Justice & Equity

Here at LCM Canterbury, with God's help, we commit ourselves to actively work for reconciliation, racial equity and justice for all people, and to respect the dignity of every person. Interested in getting more involved in working for justice and equity in the months and years ahead? Our churches have been engaged in speaking to those in power from the place of faith for decades. This page contains local and national resources to get involved.

Many of us are feeling anxious in light of ongoing political events. If you need to talk to someone, visit our Pastoral Care page. If you want to read a statement from our social media manager Sarah Lee, visit our Facebook here. Remember you are always welcomed and supported here.

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Arizona

Get involved in various issues like food insecurity and housing in Arizona. Visit their website here.

Episcopal Diocese of Arizona, Working for Justice

Learn how to get involved in the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona's social justice ministries. Visit their website here.

ELCA Advocacy

Learn how to get involved with the ELCA's social justice ministries across the nation. Visit their website here.

The Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations

Find resources from the Episcopal Church to contact elected officials, get involved in voter engagement, and more. Visit their website here.

Photo from Library of Congress,

Prints & Photographs Division

Celebrating Martin Luther King Day

Today, we celebrate the life and legacy of an incredibly influential figure at the center of the Civil Rights Movement of the mid 20th century. We find this day overshadowed by the inauguration of a President that has already promised to be a threat to the lives of people of color, women, and the queer community.

While today may be difficult for many, it is important to continue to carry on Dr. King's legacy of advocating for justice in our communities. If you are looking for ways to get involved, please visit the resources below.

This semester, our Wednesday Bible Study focuses on social justice from a faith-based perspective. In February, Pastor Mike and other community members will be traveling to Phoenix for Lutheran Advocacy Day. Join us!

At LCM Canterbury, we work tirelessly to remind everyone in our community that they are wonderfully loved. We stand in solidarity with those in our community who are grieving today, and we weep with you.

Dr. King once said, "We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.” It is easy to feel like all is lost, but we cannot survive without hope. Let us move forward in our faith, keep hope in our hearts and continue working towards a better, brighter future.

Visit the Smithsonian here to learn more about the history behind MLK Day.

Visit NAU's website here for the Office of Inclusion and resources surrounding racial equity and justice.

– LCMCanterbury Web Team, Sarah Lee & Caleb Jensen

Thanksgiving & Indigenous Communities

Thanksgiving is a difficult time for many people for a variety of reasons. Indigenous communities especially have been negatively impacted due to the holiday's roots in imperialism and violence. The myth of the "First Thanksgiving" in 1621 is a romanticization of what, at the time, was a political gathering of alliances and temporary peace. We now acknowledge the harmful rhetoric behind this myth that has excused and ignored the violence and genocide enacted upon Indigenous peoples in North America and elsewhere.

Indigenous communities still face racism, erasure, and violence in many ways. They are more likely to experience food and water insecurity, high levels of pollution, and Indigenous women are more than ten times as likely to be murdered or sexually assaulted when compared to non-Indigenous women. In Arizona, the Diné people and others have been subjected to massive amounts of radioactive waste from uranium mines, creating a much higher risk for cancers and other severe illnesses.

It is vitally important to acknowledge and combat the violence that Indigenous people continue to face through education and action.

Visit NAU's website here for information specific to NAU and Indigenous inclusion and advocacy.

Visit UA's website here for links to Indigenous and other advocacy groups.