International Migrants Day (Dec. 18) highlights the contributions and rights of migrants, making this an important time to ask Congress to restore asylum for those seeking safety.

The ELCA Prayer Ventures resource marks International Migrants Day, a day to recognize the contributions of migrants and highlight migrants’ rights, with this invitation: “Pray for immigrants and refugees around the world who seek safety, a welcoming community and a place to rebuild their lives. Give thanks for the ministries of our church and other organizations that enable us to respond with compassion, support and resources.”

New U.S. policies announced in November and December 2025 include an indefinite pause on asylum decisions, a traumatic and unnecessary “re-review”of refugees resettled in the United States from 2021-2024, and a halt on immigration procedures for individuals from 19 countries. These policies destabilize the lives of our neighbors and members of our faith community who have carefully followed U.S. immigration law. 

Recollecting teachings “that ‘all people are God’s creatures, sinners for whom Christ died’ and our responsibility to respect the human dignity of all,” the ELCA social message on “Immigration” affirms continuing “to advocate for immigration, refugee, and asylum laws that are fair and generous” (p. 2). As we pray for immigrants and refugees, we can also call on our elected officials to enact policy that respects immigrants’ rights. 

Please see additional resources for people with refugee or asylum status below:

•  [Multilingual Explainer] “Changes to the refugee program in the United States” (Dec. 12, 2025) from USAHello
• “What do the recent U.S. immigration changes mean for Afghans?” (Dec. 8, 2025) from International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP)
• “What do recent immigration policies mean for asylum seekers and people from countries on the travel ban list?” (Dec. 8, 2025) from IRAP 

Personalize a message to urge Congress to restore asylum and to recognize the rights of migrants. 

[Posted: 12/18/2025]

The candles of the menorah remind us of the resilience of those who have endured against oppression for generations. May we all continue to find the light amongst the darkness.

The ELCA social message on homelessness reads, “Where God’s love for people who are homeless is heard and lived, hope is engendered that breaks the downward spiral of life.” 

Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day, observed annually on December 21, the longest night of the year, honors individuals who have died while experiencing homelessness.

One meaningful way to honor those we have lost is by urging our elected leaders to pursue policies that prevent homelessness and protect access to safe, affordable housing. 

Take action today by sending one or both of these letters to your lawmakers through ELCA Witness in Society:

Urge Congress to Pass Bipartisan Housing Reform

Protect Affordable Housing Programs: Take Action Today

Hosting an in-person event or vigil?

If you are gathering as a congregation or community, you can use these printable templates and invite participants to sign letters together. Printed letters can be collected and given to LEAN, and we will ensure they are delivered to the appropriate lawmakers.

Amidst a government shutdown, ELCA Advocacy was able to bring Lutherans from Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) to Capitol Hill in October to speak about disaster response reform with lawmakers.

Listen to our podcast where we interview LDR Lutherans as they reflect on the trip.

Read the article in Living Lutheran.

You’re invited to join the White Lutherans for Racial Justice (ELCA Association of White Lutherans) for a thoughtful and faithful online gathering January 23-24, 2026 centered on learning, reflection, and conversation. This event creates space for white Lutherans committed to accountability, to naming and dismantling racism within themselves and systems, and to choosing repair, justice, and deeper community together.