Urge Congress to Vote YES on War Powers Resolution.

On Feb. 28, 2026, the United States and Israel initiated extensive military strikes against Iran. This war has now escalated to involve much of the region, spreading fear, destruction and instability. Mounting casualties include civilians in several nations and U.S. service members.  Administration officials indicate this war could continue for weeks.

President Trump ordered these military strikes without congressional authorization, disregarding the constitutional requirement that the authority to declare war is reserved for the U.S. Congress. It is essential that our representatives be urged to uphold the Constitution and resist unchecked executive war powers. Congress is considering the bipartisan Iran War Powers Resolution (S.J.Res. 104 & H.Con.Res. 38). This legislation affirms Congress’s constitutional authority over decisions of war and peace and would require congressional discernment and approval before continued military action against Iran.

As the ELCA, love of neighbor obligates us to act to prevent wars and to seek alternatives to them.  ELCA social teaching affirms “that governments should vigorously pursue less coercive measures over more coercive ones: consent over compulsion, nonviolence over violence, diplomacy over military engagement, and deterrence over war” (ELCA social statement For Peace in God’s World, p. 10).
 
As a church that accompanies global partners, our advocacy responds to faith voices from the region.  Bishop Dr. Imad Haddad of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL) sent a message to partners about the impact of the war on the church and region, writing, “Dear partners, we urge you: pray, and pray fervently. But do not let prayer become a substitute for responsibility. Let your prayers be joined with courageous and concrete action. Stand publicly with those who are afflicted. Advocate persistently for a just peace that safeguards the dignity and security of all people. Challenge policy makers whose narratives make endless war appear inevitable.” 

Let us pray and act. Pray for civilians in harm’s way, for first responders, for those who mourn, for the safety of our troops and for leaders to seek a just peace. Act as disciples in a democracy through advocacy to oppose unauthorized military action without congressional approval.

This vote is anticipated soon. Use your words in the message to your elected officials. 

Lutheran Engagement and Advocacy in Nevada is proud to celebrate Women’s History Month, and here in Nevada we have a lot to celebrate. Our state has been a national pioneer in women’s political leadership, and it is even bipartisian.

Nevada women have been shaping public life for more than a century. In 1914, Nevada women secured the right to vote—six years before the ratification of the 19th Amendment. Just months later, Sadie Hurst was elected to the Nevada Assembly, becoming the first woman to serve in the Nevada Legislature.

In 1935, Frances Friedhoff became the first woman appointed to the Nevada State Senate. Later, in 1966, Helen Herr became the first woman elected to that chamber. Nevada continued breaking barriers when Barbara Vucanovich became the first woman elected to represent Nevada in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Today, Nevada continues this legacy. Women such as Congresswoman Dina Titus and Susie Lee, Senators Jacky Rosen and Catherine Cortez Masto serve in Congress and help shape national policy.

Across Nevada, women continue stepping forward to lead. Senator Nicole Cannizzaro is running for Attorney General. Assemblywoman Sandra Jauregui is running for Lieutenant Governor. Washoe County Commissioner Alexis Hill is running for Governor. Senator Robin Titus leads the Senate Republicans.

Nevada is also making national history in representation. In 2019, Nevada became the first state in the nation to seat a female-majority legislature. Today, our Supreme Court and Court of Appeals also have female majorities, and Nevada leads the nation in the number of women of color serving in state legislatures. Leaders like Senator Dina Neal and Assemblywoman Selena Torres-Fossett continue to expand representation and bring new voices to the policymaking table.

Nevada’s story reminds us that progress is not accidental, it is built through courage, participation, and leadership.

The “herstory” of Nevada continues to unfold, and women across our state are still shaping the future of our communities, our democracy, and our shared public life.

As Lutheran Engagement and Advocacy in Nevada prepares for the upcoming midterm elections and the convening of Nevada’s 84th Legislative Session, we recommit ourselves to the work of faithful public witness.

Our faith does not end at the sanctuary doors. Grounded in scripture, shaped by Lutheran theology, and guided by the ELCA Social Statements and Social Messages, we are called to move from the pews to the public square.

Over the next year, LEAN will focus on these key priorities:

Voter Engagement

We believe civic participation is one way we love our neighbor and seek the common good. LEAN equips congregations with nonpartisan voter education resources, encourages faithful dialogue, and promotes access to the ballot for all eligible Nevadans.

