A new resource from ELCA Advocacy and ELCA AMMPARO titled “You Shall Also Love the Stranger,” offers history, Bible study, reflection questions and action steps related to for-profit immigration detention. Join related webinar on Wednesday, June 24, from 1-1:30 p.m. EDT.

Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest’s advocacy newsletter highlights Arizona’s ongoing budget negotiations, urgent housing affordability concerns, the need to protect Medicaid/AHCCCS, and upcoming ballot propositions affecting food taxes, public safety, and transportation funding.

On Wednesday, May 6, 2026 LAMA joined faith leaders for a meeting with Senator Ruben Gallego regarding ICE and Immigration policies. Read LAMA’s remarks.

Inspired by a refugee family her own family hosted when she was just 11, Vicki Schmidt has dedicated decades to supporting those seeking safety. Watch her journey and discover how answering the call of welcome brings hope to refugees and immigrants, and meaning to those who choose to walk alongside them.

A federal judge temporarily blocked warrantless ICE enforcement actions at certain Lutheran, Baptist, and MCC churches, a win for religious freedom and sanctuary ministry work that aligns with the ELCA’s advocacy for immigrant dignity and safe faith-based spaces.

Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry and Minnesota ELCA synod bishops released a joint pastoral video condemning aggressive immigration activity and addressing the fear and uncertainty experienced by many communities. The bishops call the church to faithful lament, moral clarity, and continued witness rooted in human dignity.

Created in the Image of God affirms that every person bears God-given dignity that cannot be earned or lost. Rooted in Scripture and Lutheran social teaching, it equips individuals and congregations to respond with compassion, courage, and advocacy that honors our shared humanity.

This prayer asks God to bring peace, clarity, strength, and hope to the people of Venezuela, guiding leaders and supporting the vulnerable amid hardship. It also lifts up the Lutheran church there, praying for courage, reconciliation, and trust in God’s steadfast love.

Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest prepares for a challenging 2026, as state leaders warn of a tight Arizona budget and federal officials propose changes to the “public charge” test that could harm immigrant communities and caregivers. Strong advocacy will be essential to protect basic needs, human dignity, and access to vital supports.

The Interfaith Immigration Coalition (IIC) offers updates, actions to take and resources for standing with Immigrants. Hurry! Some deadlines end Wednesday, Nov. 19.

From guest blog by Raed AbuJries, Program Manager, AMMPARO US Network, Education and Communications: “As people of faith, we have to be honest: this isn’t just a political debate. It’s a spiritual one. The way we talk about and treat the marginalized is a gut-check for our faith.”

ELCA Witness in Society Senior Director, the Rev. Amy Reumann, joins other faith leaders in calling the new goal ‘biased’, indicating it abandons those at risk, and is in need of reversal. Read the statement.

Learn what’s going on with Refugee Resettlement, and how you can help, from our partners at Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest.

‘Here I Pod’ kicks off Season 3 with "Immigration, Sensitive Locations, and Faithful Actions," featuring special guests from ELCA Ammparo, The Border Church/La Iglesia Fronteriza and ELCA Advocacy.

New ELCA Action Alert! Ask Congress to defend investments in refugee resettlement while urging the administration to restart fair, unbiased refugee admissions. Take action today!

This Guest Commentary by Rev. Christine Stoxen appeared in Arizona Capitol Times on September 12, 2025. Rev. Stoxen serves of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Chandler. AZ.

This OpEd by Rev. Christine Stoxen appeared in The Chandler Arizonan on August 24, 2025. Rev. Stoxen serves of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Chandler. AZ.

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