Bishop Eaton: Casting Ballots as People of Faith

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.

ELCA, Letters, News, Bishop EatonBrian FlatgardOctober 18, 2024Bishop Eaton Letters, Church and Society, Elections and Voting RightsComment

Church Leadership Institute provides podcasts on political polarization

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:

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:

Help Ensure Every Vote Counts: Become a Poll Monitor with Election Protection Arizona

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.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardOctober 16, 2024Elections and Voting Rights, Arizona Faith Network, Church and SocietyComment

Explore Lutheran Values in Election Year: Final discussion on 10/22/2024

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.

Preorder the book "How to End Christian Nationalism" for 10/22 release date

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.

ELCA Election Activator Network meeting is Tuesday, 10/22/2024

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.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardOctober 14, 2024ELCA Advocacy, Advocacy, Elections and Voting Rights, Church and SocietyComment

Defending Democracy: The Forgotten Luther IV Conference

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.

Bishop Eaton, ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardOctober 14, 2024Christian Nationalism, Elections and Voting Rights, Church and SocietyComment

Early Voting Starts in Nevada on 10/19/2024

Early voting for the 2024 General Election is here! Arizona voters can start as early as October 9, with early voting starting in Nevada on 10/19/2024 and Utah on 10/22/2024. Early voting ends on 11/1/2024 for all three states.

Find out key early voting dates and be sure to make your voice heard before Election Day!

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardOctober 14, 2024Elections and Voting Rights, Church and SocietyComment

Bishop Hutterer: Faithfully Engaged in the Election Process

As early voting begins in Arizona, and with early voting also beginning soon in Utah and Nevada, I want to reflect on the sacred responsibility we hold as citizens and people of faith. Our participation in the democratic process is not only a privilege but a duty—one that reflects our commitment to justice, peace, and the flourishing of all people.

Plan Ahead: Early Voting Starts Soon Across Arizona, Nevada, and Utah

Early voting for the 2024 General Election begins soon! Arizona voters can start as early as October 9, with early voting starting in Nevada on 10/19/2024 and Utah on 10/22/2024. Early voting ends on 11/1/2024 for all three states.

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!

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardOctober 9, 2024Elections and Voting Rights, Church and SocietyComment

10/14/2024: Prayer Vigil for Peace During the 2024 Election Season in Tucson

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 remaining vigils will be held on October 14th at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Tucson, and 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.

How Christian Leaders Overcame Division: Complimentary Screening of "Leap of Faith"

View a free screening of the powerful documentary Leap of Faith this Friday, October 4th, at 7:00 pm at Harkins Theatres Shea 14 in Scottsdale. The film, which explores Christian leaders coming together across divides, will be followed by a Q&A with Father Perry Pauley. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Reserve your spot now!

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardOctober 3, 2024Church and Society, Ecumenical and Inter-Religious RelationsComment

ELCA Conference of Bishops Emphasizes the Need to Speak the Truth

We, the members of the Conference of Bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, speak with one voice to condemn the hateful, deceptive, violent speech that has too readily found a place in our national discourse. We lament the ways this language has led to hate-fueled action.

We refuse to accept the ongoing normalization of lies and deceit.

Bishop Hutterer, ELCA, Letters, NewsBrian FlatgardOctober 2, 2024Church and Society, Conference of BishopsComment

Bishop Eaton statement on Haitian community in Ohio

The recent national spotlight on Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, clearly has fanned flames of hate and stoked threats of violence. The rhetoric has created discord and mistrust of people who have already suffered civil unrest in their nation and been granted legal protection in the United States. History shows us that this kind of hatred often carries negative national and global consequences. Our church teaches that immigrants are children of God, made in God's image and worthy of respect and lives of dignity. God calls us to witness boldly to this truth when people tell dehumanizing lies that perpetuate racist tropes and support white supremacist narratives.

Bishop Eaton, ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardOctober 2, 2024Bishop Eaton Letters, Church and SocietyComment

Bishop Eaton: Praying for Peace Amid Ongoing War in the Middle East

In observance of the one-year anniversary of the start of the current conflict in the Holy Land, Bishop Eaton offers prayers for peace, healing and justice for all people in Israel and Palestine, and the regions where the war has escalated. “We grieve this violence and loss of life with all people of the Holy Land — and with the Palestinian community of the ELCA, our Jewish and Muslim neighbors, and all who live in fear, pain and anguish. We believe the presence and love of God in Jesus Christ can always be found in the places of the cross. Wherever violence, injustice and death seem to have the last word, God is there and has not abandoned the people.”

Bishop Eaton, ELCA, Letters, NewsBrian FlatgardOctober 2, 2024Bishop Eaton Letters, Israel and Palestine, Church and SocietyComment

Bishop Eaton: Civic engagement and loving-kindness

In anticipation of Election Day in the United States, Bishop Eaton reminds us that “civic engagement through political and nonpolitical processes is how we live into our baptism and share Christ’s love as we work to make a difference in our communities and strive for justice and peace across the globe.”

Bishop Eaton, ELCA, Letters, NewsBrian FlatgardOctober 1, 2024Church and Society, Elections and Voting Rights, Bishop Eaton LettersComment

Poll Monitors Needed for General Election

Join Arizona Faith Network and the Election Protection Arizona as a nonpartisan, volunteer poll monitor for the 2024 General Election! Sign up to be an EPAZ volunteer at allvoting.org/afn2024. Zoom-based training dates are on the form.

As a nonpartisan volunteer poll monitor, you will assist voters on Election Day should they encounter any problems voting.

Plan Ahead: Early Voting Starts Soon Across Arizona, Nevada, and Utah

Early voting for the 2024 General Election begins soon! Arizona voters can start as early as October 9, with early voting starting in Nevada on 10/19/2024 and Utah on 10/22/2024. Early voting ends on 11/1/2024 for all three states.

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!

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardOctober 1, 2024Elections and Voting Rights, Church and SocietyComment

Voter registration deadlines include 10/8/2024 for Nevada, and 10/25/2024 for Utah

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

Nevada registration deadlines are postmarked by 10/8/2024 by mail, and Election Day, 11/5/2024 for online and in-person.
Utah registration deadlines are 10/25/2024 by mail and online, and Election Day, 11/5/2024 for in-person.
The Navajo Nation spans multiple states, so voter registration follows the respective state guidelines (Arizona, New Mexico, or Utah). Contact the Navajo Election Administration for localized information.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardOctober 1, 2024Church and Society, Elections and Voting RightsComment

Monday, October 7, 2024 is your deadline to register to vote in Arizona

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona reminds us that October 7, 2024 is the BIG CUTOFF DATE for registering to vote in Arizona general election. Check your registration status, check your friends and loved ones’ status, check, check, check!

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