Across the globe, humanitarian needs continue to rise at an alarming rate. As of April 2026, millions of people are facing the compounded impacts of conflict, climate disasters, and economic instability. For communities already living on the margins, these overlapping crises, often called a “poly-crisis,” are stretching resilience to its limits.
At Lutheran Disaster Response, we are witnessing how these interconnected challenges are reshaping the humanitarian landscape and deepening the urgency of our shared response.
A recent article from Living Lutheran highlights the story of Former Sierra Pacific Synod Vice President Gail Kiyomura as she reflects on her family’s experience of Japanese American incarceration during World War II and the importance of remembering this history today. Through her story, Gail invites the church into deeper conversations about justice, memory, belonging, and faithful witness. Thank you, Gail, for your vulnerability.
In Nevada, primary elections are closed to non-party members. That means unaffiliated voters, which is now the largest voting bloc in the state, are often shut out of the process. Too many Nevadans are left without a voice in deciding who advances to the general election.
At Lutheran Engagement and Advocacy in Nevada (LEAN), we believe civic participation matters. As people of faith committed to the dignity of every neighbor and the importance of public engagement, we recognize the ongoing conversation around how Nevada’s election systems can encourage broader participation and ensure more voices are heard.
Faith calls us not to withdraw from public life, but to remain engaged in building a democracy where all people are encouraged to participate in shaping the common good.
Election seasons can feel overwhelming. The constant noise, division, advertisements, and political tension can make many people want to disengage entirely. Yet as people of faith, we are called not to withdraw from the world, but to engage it thoughtfully, compassionately, and faithfully.
That is why Lutheran Engagement and Advocacy in Nevada (LEAN) is launching LEAN into 2026, a statewide initiative focused on nonpartisan civic engagement, public discipleship, and helping congregations and communities participate faithfully in Nevada’s election season.
Nevada’s:
Primary Election is June 9, 2026
General Election is November 3, 2026
But elections are not simply one day on a calendar. They are part of an ongoing process of shaping our communities and participating in public life together.
As Lutherans, we believe faith is lived not only inside the walls of the church, but also in how we love our neighbors, care for the vulnerable, seek justice, and participate in the common good. Civic engagement is one expression of that calling.
This work is not about endorsing candidates or political parties. In fact, any election-related engagement by congregations must remain strictly nonpartisan and comply with IRS guidelines. Instead, this initiative is about equipping people with trustworthy information, opportunities for learning, and resources that encourage thoughtful participation in our democracy.
Throughout the year, LEAN will offer online events, trainings, educational materials, and opportunities for conversation around faithful civic engagement.
At a time when distrust and fear often dominate political conversations, faithful civic engagement reminds us that our neighbors are not our enemies. Democracy depends on participation, relationships, listening, and a shared commitment to human dignity.
As people of faith, we have an opportunity to model a different way forward — one rooted not in fear or division, but in compassion, truth, justice, and hope.
We invite congregations, ministry leaders, and individuals across Nevada to join us as we LEAN into 2026 together.
“It can be easy to think of the UN as something that deals with problems in other countries—places more impoverished or unstable than ours, but that’s not the full picture” said Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania Fellow Daniella Garber. To learn about her experience at the UN Commission on the Status of Women with the Lutheran Office for World Community and updates from the ELCA-affiliated State Public Policy Office network, visit here.
Lutheran Engagement and Advocacy in Nevada 