Four leaders from across the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America share how their faith journeys inspire real commitment to caring for the Earth in the new seven-part short film series “Caring for the Earth: Stories From Faith Communities.”
Premiering online April 25 during the National Faith + Climate Forum, this free series invites you into meaningful conversations of faith and climate action.
“Caring for the Earth” was developed through a partnership between ecoAmerica’s faith program Blessed Tomorrow, which brings together a coalition of diverse religious partners, including the ELCA, to advance climate solutions, and the award-winning film company Climate Listening Project.
Nevadans, including many in our congregations, continue to face an escalating housing affordability crisis. According to the Out of Reach 2025 report, a full-time worker in Nevada must earn $32.94 per hour to afford a modest two-bedroom apartment. With a minimum wage of $12.00 per hour, a minimum-wage worker would need to work 91 hours per weekjust to afford a modest one-bedroom rental home.
Across the country, wages fall far short of the income needed to secure safe and stable housing. Nearly half of all U.S. workers earn less than the wage required to afford a modest one-bedroom apartment. Low-wage workers, seniors, families, and those living on fixed incomes face growing precarity, increasing their risk of eviction, displacement, or homelessness.
As people of faith, we believe that housing is a human right and a matter of human dignity. The ELCA Social Message “Homelessness: A Renewal of Commitment” calls our church to advocate boldly for policies that ensure affordable housing for all. The ELCA Social Statement “Economic Life: Sufficient, Sustainable Livelihood for All”reminds us that government has a responsibility to safeguard the common good, including the right to shelter.
LEAN calls on federal and state leaders to expand investments in affordable housing, including:
Increased federal rental assistance
Significant investment in the National Housing Trust Fund
Preservation and development of deeply affordable housing
Stronger tenant protections to reduce displacement and instability
Housing is the foundation for healthy families, thriving communities, and the well-being of our neighbors. As Lutherans committed to justice, compassion, and public witness, we stand with Nevadans struggling to keep a roof over their heads — and we will continue advocating for policies that honor the God-given dignity of every person.
LEAN wants to remind you to register to vote. Elections shape our communities and future. It’s not too early to start conversations about upcoming local, state, and national elections. Approach discussions with empathy, listen actively, and share your values and hope for Nevada’s future.
Together, we can build understanding, compassion, and inspire civic engagement that will bring meaningful change to our communities.
A six-session study suitable for congregations on how Lutherans approach ethics.
This 32-page congregational study invites you to think and talk about how your faith in Jesus Christ shapes the way you live your daily life. Living the Faith introduces you to the basics of Christian ethics as viewed from a Lutheran perspective.
By drawing upon the Lutheran tradition in the midst of contemporary confusion and debate about ethics, this study from 1999 offers congregations an insightful and accessible guide for talking together about the Christian life. This study is meant for small groups of adults or youth who are interested in thinking through how Lutherans approach ethics. The questions in the text and the two sections Guides for Leaders and Small Group Session Questions and Activities are intended to facilitate discussion of the study.
Living the Faith follows upon the publication of The Promise of Lutheran Ethics (edited by Karen L. Bloomquist and John R. Stumme, Fortress Press, 1998). This study refers to the essays in that book and helps introduce readers to it. Reading The Promise of Lutheran Ethics and having a copy at hand for reference will enhance your study.
The author of this study is the Rev. Dr. Paul Jersild. Dr. Jersild is Professor Emeritus of Theology and Ethics at Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, where he also served as Academic Dean. Before going to Southern, he was Dean and Professor of Ethics at Wartburg Theological Seminary. He is now Visiting Research Professor at the Bioethics Center, University of South Carolina. This study is a joint publication of the Division for Congregational Ministries (DCM) and the Division for Church in Society (DCS) of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The Rev. Paul Lutz (DCM) and the Rev. Dr. John R. Stumme (DCS) are the studys editors. They have been assisted by the Rev. Ted Schroeder (DCM). DCM and DCS are responsible for the study.
Lutheran Engagement and Advocacy in Nevada 