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.”

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/