Night pollution, artificial light that disrupts natural darkness, affects more than just stargazing. It confuses migratory birds, harms pollinators, and disrupts wildlife that depend on night rhythms for survival.
At LEAN, caring for creation means recognizing that climate justice includes protecting the night sky. A healthy Nevada isn’t just about rising temperatures—it’s about protecting the balance of life all around us.
Reducing glow from streetlights and outdoor lighting can make a real difference. Right now, 4 out of 5 people in North America can’t see the Milky Way.
Protecting dark skies isn’t just about stars—it’s about wildlife, human health, and our connection to the universe.
This week, LEAN is encouraging congregations across Nevada to take wildfire preparedness seriously. Climate change isn’t coming—it’s already affecting our communities and our congregations. It is not a matter of if, but when a wildfire might affect your community or congregation.
Ask yourself:
Do you have an emergency plan?
A crisis communication plan?
A disaster response team ready to act?
Being prepared saves lives, protects your community, and strengthens your congregation’s resilience.
This social statement comes in two versions. The short version conveys the statement’s essence in 40 articles, containing the entire scope of convictions and commitments.* The full version consists of those same 40 articles (in bold), along with a preface, a conclusion, and an explanation for each article, allowing readers to go deeper into an article’s meaning. These two formats serve different needs. Both were crafted in the hope that the Holy Spirit will move readers into fruitful understanding, commitment, and action. Several supplemental resources are available to aid readers with this statement. All supplemental resources are available on the statement’s web page, ELCA.org/socialstatements. Please note that underlined words in the text refer to the first appearance of words defined in the glossary.
Faith, Sexism, and Justice: A Call to Actionand its accompanying implementing resolutions are available here. This text is what was officially adopted by the 2019 Churchwide Assembly. You can order paper copies in packs of 5 here.
In response to diverse needs expressed by ELCA members, the text comes in a dual format of a “short statement” and a “full statement.” The full version expands upon the central articles of the short one. You can access just the short version here.
Full Statement:
Preface — A Shared Vision: We trust God’s promises, and we hope for justice. page 12
Section I — Fundamental Teaching: God desires abundant life for all. Articles 1-8, page 14
Section II — Analysis of the Problem: Sin subverts human flourishing in many ways. Articles 9-15, page 25
Section III — The Christian Tradition: It is both challenge and resource. Articles 16-22, page 38
Section IV — Response: The ELCA is called to new commitments and action as a church. Articles 23-30, page 51
Section V — Response: The ELCA calls for action and new commitments in society. Articles 31-40, page 59
Conclusion — A Shared Challenge: Living in hope, we are called to action. page 68
This social statement was amended and then adopted by a more than two- thirds vote (863-26) at the fifteenth Churchwide Assembly on August 9, 2019, at Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 84 pages.
6-session Study Guide
This study guide for the social statement Faith, Sexism, and Justice: A Call to Action has six sessions that guide participants to engage the social statement and discern ways to take action. The sessions are interactive and flexible (45-, 60- or 90-minutes), with options for in-person gatherings, interactive virtual meetings, or virtual discussions.
Below are links to each study session, which includes a leader’s guide, each session’s handouts and videos, and additional resources. The sessions are available in English and Spanish, and the videos all have Spanish captions.
If you do not have access to reliable internet and it would be difficult to download the sessions and stream the videos, you can purchase a USB flash drive that has all of the materials in English by clicking here. If you need a USB of the Spanish materials, email us here. 33 pages.
2025 worship rite of repentance
During the 2025 Churchwide Assembly, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) participated in a worship service of repentance for the sins of sexism and patriarchy. This action was part of the church’s ongoing efforts to address gender justice, building on its 2019 social statement, “Faith, Sexism, and Justice: A Call to Action”.
The worship service took place during the 2025 Churchwide Assembly in Phoenix. The evening prayer service was dedicated to repentance for the sins of patriarchy, with the theme, “Forgive Us and Transform Us for the Life of the World”.
This program was built to: Cut utility bills for 50,000+ Nevadans Create 1,000 good-paying clean energy jobs Invest hundreds of thousands back into Nevada’s economy
But the EPA has sent a letter of termination, suspending all funding.
We’re not backing down. We’re fighting to protect affordable clean energy, good jobs, and Nevada families.
It is time for the fall leaves, or maybe explore the Ruby Mountians. It is almost winter, so a fun night stargazing in Great Basin?
Did you know that Nevada has more hot springs than any other state. How many do you think we have? We have over 300 and there might be one close by!
From hiking at Red Rock Canyon to kayaking on Lake Tahoe, Nevada’s public lands are your outdoor playground. What’s YOUR favorite adventure spot? Share a pic with us!
Lutheran Engagement and Advocacy in Nevada 