Standing with the Tohono O’odham Nation: Protecting Sacred Lands and Religious Freedom
The Tohono O’odham Nation is challenging federal plans to construct a border wall across its sovereign lands in southern Arizona, raising urgent concerns about Tribal sovereignty, religious freedom, sacred sites, and environmental protection.
DUE TO THE URGENCY OF THIS THREAT, THE DEADLINE TO JOIN THIS LETTER IS THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22.
The Nation, whose ancestral homelands extend across the U.S.–Mexico border, has long cooperated with federal border security efforts while opposing a wall on its reservation. It has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to prevent the taking of Tribal land and water for construction.
The tribal leaders asked for support and prayer as the tribe fights the U.S. government attempts to build a border wall across their lands. The construction will destroy the desert environment including sacred saguaro cacti, which are considered relatives by the Tohono O’odham.
A new October 14, 2026, interfaith sign-on letter expresses solidarity with the Nation, emphasizing that Indigenous sacred places, ceremonial plants, and water sources deserve the same respect and protection afforded to places of worship in other faith traditions.
The letter calls for a suspension of new construction and land clearing until sacred sites are protected, respect for Tribal law enforcement and sovereignty, recognition of faith communities as affected parties, and restoration of damaged lands, water sources, and sacred plants.
For Lutherans, this issue invites reflection on our commitments to religious freedom, care for creation, justice, and the dignity of Indigenous peoples. It also reminds us that meaningful solidarity begins by listening to Tribal communities and respecting their right to speak for themselves.
Learn more and consider the call to solidarity:
Read the Tohono O’odham Nation's official “No Wall” statement and resources.
Read the accompanying October 14 interfaith sign-on letter, In Solidarity with the Tohono O’odham Nation, to understand its specific requests to federal officials.
As people of faith, we are called to listen carefully when our neighbors tell us that the places they hold sacred are threatened — and to consider how religious freedom, justice, and care for creation shape our shared responsibility.