Although written from a Lutheran religious tradition, the invitation and reach of They Are Us: Lutherans and Immigration, Second Edition is broad and inclusive. It includes all who are in touch with their own immigrant forebears and who share deeply spiritual hopes for our communal life. Authors Stephen Bouman and Ralston Deffenbaugh observe that ten years after they wrote the first edition of this book, immigration is an even more contentious issue in society and the church, and immigrants are much more vulnerable, mistreated, and blamed than ever before.
They Are Us encourages congregations to engage in the public space with grace and to offer hospitality in an often-alien world. The authors propose that the church, at every level, from local to national to global, work to transform our present polarization and fear and lead to real change. They envision a community that offers a haven for every refugee, a job for every migrant, a home for every immigrant--a vision that is profoundly biblical and deeply faithful.
Through stories of crisis and hope, They Are Us helps Christian communities understand themselves and their ministries as part of God's narrative of love and hospitality for the little, the lost, the last, and the least. These stories show there is no greater power to unite our divided, angry, and fearful church and society than the presence of the crucified and risen Christ among us.
Bouman, Stephen: -
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.
Deffenbaugh, Ralston: -
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.
Marty, Martin E.: -
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.
