the world doesn’t change. View on YouTube or in this post, or download here.

“As we're moving through these next years, no matter what happens and what befalls … imagine all of us woven together and in Christ, and we will continue to serve the gospel and to serve the world.”

As I reflect on the election results in our nation and in our swing-states synod, I recognize that emotions across our communities are varied and deeply felt. For some, there is joy and hope; for others, uncertainty and worry. In this moment, we turn our gaze once again toward Jesus, our unchanging source of comfort and strength in uncertain times.

For those who are filled with joy today, I ask for your prayers, support, and compassion toward those who may feel fearful or lost. For those who are anxious, may you know the comfort of a God who holds you close. Jesus sustains us all, inviting us into a spirit of action and healing, no matter the season or the outcome.

In a time of deep political tension, the ELCA calls on its congregations to be peacemakers. Anxiety around potential violence is high, yet our faith community has a unique role to play. Reflecting on the call to witness peace, truth, and reconciliation, the ELCA provides guidance to equip Lutherans to respond with love, serve as peacemakers, and support civil servants through prayer and action. Learn how we can embody Christ’s peace and advocate for a more just and respectful society in this post from ELCA Advocacy.

Feeling the stress of election week? Reconnect with God’s peace through Faith+Lead’s free course, God and Mental Health Challenges, available now. This self-paced course offers a faith-based approach to mental health, practical tips on supporting others, and ways to integrate God’s presence amid life’s stresses. Read a letter introducing the course from Dr. Alicia Granholm, Faith+Lead Senior Director.

In the spirit of unity and peace, join us in two interfaith gatherings to pray for a just election. The Arizona Faith Network invites everyone to a Statewide Prayer Vigil on Monday, November 4, and an Interfaith Meditation on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5. These events offer a chance for collective reflection, peacekeeping, and prayer as we exercise our democratic rights. View info on these gatherings and more at Arizona Faith Network’s weekly newsletter.

As we approach Election Day, the ELCA offers resources for thoughtful, faith-based civic engagement, such as nonpartisan guides on immigration, tools for peacebuilding, and worship resources. Our Lutheran commitment to justice and compassion remains steadfast. Join us in taking part through ELCA.org/votes and help support a positive, respectful dialogue in our communities. Read the latest Election Engagement Updates from ELCA Advocacy here.

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona drops another voter engagement video. Filmed on location at the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering, people of faith share their thoughts on the question, “What are your hopes post-election?” Find the whole series of videos here.

Election day is just around the corner! Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA) offers essential resources for informed voting, including a voter guide, tips for choosing judges, and ballot tracking. With these tools, make sure your vote counts and aligns with your values.

On November 4th at 6:30 pm MST, join Arizona’s diverse faith communities in an Interfaith Prayer Vigil for a Safe and Secure Election. This online gathering, organized by the Arizona Faith Network, will include blessings, prayers for peace, and reflections on civic engagement, uniting us in prayer for a peaceful election. Spanish and ASL interpretation provided. Register here.

This election season, 37 Lutheran congregations across Arizona, including 24 ELCA churches, have stepped up to serve as voting centers. From Chandler to Prescott, these congregations provide accessible voting locations, embodying the Lutheran tradition of community service and civic engagement. Read the full article from Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona.

How does secularization shape democracy and civil liberties in America? Join the 20th Annual Shurden Lectures with Dr. John Compton on November 13-14, either online or at Mercer University, as he explores the impact of diminished religious authority on democratic values and political extremism. Three thought-provoking lectures over two days provide a deep dive into these pressing questions. Register now to watch live or attend in person.

Join ecumenical prayer vigils across Arizona as Christian leaders from various denominations unite to pray for peace and unity during the 2024 election season. The last vigil will be held on November 4th at Sun City Christian Church. All are welcome to come together in faith to seek God’s guidance and peace for our nation. View a PDF flyer here.

Early voting for the 2024 General Election is here! Early voting ends on 11/1/2024 for all three states on our synod.

We also encourage you to look into the pros and cons of early voting in this post from LAMA.

Find out key early voting dates, locations, and how to sign up for mail ballots in our latest blog post, and be sure to make your voice heard before Election Day!

