They Are Us: Lutherans and Immigration

By virtue of Lutheranism's spiritual heritage and identity in America as an immigrant church, Lutherans are specially placed to give hopeful leadership about the controversial issue of immigration in the United States today. They Are Us explores the biblical, historical, theological, and cultural foundations for Lutheran participation in a public conversation that has important implications for the future of this nation. Based on professional experience and grounded in Christian faith, the authors make the case for immigration reform and call the church to a mission of evangelical hospitality.

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.