“The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) expresses profound concern and disappointment regarding the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s decision to rescind the endangerment finding on greenhouse gas emissions. This action undermines our collective responsibility to care for God’s creation and protect the well-being of current and future generations.

As people of faith, we recognize the wisdom of science as a God-given gift that illuminates our path forward. The overwhelming scientific consensus on climate change compels us to act with urgency and moral clarity. We have declared this a “Kairos moment”—an ancient Greek term meaning a critical, decisive time when action is essential. The removal of this finding sets us back precisely when moving forward on climate action is imperative.

The ELCA’s social teaching on climate change is grounded in our understanding that creation is a gift from God, entrusted to our care not for exploitation, but for stewardship. We are called to share this gift equitably and preserve it for those who come after us. Removing the endangerment finding eliminates a crucial regulatory framework necessary to fulfill this sacred responsibility.

The ELCA has consistently called for increased regulation of greenhouse gas emissions. We have also clearly rejected approaches that prioritize short-term economic considerations over the long-term social, economic, and ecological well-being of future generations. We oppose any attempts to weaponize or distort scientific research or to misrepresent the intentions of those working to address this crisis.

This EPA decision does both of those things—it distorts scientific research and prioritizes the present over the future. We urge the EPA to reconsider this decision and to restore protections that honor both scientific truth and our sacred obligation to care for creation.”

-Rev. Amy Reumann, Senior Director, Witness in Society, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

From the article: “The time is now to talk to youth and families about what they are hearing and seeing, what actions they are taking and what ways your congregation may be able to partner with them to call for justice and together. These are not easy conversations, but we do not live in an easy world.” Use ELCA Youth Ministry Network link to find full article by author Deacon Ross Murray.

Lent begins next week and we are thrilled to announce this years NoPlasticsforLent series! The sixth(!!!) year of this resource series will focus on the intersections of climate justice, resistance, and resilience through a weekly devotional offering from young adults across the ELCA, and an be used by individuals, small groups, or large groups! Devotionals will drop weekly into the link below, and will be shared onto our stories with a profile highlight on instagram for each week’s devotional

Find devos here: https://drive.google.com/…/1jarcjYRA3Fs5ZBBfETBoEhtJwn4…

How can being in Christian community help us to put our light on a lampstand? Our ELCA World Hunger Advocacy Fellow from Lutheran Office of Public Policy – California shares such an experience in this devotional series reflection: https://blogs.elca.org/…/devotional-flame-burning…/

The next stop on the Pews to Policy Tour is Phoenix, Arizona, where LEAN will join our partners in ministry for Lutheran Day at the Legislature.

Hosted by Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest and Lutheran Advocacy in Ministry Arizona (LAMA), Lutherans and friends from across the state will gather at the Arizona Capitol in Wesley Bolin Plaza on:

Monday, February 23, 2026
9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

This will be a day to learn, to witness, and to raise our collective voice in the public square — activating our faith in love.

Together we will:

• Meet with legislators
• Connect with congregational LAMA liaisons and the LAMA Policy Council
• Build relationships with Lutherans across Arizona
• Speak to the issues that shape our neighbors’ daily lives

All of this flows from our baptismal promise “to strive for justice and peace in all the earth.”

Advocacy Rooted in Our Shared Ministry

Many of the priorities in Arizona echo the work we are doing in Nevada — a powerful reminder that this is church together across state lines.

Issues for advocacy will include:

• Free school meals
• SNAP access & emergency funding during a federal shutdown
• Community school gardens
• Lactation care
• Rental assistance & transitional housing
• Rural affordable housing

These are not abstract policies. They are about food on the table, stable homes, healthy families, and dignity for our neighbors.

Some of the Speakers

We will hear from leaders in public health, government, social ministry, and the church, including:

• Will Humble, Executive Director, Arizona Public Health Association
• Angie Rodgers, Deputy Director, Arizona Department of Economic Security
• Sen. T.J. Shope (R), LD16
• Sen. Flavio Bravo (D), LD26
• Connie Phillips, President & CEO, Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest
• Bishop Deborah Hutterer, Grand Canyon Synod, ELCA

For LEAN, this gathering is more than a single day, it is part of a growing movement to bring the pews to the policy table.

When Lutherans show up:

• relationships are formed
• stories are shared
• hope becomes public witness

And we are reminded that advocacy is not partisan — it is a lived expression of our faith and our love for neighbor.