Church & Society

The ELCA has released a comprehensive set of worship resources for the upcoming national elections, including scripture readings, prayers, and assembly song suggestions. These materials are designed to support congregations during prayer vigils, weekly worship, or personal devotions. Download the free resource to help guide your community through this important time.

As this post from ELCA Advocacy reminds us, our civic engagement as people of faith can help ensure that everyone benefits from the good of government. Some congregations use bulletin blurbs, some post a “Prepared to Vote Checklist” in the window from ELCA.org/civicengagementresources, some help neighbors check their voter registration status during church activities or at shelters they work with – among many creative approaches that fit their setting. Resources and ideas for this important non-partisan service by faith communities an election year are reprinted here by permission from the “Faith in Elections Playbook” of Interfaith America.

Join ecumenical prayer vigils across Arizona as Christian leaders from various denominations unite to pray for peace and unity during the 2024 election season. The vigils will be held on September 9th at Our Lady of the Angels Conventual Church in Paradise Valley, October 14th at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Tucson, and November 3rd at Sun City Christian Church. All are welcome to come together in faith to seek God’s guidance and peace for our nation.

With the 2024 presidential election fast approaching, we share a post from the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona as well as the Episcopal Church's Vote Faithfully Toolkit to help congregations engage in faithful civic participation. This toolkit offers resources for healthy election engagement, including crucial dates, action steps, and communication materials.

As we face the 2024 elections, threats to religious freedom are more prevalent than ever. In the latest Christians Against Christian Nationalism newsletter, their Report from the Capital sheds light on the misuse of the Bible in politics and the dangers of Christian nationalism. Learn how you can prepare to vote, protect your freedoms, and engage in efforts to safeguard religious liberty.

Join Rev. Jim Wallis for an insightful discussion on “Democracy, Faith, and Peace-Building in 2024.” Reflecting on his latest book, Wallis will address the challenges of Christian nationalism and the importance of reclaiming a faith that supports democracy. Co-sponsored by local faith organizations, this event is a must-attend for those passionate about the intersection of faith and politics.

• Tucson: Wednesday, September 11, at 6:00 pm MST. Southside Presbyterian Church, located at 317 W. 23rd Street, Tucson, AZ 85713. Register here.

• Phoenix: Thursday, September 12, at 7pm MST. Trinity Cathedral, 110 W Roosevelt St., Phoenix AZ 85003. Register here.

Many ELCA synods, congregations and ELCA-affiliated state public policy offices are involved in advancing the important aim of addressing polarization in our communities. In a blog post from ELCA Advocacy, these ideas from the “Faith in Elections Playbook” of Interfaith America are reprinted by permission to resource additional ways we can individually and collectively reduce polarization and care for our communities.

Join the #ELCAElectionActivator network to support and equip ELCA members for nonpartisan participation in the electoral process through monthly virtual gatherings and regular updates. Participate in activities that foster civic engagement. Sign up now to join the next meeting on July 23, 2024 and contribute to a just and peaceful society. Sign up here.

Stand Against Christian Nationalism: Register for the Forgotten Luther IV Conference on October 25-26, 2024, in Silver Spring, MD. This event will feature key Lutheran leaders and thinkers addressing the threats to democracy. Register now at www.fliv.us. View a PDF ad and poster as well.

Join us on September 5, 2024, at 10:15 am for the “Conversation about Congregational Safety” webinar, hosted by Bishop Hutterer and other synod leaders. This crucial event will address concerns about political violence and share resources from the FBI and the ELCA on Christian Nationalism. Congregational leaders are invited to participate and discuss community safety practices. Register now to be part of this essential conversation. Register here.

How to End Christian Nationalism is the essential guidebook for Christians alarmed by the rising tide of Christian nationalism yet unsure how to counter it. Five years into leading the Christians Against Christian Nationalism campaign, Amanda Tyler unpacks key truths we can share with others: Patriotism is not the same as nationalism. Religious freedom means little if it's not for everyone. Christians follow a gospel of love, not the idol of power. Learn more and order the book here.

Join the ELCA’s online workshop series through October to delve into how our faith informs our actions and voting on critical social issues. August’s focus is Corporate Social Responsibility with Rev. Kaari Reierson. View a PDF flyer and register now to engage deeply with our social teachings and lead community discussions.

The FBI has reached out to the Office of the Bishop with vital resources to combat the rise in hate crimes during election years, offering support and emphasizing community safety and civil rights protection.

United Church of Christ presents a Community Safety Training Series via Zoom on August 19, September 9, 23, and 30, 5:00 - 7:00 pm. Register for Zoom info here.

How can congregations build an ecology of community safety that is rooted in care, investing in each other, believing in each other, and trusting each other and the rhythms and cycles around/within us? What community safety practices can we engage in now that also help us build the world we long for? Our experienced trainers will expand on our “Ecology of Community Safety” guide to offer practical skills, psycho-social care practices, planning tools, and analysis of current conditions.

Explore the complex relationship between faith and politics with Luther scholar, the Rev. Dr. Anthony Bateza in this enlightening episode of the Pivot Podcast.

