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.”

The LWF is very concerned about the escalating situation in the Middle East region.

LWF calls on all parties involved to exercise maximum restraint and to abide by international humanitarian law. The direct and indirect impact on civilians and communities, most of whom were already experiencing the dire consequences of instability, will be catastrophic including the loss of life.

LWF advocates for peaceful means of resolving conflicts and urgently calls for renewed efforts from the international community to seek lasting peace in the region.

LWF prays for and stands in solidarity with all the affected communities that are living in fear.

“Light does not need permission to shine. It only needs to be present,” writes the author in the newest devotional post from ELCA World Hunger Advocacy Fellows. With a reflection and questions to prompt discussion, check out: https://blogs.elca.org/advo…/devotional-light-on-the-hill/

Registration is open for Ecumenical Advocacy Days 2026 in Washington D.C., as we draw on our shared faith traditions to inspire one another, and call on Congress to commit to Protecting People, Peace, and Planet. Through worship, workshops, solidarity and Congressional visits, we will bring together a diverse group of Christians to remind Congress of our shared responsibility to care for all that belongs to God. More about this year’s Ecumenical Advocacy Days on April 20–22 at https://advocacydays.org/

Did you know there is a new project of the ELCA, the Church Property Resource Hub?

Created in response to requests from synod and congregational leaders, the Church Property Resource Hub provides support in navigating the opportunities and challenges that buildings and land present for congregational vitality and the wider mission of the church.

You are invited to learn more at one of three upcoming virtual town halls.

These sessions will introduce the project to congregations and to anyone involved in the stewardship and management of church property.

Join us to explore resources available to congregation leaders as they seek to steward property in faithful and practical ways.

Register for any of the three available sessions through the links in the comments below.