Stephen Bouman served as a parish pastor in New York City and New Jersey, as bishop of the Metropolitan New York Synod, as Executive Director of Domestic Mission for the ELCA, and on the board of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service. He is a teacher, lecturer, and author. His book The Mission Table is used by congregations throughout the church for mission planning. Ralston Deffenbaugh served from 1991 to 2009 as president of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, one of the nation's leading agencies in welcoming and advocating for refugees and other immigrants. He retired in June 2017 after seven years' service as the Lutheran World Federation's Assistant General Secretary for International Affairs and Human Rights. Martin E. Marty is the Fairfax M. Cone Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus at the University of Chicago, where he taught chiefly in the Divinity School for thirty-five years. He has published many books with Augsburg Books and Fortress Press including A Short History of Christianity (9780800619442), The Lord's Supper (9780806633398), Faith (9780806601328), Speaking of Trust (Lutheran Voices, 9780806649948) and with his son, Micah Marty, Places Along the Way (9780806627465) and Our Hope for Years to Come (9780806628363). He lives in Chicago.
Description
"This updated second edition of They Are Us takes us into the formation of the ELCA AMMPARO Initiative (Accompanying Migrant Minors with Protection, Advocacy, Representation and Opportunities), which helps us see the faces of the children and families from Central America and other places seeking our welcome, and shows us how we can become involved. As one who sees the gifts that immigrants and refugees bring to all of us, this book speaks to my heart." --Reverend Elizabeth A. Eaton, Presiding Bishop, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America "The second edition of They Are Us could not be more timely. Through many heart-rending immigrant stories as well as poignant data on immigration issues globally and in the US, Bouman and Deffenbaugh call the church and all people of good will into the responsibility and joy of welcoming the stranger." --Reverend Doctor Martin Junge, General Secretary, The Lutheran World Federation "Faith communities are familiar with God's call to 'welcome the stranger.' The authors direct the church back to its ancient first love of accompanying strangers in the name of Christ and seeking justice on their behalf, as an inspiration and guide to orient the church's ministry today." --Reverend Amy E. Reumann, Director of Advocacy, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America "As the ongoing global refugee crisis shows no signs of abating and climate crisis-induced migration increases, we are at a perilous crossroads that will determine whether 'radical hospitality' will unify faith communities and be reflected in US immigration policy. An all-encompassing welcome, in our hearts and in our homes, reflects Stephen Bouman's and Ralston Deffenbaugh's position that immigrants have inherent humanity." --Ms. Krish O'Mara Vignarajah, President and CEO, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service "If your conscience is nudging you away from the fear and judgment that keeps our system broken and our hearts hardened, then delve into They Are Us. It will stir your soul, challenge your faith, remind you about God's longing for radical hospitality, and give you the tools to realize it in your community." --Reverend Margaret G. Payne, Retired Bishop of the New England Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America "In a time when immigration topics are so complex and even divisive, Stephen Bouman and Ralston Deffenbaugh are clear in this second edition of They Are Us that Lutherans have always welcomed the stranger because of our Christian call to action. The vivid and descriptive stories in this book show the constant need for advocacy and compassionate work among asylum seekers." --Reverend Pedro M. Suarez, Bishop of the Florida-Bahamas Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America