LAMA News 06/09/26

Update • June 9, 2026

Thank you for reading Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA)’s newsletter, featuring excerpts and highlights from our website at LAMAz.org. LAMA is an advocacy ministry of the Grand Canyon Synod of the ELCA.

This week’s Action Alert: Have you moved, married, contracted with a new wireless provider…? Double check your voter status. Order a primary ballot.

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ACTION ALERTS

Action Alert: Check Your Voter Registration Status & Request A Ballot!

Arizona’s primary election is on July 21st. Voter registration deadline for the primary is June 22nd. Independents: Have you requested a ballot?

EVENTS

ANTI-HUNGER & FOOD SYSTEMS ADVOCACY CALL

Friday, June 12 @ 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Connect with hunger advocates in Arizona and get legislative updates through monthly advocacy calls. Facilitated by Arizona Food Systems Network and Arizona Food Bank Network.

LAMA LIAISON ROUNDTABLE

Monday, June 15 @ 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

The LAMA Liaison Roundtable meets the third Monday of the month at 6:30p via Zoom. These conversations offer an opportunity to discuss a wide range of topics about congregational engagement in advocacy.

ENGAGING AS PEOPLE OF FAITH AMID RISE IN FOR-PROFIT IMMIGRATION DETENTION

Wednesday, June 24 @ 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM

For-profit immigration detention is rapidly expanding across the U.S. Hear from ELCA AMMPARO, Theological Discernment, and Witness in Society staff about the history of immigration detention and the theology and biblical witness that can inform churches’ response, as well as ways to engage.

GRAND CANYON SYNOD HUNGER LEADERS NETWORK

Tuesday, June 30 @ 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Hunger leaders from offices & congregations all over the synod gather together to discuss each other’s projects, collaborate, and lend each other support. We hear from synod and churchwide offices working on hunger solutions and find out what we can do to help. All are invited to join!

POLL CHAPLAIN/PEACEKEEPER TRAINING

Monday, July 13 @ 4:00 PM - 5:15 PM

These multi-faith, multi-racial, intergenerational poll chaplains (ordained and lay leaders) and peacekeepers will help provide a calming and moral presence to vulnerable voters, such as the elderly, disabled, youth, and other disenfranchised citizens.

NEWS FROM OUR BLOG

Help Wanted: Be a Peacekeeper at the Polls

Faith leaders and congregations are invited to join Arizona Faith Network in the 2026 Election Protection effort, a nonpartisan movement to help ensure that every eligible voter can cast their ballot

Faith Leaders Defend the Freedom to Vote: National Sign on Letter

Arizona faith leaders are invited to sign a national letter defending fair, safe and accessible voting as a public witness for dignity, justice and democracy. From Faith In Us.

Faithful Citizenship Begins with Being Informed

Arizona’s official 2026 Voter Education Guide is now available, offering nonpartisan information to help voters prepare for the July 21 Primary Election with confidence and care for the common good.

Publicly, Boldly and Honestly: Why Lutherans Show Up

In the Summer 2026 Living Lutheran article “Publicly, boldly and honestly: The long arc of Lutheran activism,” Brenda Martin explores how Lutherans have long connected faith and public witness, while

ELCA Action Alert: Oppose Immigration Enforcement Funding Without Reforms

ELCA Action Alert from June 5 is top priority! Senate passed Reconciliation package, bill is up for a vote in the House this week. Read Bishop Hutterer’s letter to Rep. Ciscomani. Take action today!

ELCA Action Alert: Take Action as Senate Considers Farm Bill Next

ELCA Action Alert from May 27. Lutherans are urged to contact their senators as the Senate considers the Farm Bill, calling for a bipartisan bill that protects SNAP, supports hungry families and

Join Bread for the World for a Day of Action on June 10

On June 10, people of faith across the country will raise our collective voice as part of Bread for the World’s Day of Action with one key message for lawmakers: we believe it’s possible to end hunger

This Week at LAMA HQ

Here’s what Solveig and the LAMA team are up to 06/07 - 06/13:

LAMA Policy Council monthly call
Faith in Us (Election Protection) webinar
GCS Synod Assembly prep and workshop planning
Grand Canyon Synod Assembly
LAMA newsletter, correspondence, website & social media

Support LAMA

Explore the many ways you can support the ministry of advocacy with your financial gifts. We are grateful for your congregational, or individual contribution.

DONATE

We’d love to hear from you!

Thank you for being partners in advocacy ministry in Arizona. We’re glad you’re here! Please contact LAMA if we can help you or your church, including:

Speak to your congregation or meet with your social justice team
Connect you with advocacy volunteer opportunities
Advocate on behalf of community programs you care about
Help you set up a AZ Legislature Right to Speak (RTS) account

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