2025: A Year of Faithful Presence and Public Witness
Direct Advocacy
In 2025, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona (LAMA) lived into its calling to bring a faith-rooted voice into Arizona’s public square. Through sustained legislative engagement, voter education, and national advocacy, LAMA ensured that the voices of Lutheran communities — especially those most impacted by policy decisions — were present where laws are shaped.
Advocates met directly with Arizona legislators, offered public testimony on key bills, and participated in national advocacy efforts, including meetings with members of Congress in Washington, D.C.
“In every conversation with policymakers, we show up not as partisans, but as people of faith committed to the common good.”
Congregational Engagement
Throughout 2025, LAMA deepened its partnership with congregations across Arizona, supporting churches as they connected worship, service, and public witness.
Monthly LAMA Liaison Roundtables created consistent space for learning, relationship-building, and shared strategy. Congregational leaders received timely policy updates, theological grounding, and practical tools to engage members in advocacy rooted in Lutheran values. And monthly Grand Canyon Synod Hunger Leaders Network meetings educated, equipped and encouraged hunger leaders at congregations across the synod
Congregations also collaborated with local ministries addressing hunger, housing, and community care, reinforcing the connection between advocacy and direct service.
Visitor gallery at the Arizona State Capitol on Lutheran Day at the Legislature
“When congregations engage together, advocacy becomes not just an activity — but a shared ministry.”
2025 Congregational Engagement Metrics
12 monthly LAMA Liaison Roundtables hosted
12 monthly Grand Canyon Synod Hunger Leaders Network meetings hosted
Dozens of congregational leaders equipped through training, resources, and consultation
Statewide reach across urban, suburban, and rural congregations
Multiple partnerships with food banks, outreach programs, and community ministries
Programs & Events
LAMA’s programs and events in 2025 offered accessible entry points into advocacy, education, and community-building.
The year’s signature gathering, Lutheran Day at the Legislature, brought Lutherans together at the Arizona Capitol for advocacy training, legislative visits, and relationship-building. Participants toured the Capitol, learned how to use the state’s Request to Speak system, and met directly with elected officials.
Additional gatherings throughout the year — both in-person and virtual — supported ongoing learning around hunger advocacy, social justice concerns, and faithful civic engagement.
2025 Programs & Events Metrics
30+ meetings and direct touchpoints with Arizona legislators and policy staff
National advocacy presence at Bread for the World’s Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C.
National presence at ELCA World Hunger Leadership Gathering in Columbus, OH
Public testimony delivered at the Arizona Legislature on faith-informed policy priorities
1 statewide Lutheran Day at the Legislature
3 sign-on letters inviting faith leaders to sign a public statement for peace around the International Day of Peace, a declaration inviting people of faith to sign in response to threats to democratic norms, and opposing specific resolutions targeting a Muslim civil rights organization. Additionally, there was a sign-on opportunity focused on environmental petitions (Endangered Species Act and Clean Water Act)..
200+ advocates participating in advocacy trainings and Capitol engagement
274 known Request to Speak (RTS) accounts in the LAMA Network
1 campaign for Giving Tuesday in which more than $7,500 was raised to support advocacy ministry in Arizona
Year-round programming including roundtables, meetings, and virtual events
Hundreds of cumulative participation hours in advocacy education and action
Looking Ahead
As we give thanks for 2025, we celebrate the collective impact of faithful voices raised together. Each meeting, event, and conversation strengthened LAMA’s mission to accompany congregations and advocate for justice grounded in faith.
With gratitude for all who participated, supported, and prayed alongside this work, we look ahead with hope — confident that God continues to call us into public life marked by compassion, courage, and community.