Public Lands

With more than 70% of Nevada’s land publicly managed, stewardship is not abstract, it is local. Public lands are sacred trust spaces that provide clean water, wildlife habitat, recreation, and cultural connection, including for Tribal nations. Our advocacy is grounded in the ELCA’s social statement on Caring for Creation, affirming that the earth is God’s and we are called to responsible stewardship.

Housing Justice

Housing is a matter of dignity. Across Nevada, families are burdened by rising rents and limited affordable housing. We advocate for policies that expand affordable housing, protect tenants, and address homelessness with compassion and long-term solutions.

Criminal Justice Reform

Nevada continues to face high incarceration rates and racial disparities. LEAN supports restorative justice approaches, reentry support, and policies that reflect accountability, mercy, and transformation rather than perpetual punishment.

Water Justice

In a drought-prone state, access to clean and affordable water is essential. Water is central to our baptismal identity, and no community should lack safe drinking water. We support equitable water policy and sustainable management.

Creation Care

Climate resilience, renewable energy, and environmental justice are moral issues. We advocate for policies that protect vulnerable communities from extreme heat, pollution, and environmental degradation while promoting sustainable economic development.

Food & Hunger Justice

One in seven Nevadans experiences food insecurity. From school meals to support for local farmers, LEAN works toward a food system that reflects God’s abundance and ensures no one goes hungry.

Immigration & Migration

Immigration is about our neighbors. In Nevada, immigrant families are part of our churches, our workforce, and our communities. Through Lutheran Engagement and Advocacy in Nevada, we advocate for policies rooted in dignity, family unity, and the biblical call to welcome the stranger — moving from the pews to the public square in faithful love.

Grounded in Faith

All of these priorities flow from our baptismal call “to strive for justice and peace in all the earth.”
Our advocacy is:

• Nonpartisan
• Rooted in scripture
• Guided by ELCA social teaching
• Focused on the dignity of every person

Join the Movement

As we continue our Pews to Policy initiative, we invite you to:

• Attend an upcoming LEAN gathering
• Bring a LEAN speaker to your congregation
• Become a congregational liaison
• Participate in Lutheran Lobby Day
• Help shape faithful public witness in Nevada

Together, we can deepen our engagement, strengthen our congregations, and live out our faith in love.

From the pews, to policy, to justice.

With the reintroduction of the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding Schools Act in both the House and Senate, now is the time to remind Congress of its responsibility to survivors of the Indian boarding school era.

The U.S. federal government has identified over 400 Indian boarding schools that operated from 1819 to 1969, nearly half of which were affiliated with or received support from a religious institution. “Residential or boarding schools inflicted trauma on Indigenous children that is still being felt today, generations later,” wrote the Rev. Wanda Frenchman, Interim Director, ELCA Indigenous Ministries & Tribal Relations.

Native American leaders have called on denominations to do the work of finding all records of their involvement. ELCA Truth-Seeking and Truth-Telling Initiative efforts began in earnest in fall 2022. We have a timely opportunity to urge the United States to do the same.

Although long-overdue, successful passage of H.R.7325 / S. 761 will bring together the U.S. government and communities of faith, center the healing and truth-telling of Indigenous communities and move our country towards accountability.

Today, remaining boarding school survivors are elders. We must honor these experiences and urge Congress to move our country one step closer to truth and healing by supporting this important legislation now.

Urge Congress to support and fully fund the bipartisan Second Chance Reauthorization Act of 2025.

Congress is considering the Second Chance Reauthorization Act of 2025 (H.R. 3552), a piece of bipartisan legislation that strengthens reentry programs for persons returning from incarceration to reduce recidivism, support successful reintegration and keep families together. The proposed legislation funds job training, substance use treatment, mental health services, housing support, mentoring and faith-based community partnerships that help individuals who are returning from incarceration rebuild their lives. 

Reentry is a matter of public safety, economic stability and human dignity. When people have access to employment, housing and supportive services, they are far less likely to return to prison. Communities are stronger when families are reunited, and individuals have a real opportunity for redemption and restoration. 

 “Significant challenges and problems continue for offenders following release from prison,” reads the ELCA social statement The Church and Criminal Justice: Hearing the Cries. It notes recognition that transitional services are essential to community reintegration and expresses gratitude for creative efforts in the faith community to offer support, then adds: “Governments are encouraged by this church to continue funding expansion [of reentry plans]… and provide a range of services through coordinated efforts with community agencies.”