Join LAMA’s new book club, “Book Time with LAMA,” starting Wednesday, August 21, 2024, at noon. Our first book, I Think You’re Wrong (But I’m Listening) by Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth Silvers, explores grace-filled political conversations. Monthly meetings will provide a safe space for discussions on social justice. Register now to join the conversation! Register for Book Time: ‘I Think You’re Wrong’

Washington State Senators Annette Cleveland and Ron Muzzall, both Lutherans, are advocating for civility in politics, inspired by their faith. Emphasizing grace, respect, and love, they aim to foster respectful dialogue across political divides. Their efforts align with the ELCA’s mission to promote healthy civic engagement, highlighted in recent social messages and draft statements. Read about their efforts in Living Lutheran.

Join the NCC Freedom Summer 2024, a faith-based campaign inspired by the 1964 Freedom Summer, focusing on voter education, registration, and mobilization in five key states. The campaign begins the week of Juneteenth and includes the Virtual Freedom Summer Academy and a five-city Freedom Ride, culminating in a Freedom Summit on August 17, 2024. Discover how you can participate and make a difference in communities across the nation by engaging with this pivotal initiative. Visit their sign-up page to get involved and help bring about social change through faith and action.

This summer, the Arizona Faith Network is spearheading critical initiatives to combat the devastating effects of extreme heat and foster interfaith dialogue. Participate in our relief efforts by donating essential supplies, and engage in our educational webinars to learn about issues like Christian Nationalism and interfaith leadership. Your involvement is crucial in supporting our vulnerable neighbors and enriching our community dialogue. Join us to make a significant impact! Click here to learn more and participate.

We share an article by Don Henninger from the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona. You can read the full article at azdiocese.org.

“Picture a country where fear of one’s neighbor is rampant, distrust of law enforcement is the standard, destructive riots occur regularly, and threats of political violence loom large over the minds of its citizens.

This evokes images of modern America, but we’re thinking of another country: Northern Ireland, in the lead-up to the violent and deadly multi-decade conflict known as The Troubles. With worries of political violence top of mind for millions of Americans, learning from leaders who have helped navigate conflict in other countries may give us insights for maintaining peace here at home.”

ecoAmerica has developed the Know Your Voting Rights Guide — an essential resource to help you understand your rights, detect and address voter intimidation or deception, and guarantee broad participation in our democracy. By protecting voting rights, we enable ourselves to elect leaders committed to climate solutions that benefit everyone. Share this guide to empower voters and safeguard our democracy. Explore the guide here.

Join the ELCA’s online workshop series through October to delve into how our faith informs our actions and voting on critical social issues. Sessions include topics like corporate social responsibility, abortion, and climate crisis, led by knowledgeable speakers. View a PDF flyer and register now to engage deeply with our social teachings and lead community discussions.

Christians Against Christian Nationalism is calling our community to action against the rise of Christian nationalism. Utilize their new toolkit to host a community meeting, engage in meaningful dialogue, and develop strategies to combat this divisive ideology. Download the toolkit, organize a local meeting, and join them in protecting the core values of our faith and democracy. Visit their website for full details and support materials.

Join the Grand Canyon Synod and Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona in supporting the 2024 Arizona primary elections by volunteering as a poll monitor. View full information in this LAMA article. Training sessions are offered on multiple dates in July by Election Protection Arizona and the Arizona Faith Network. Register now to ensure that every vote is counted and every voice heard in a fair and dignified manner. Let’s live our faith by advocating for justice and integrity at the polls!

Join the #ELCAElectionActivator network to support and equip ELCA members for nonpartisan participation in the electoral process through monthly virtual gatherings and regular updates. Participate in activities that foster civic engagement. Sign up now to join the next meeting on July 23, 2024 and contribute to a just and peaceful society. Sign up here.

Join Pastor Steve Holm and Sheri Brown for a thoughtful discussion on The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism by Tim Alberta, exploring the evangelical identity within the ELCA. This book club event, hosted by Spirit in the Desert Retreat Center, is set for Thursday, July 11 from 12:00 to 1:00 PM AZ (MST). Dive deep into the complexities of American evangelicalism and its impact on our faith. Register and learn more about the event.

Civic engagement is happening this election year in many diverse communities and contexts—and being activated and led by congregations, rostered leaders, ELCA-affiliated state public policy offices and members. Read the latest updates from ELCA Advocacy.

There is a movement in this country that seeks to define “real Americans” as white, Christian and native born. That is not only untrue but unpatriotic. In her video addressing Christian Nationalism, Bishop Eaton reminds us that “what binds us together is not ethnicity, but shared participation in our civic life springing out of our cultural heritages and working for the common good.” Download this message here, learn more about the Lutheran perspective on Christian Nationalism in this resource from ELCA Advocacy, and take action and join the movement here.

On the most recent episode of Respecting Religion, the podcast from BJC (the parent organization of Christians Against Christian Nationalism), co-hosts Amanda Tyler and Holly Hollman explain why the Bible doesn’t need anyone’s endorsement. You can listen to it wherever you get your podcasts or on BJC's website. 

Diakonia recently hosted a webinar on Christian Nationalism in America at Peace Lutheran Church, which is available for viewing here. The event, structured in three informative sessions, explored its definition, history, theological aspects, and practical responses. Experts guided attendees through understanding this phenomenon in the context of faith and national identity.