I was honored to be interviewed recently by Metro Lutheran.
Metro Lutheran, as I’m sure most of you already know, is an independent monthly newspaper that provides news and views on the ministries of Lutherans in the greater Twin Cities region.
In her October 25 interview with me, “The Long Welcome,” Metro Lutheran reporter Allison Johnson captures many of the most exciting areas where LIRS is making a difference in the lives of immigrants and refugees.
Her piece touches on the preparations under way for a landmark event: LIRS’s 75th anniversary. She also describes how people living in Minnesota and beyond can support the important work that LIRS, our affiliates, communities, and congregations are doing to Stand for Welcome. The interview does the invaluable service of listing opportunities to get involved in everything from immigration detention ministry to the LIRS Refugee Alumni Network.
I’d like to share just a snippet of the interview and invite you to read the entire piece by clicking the headline above.
Hartke sees the agency’s upcoming 75th anniversary as a chance to look back and to look forward, acknowledging that the incredible feat of resettling 400,000 refugees is largely due to “the work of welcome that has been embraced as Lutheran.” LIRS plans to celebrate throughout the year with its three partner denominations: the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, and the Latvian Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Please check out the other fine articles at Metro Lutheran and consider supporting their work. I’m very grateful that they interviewed me about the exciting work ahead for LIRS!