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA) has released a new video series featuring people of faith reflecting on the upcoming election. These short clips, filmed at the ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans, explore the connections between faith and voting. Key voices include Bishop Elizabeth Eaton and youth leaders like Taina Diaz-Reyes. Watch and share these videos on LAMA’s Facebook and YouTube channels to spark conversations in your congregation about the importance of voting as an act of faith and service.

Early voting for the 2024 General Election is here! Early voting ends on 11/1/2024 for all three states on our synod.

We also encourage you to look into the pros and cons of early voting in this post from LAMA.

Find out key early voting dates, locations, and how to sign up for mail ballots in our latest blog post, and be sure to make your voice heard before Election Day!

Join ecumenical prayer vigils across Arizona as Christian leaders from various denominations unite to pray for peace and unity during the 2024 election season. The last vigil will be held on November 4th at Sun City Christian Church. All are welcome to come together in faith to seek God’s guidance and peace for our nation. View a PDF flyer here.

Stand Against Christian Nationalism: Register for the Forgotten Luther IV Conference on October 25-26, 2024, in Silver Spring, MD. This event will feature key Lutheran leaders and thinkers addressing the threats to democracy. Register now at www.fliv.us. View a PDF ad and poster as well.

You can check your voter registration status and find more information on Utah’s election website. Vote411.org also has clear information for Utah.

Utah registration deadlines are 10/25/2024 by mail and online, and Election Day, 11/5/2024 for in-person.

During this election season and as we prepare to vote as part of our civic responsibility and commitment to the Gospel, Bishop Eaton reminds us, "We are not defined by our political affiliations but by our shared baptism and our commitment to the Gospel. As people of faith, we are called to engage in our communities and work for justice and to advocate for the dignity and well-being of all people. One way we do this is by voting, ensuring that our voices are heard, as we shape our society together." To read more, visit https://www.ELCA.org/CivicEngagement.

In the latest Crucible newsletter from the Church Leadership Institute, you can find a collection of episodes from their Spiritual Life and Leadership podcast that dig deep into the challenges of faith and politics:

• Political Power and American Evangelicalism, with Tim Alberta  

• Tackling Toxic Polarization in Your Church, with Allen Hilton and Andrew Hanauer  

• Leading Your Church Through Political Division, with Allen Hilton

• Grace-Filled Politics, with Aaron Schafer

• How Your Church Can Respond to Immigration, with Karen Gonzalez

If you’re looking for some quicker insights, they also have shorter episodes from our “Quick Conversations for the Long Haul of Leadership” series with Tod Bolsinger:

• Biblical Frameworks for a Polarized World

• Exercising Power with Integrity

• Harnessing Conflict for Positive Change

Answer the call to support free and fair elections in Arizona! Election Protection Arizona is seeking nonpartisan poll monitors to assist voters during the 2024 General Election. Help ensure every vote counts by guiding voters through potential challenges on Election Day. Sign up for training at allvoting.org/afn2024, and be part of this crucial effort.

Join the ELCA’s online workshop series through October to delve into how our faith informs our actions and voting on critical social issues. The final discussion is October 22: Freed in Christ: Race, Ethnicity, and Culture with Dr. Richard Perry, emeritus faculty at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago.. View a PDF flyer and register now to engage deeply with our social teachings and lead community discussions.

How to End Christian Nationalism is the essential guidebook for Christians alarmed by the rising tide of Christian nationalism yet unsure how to counter it. Five years into leading the Christians Against Christian Nationalism campaign, Amanda Tyler unpacks key truths we can share with others: Patriotism is not the same as nationalism. Religious freedom means little if it's not for everyone. Christians follow a gospel of love, not the idol of power. Learn more and order the book here.

Join the #ELCAElectionActivator network to support and equip ELCA members for nonpartisan participation in the electoral process through monthly virtual gatherings and regular updates. Participate in activities that foster civic engagement. Sign up now to join the next meeting on 10/22/2024 and contribute to a just and peaceful society. Sign up here.

Stand Against Christian Nationalism: Register for the Forgotten Luther IV Conference on October 25-26, 2024, in Silver Spring, MD. This event will feature key Lutheran leaders and thinkers addressing the threats to democracy. Register now at www.fliv.us. View a PDF ad and poster as well.