Month: January 2025

Revisiting Human Sexuality: ELCA Seeks Input on Social Statement Edits

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ELCA social statements are documents that help people think through social issues and that guide the church’s teaching and policies on those issues. However, their language can become outdated over time as laws and language change.   

The 2022 ELCA Churchwide Assembly voted to have our church reconsider certain passages from the ELCA social statement Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust in light of changes in U.S. laws regarding marriage since 2009 and in acknowledgment of the church’s understanding of the diversity of family configurations.  

A task force, with people of diverse perspectives from across the ELCA, has been appointed by the ELCA Church Council to shepherd this process.  

In early November, the task force released a set of draft edits for public comment. These are potential editorial changes only — small word changes that update the text without changing its meaning.   

The task force invites you to review these and to share your feedback. This feedback is critical for our discernment as church together, and the task force will prayerfully consider all comments before proposing changes to the 2025 Churchwide Assembly for their action. The deadline for your response is Jan. 31, 2025.     

You can share your feedback by taking an online survey or by emailing the task force directly at Reconsiderations@elca.org.   To help your discernment, several resources are posted at www.elca.org/reconsiderations, including an explanation of each.

Immigration and Refugee Resources

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As the new administration’s policies and executive orders are revealed, LEAN would like to offer some resources and alerts for Nevada parishioners seeking ways to help protect refugees in our midst.

First, read Presiding Bishop Eaton’s Pastoral Letter on Executive Orders HERE

Also, The Asociación de Ministerios Latinos de la ELCA has released a statement in response to executive orders of the U.S. government. English and Spanish versions can both be found HERE!

Check out Global Refuge’s explainer of the key executive orders and proclamations that directly impact refugees and other immigrants in the United States and beyond. Click HERE.

Attend Global Refuge’s Policy and Advocacy Team on February 4 at 11 AM PT for “Post-Inauguration Days: Understanding Recent Policy Changes from the Trump Administration and the 119th Congress” Register HERE.

Plan a worship welcoming the stranger and centered on celebrating new refugees. Click HERE for the Worship Order!

Learn How Trump’s Rescission of Protected Areas Policies Undermines Safety for All by Reading This Fact Sheet Or This Handout in Espanol

Visit National Immigration Law Center’s Know Your Rights: Expediated Removal Expansion Information. Click HERE.

Print Red Cards & How To Use Your Red Card Available at Your Worship Space

Read The Asociación de Ministerios Latinos de la ELCA‘s statement in response to executive orders of the U.S. government. English and Spanish versions can both be found HERE.

Share AMMPRO’s (Accompanying Migrant Minors with Protection, Advocacy, Representation and Opportunities) Blog With Friends & Family

Join LEAN at Lutheran Lobby Day Feb. 10

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Meet Fellow Nevadans To Advocate For Justice As Legislative Session Begins

Lutheran Engagement and Advocacy in Nevada invites you to participate in Lutheran Lobby Day on Monday, February 10, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. This powerful day of worship and advocacy is an opportunity to live out our Lutheran values of justice and compassion while making a meaningful impact in Nevada.

The day begins at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church (1201 N. Saliman Road, Carson City, NV 89701) with a worship service that centers our efforts in prayer and faith. From there, we will move to the Nevada State Capitol, where participants will have the chance to meet with legislators and advocate for issues that align with our Lutheran commitment to justice and the common good.

As Lutherans, we are called to seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God (Micah 6:8). Lutheran Lobby Day is a tangible way to answer that call, ensuring our voices are heard on critical issues facing our communities.

Registration is required to participate in this impactful event. Register here and join us as we gather in faith and solidarity to advocate for policies that reflect God’s love for the world.