This OpEd by Rev. Christine Stoxen appeared in The Chandler Arizonan on October 11, 2026. Rev. Stoxen serves of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Chandler. AZ.

Arizona faith leaders are calling people of every tradition to vote thoughtfully, uphold truth, protect voters and election workers, reject political violence, and remain committed to peace across our differences.

Join LAMA and community partners in Chandler on October 15 for a free, nonpartisan, interfaith celebration featuring FREE brunch, ballot education, and Election Protection Peacekeeper training.

April 20-22, 2026 in Washington, D.C. Diverse faith traditions gather to inspire and strengthen their call to Congress to commit to Protecting People, Peace, and Planet! Includes worship, workshops, and a lobby day. Scholarships available.

In a joint statement, the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) General Secretary Rev. Dr Anne Burghardt joins the leaders of the Anglican Communion, the World Methodist Council and the World Communion of Reformed Churches in appealing for peace and reaffirming a commitment to multilateralism, dialogue and diplomacy.

The Prophetic Witness Campaign is an Arizona-based, faith-rooted initiative organized by the Arizona Faith Network and Corazón AZ to protect human dignity, advocating for social change through a religious lens. It calls on clergy and faith leaders to respond to societal issues. 

The Democracy at Risk: A Response from the Faith Community Declaration is a call to action from people of faith who reject authoritarianism, nationalism, and the misuse of religion for power. Reclaiming the Heritage is a call to act, grounded in scripture, history, and hope.

From Arizona Faith Network comes this request to sign a letter to the members of the Arizona House of Representatives and Senate in support of Muslim communities in Arizona.

The Rev. Yehiel Curry, presiding bishop of the ELCA, issues statement on terror attack on Jewish community in Australia. Read it here.

Living Lutheran article by Khader Khalilia, program director for ELCA Arab and Middle Eastern Ministries. The ELCA Ministries of Diverse Cultures and Communities (MDCC) team is sharing Khalilia’s remarks in hope of highlighting ministry concerns and engaging the wider ELCA in what continues to be a critical conversation.

New ELCA Action Alert! This week, Israel expanded their military campaign in Gaza to begin their full-scale invasion of Gaza City. The implications of any version of a military invasion of Gaza City are devastating. Take action today!

ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton has sent a letter to President Donald Trump and members of Congress expressing support for Jewish-American and Israeli communities affected by the Oct. 7 attacks, while voicing profound horror over the ongoing catastrophe in Gaza.

"Fear Is Not a Strategy for Safety" is a statement signed by 10 D.C.-area faith leaders including Bishop Leila M. Ortiz of the Metro D.C. Synod, ELCA calling for honesty and collaboration among our civic leaders so that safety, justice, and compassion prevail in Washington, D.C.

See images from the AMMPARO Candlelight Prayer Vigil on Wednesday, July 30 at Peace Park as part of the ELCA Churchwide Assembly in Phoenix.

Presiding Bishop Eaton has released a statement on H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Read the full statement here.

Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton has issued a statement on behalf of the ELCA expressing deep sorrow over the fatal shooting of two Israeli Embassy staff in Washington, D.C.—an act rooted in the deadly rise of anti-Semitism.

Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton shares a pastoral letter marking the historic election of Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born and first Augustinian pope. Read the full pastoral letter.

United across different backgrounds we are compelled by faith to have compassion, to protect the vulnerable and to welcome families seeking refuge. Together, we can create a world where love prevails over fear. 3:24 mins.