ELCA NEWS SERVICE

March 28, 2006  

ELCA Bishop Speaks at Interfaith Service, Rally for Just Immigration Reform
06-050-AL*

     WASHINGTON, D.C. (ELCA) -- The Rev. Paul W. Stumme-Diers,
bishop, Greater Milwaukee Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America (ELCA), spoke here March 27 during a national,
interfaith service and rally for just immigration reform.  The
event began a week in which the U.S. Senate will discuss proposed
immigration legislation that would make some church ministries
illegal.
     Stumme-Diers joined more than 150 faith leaders from
countless religious backgrounds and 35 states on the west lawn of
the U.S. Capitol.  The service drew more than 3,000 immigration
advocates.
     "In exercising our faith, in our Lutheran tradition, when
standing before civil authorities demanding true reform, true
justice, we echo the words of another reformer, Dr. Martin
Luther, when we say, 'Here we stand; we can do no other,'" said
Stumme-Diers in his remarks at the rally.  "Here we stand, as
those familiar with the ones adversely impacted by this
legislation because they inhabit our pews.  Here we stand, as
church workers deemed criminals under proposed legislation."
     Language in legislation proposed in the U.S. Senate and
included in the bill passed in U.S. House of Representatives
would criminalize pastors, service workers and faith-based
volunteers who provide humanitarian aid to undocumented
immigrants.
     "In the Greater Milwaukee Synod, we have lots of
congregations that work with new immigrant populations," Stumme-
Diers said after the rally.  "I wanted to be a part of this rally
because I'd like to promote a healthy way of welcoming new
immigrants, rather than putting onerous obstacles before them
that are detrimental to their lives and to our communities."
     At the rally, the Rev. Carlos E. Paiva, Angelica Lutheran
Church, Los Angeles, represented the Rev. Dean W. Nelson, bishop,
ELCA Southwest California Synod, Glendale.  Seminarian Sarah
Scherschligt, intern, Luther Place Memorial Church, Washington,
D.C., also spoke.
     "I think immigration is the primary justice issue in the
United States right now," Scherschligt said after the rally.  "If
the church isn't standing with immigrants' rights, we're failing
to live out our faith."
     Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) was
represented by dozens of people at the rally.  LIRS is a
cooperative agency of the ELCA, Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod
and Latvian Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
     "I'm proud of the work of LIRS, which has been a leader in
the faith community on immigration issues," said Stumme-Diers.
"I wanted to be here in Washington to support their work and draw
attention to the issues on which they advocate."
     Following the rally, clergy went to the Capitol to talk with
their Senators about immigration reform issues.
-- -- --
     Information about Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service
is at http://www.lirs.org and about the ELCA's advocacy
ministries is at http://www.ELCA.org/advocacy on the Web.

* Annie Lynsen is director for advocacy communications,
grassroots and network development, ELCA Washington Office.

For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or [log in to unmask]
http://www.elca.org/news
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