As most people know, the process of seeking safety in the United States for families forced to flee their homes is extensive and difficult. Refugees admitted to the United States by the government undergo years of processing, in-person interviews, security checks, and medical screenings before setting foot on U.S. soil.
But now, under a new initiative called Operation PARRIS, thousands of refugees in Minnesota are the target of an intensive Department of Homeland Security (DHS) operation to reexamine their status under U.S. law—part of a larger effort by the Trump administration to relitigate, reconsider, and second-guess previous grants of refugee status.
What does this mean? Families who followed all of the rules and were lawfully admitted to the U.S. may now be at risk.
Join us this Tuesday at 5 PM. Calling all hunger champions: join this network of the Grand Canyon Synod! Meet to hear updates on national and local Hunger and Food Insecurity efforts and initiatives, to learn from one another, and to share with the group what’s happening in our congregations. Anyone interested in alleviating hunger is welcome. Prepare to be encouraged and supported! Tuesday, 12/30/2025, 6-7pm MST.
If you have any questions about this group, please contact Solveig Muus (LAMA).
Join the 2026 ELCA Region 2 Lenten Challenge with the theme “Lord, When Did We See You?” based on Matthew 25:37–40. This six-week Lenten journey invites participants to grow in learning, care, and advocacy for underserved communities through meaningful spiritual practices. Learn more and sign up at lentenchallenge.org.
Canada, Denmark, U.S. Lutheran bishops issue joint statement supporting Greenlandic people
January 16, 2026
To our dear siblings in Christ,
As the national bishops of Lutheran churches in the United States, Canada and Denmark, we wish to send the Greenlandic people our full support in an unusually difficult situation. We pray for and encourage our own congregations and people to pray for and stand with Greenland and the Greenlandic people who want to maintain their independence. We pray for peace and respect between nations.
We unreservedly support the Church of Greenland and Bishop Paneeraq Siegstad Munk, whose statement has been quoted in several media outlets: “This is a question of human rights, dignity, and respecting international laws and treaties. We are a small people, but we are not invisible. Our future is not something to be decided over our heads. We have language, culture, ancestors, children, and a future tied to this place. We are people, not property. Greenland is not land to be bought. It is our home and it is not for sale” (Christian News, Jan. 14).
The Church of Greenland works closely with dioceses in Denmark and plays an active role in international affairs as a member of the World Council of Churches, the Lutheran World Federation and other organizations. We wish that this close cooperation will continue and bring joy and benefit to the people of Greenland.
We invite you to write to your elected leaders and tell them to respect the independence of Greenland and the Greenlandic people.
In Christ,
The Rev. Dr. Larry Kochendorfer, National Bishop Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada
The Rev. Yehiel Curry, Presiding Bishop Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Rt. Revd. Henrik Stubkjær, Bishop of Viborg Evangelical Lutheran Church in Denmark
The ELCA, in partnership with Augsburg Fortress, will observe the 2026 National Day of Racial Healing (NDORH) with a free evening program on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 6-8 p.m. Central time:
“Just Us Narratives: A Night of Centering Multiracial Voices Across the ELCA” Online and in person at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church’s Celebration Campus 919 S. Washington St., Naperville, Ill. Tuesday, Jan. 20, 6-8 p.m. Central time
Online attendees: No registration is required. A link to join virtually will be available on this page.
In-person attendees: Space is limited, and registration is requested.Register here.
This program will be recorded, and the video recording will be available on the ELCA YouTube channel at a later date.
Lutheran Engagement and Advocacy in Nevada 