The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.
Leviticus 19:34
In caring for our refugee and immigrant neighbors, we stand proudly behind the work of all Lutheran-affiliated social service providers, who serve immigrants and other vulnerable communities all across the United States. We are especially grateful for our partnerships with Lutheran Services Carolinas, Global Refuge, and ELCA AMMPARO.
Resolution on Refugee Resettlement
At the 2025 NC Synod Assembly, voting members approved a bold resolution reaffirming our commitment to refugee resettlement, rooted in Jesus’ call to welcome the stranger (Matthew 25:35).
In response, Bishop Tim Smith is calling on all NC Synod congregations to take action—urging advocacy, generosity, and solidarity with our refugee neighbors. His letter outlines specific ways individuals and communities can support Lutheran Services Carolinas and Global Refuge, and includes an invitation to contact elected officials and bear public witness to our shared values. A sample letter and a list of representatives are available in the resources link below to help guide your faithful response.
Partnership
- New Americans come from more than 23 countries around the world. The top countries include Syria, Afghanistan, DRC (Congo), Guatemala, Burma, Guatemala, and Burma.
- Lutheran Services Carolinas (LSC) current has resettlement offices in Raleigh, Salisbury, and Asheville.
- At least 164 congregations fall within the 100-mile coverage radius of LSC offices.
Lutheran Immigration & Refugee Service has been welcoming newcomers since 1939. With a new name, the same mission, and the support of partners and Lutheran communities, in 2023 Global Refuge was able to:
- Help 17,000+ children reunify with their families or find loving foster homes
- Welcome 11,200+ refugees from countries across the world
- Assist 11,700+ people seeking safety from Central America and beyond
The ELCA’s strategy to Accompanying Migrants with Protection, Advocacy, Representation and Opportunities (AMMPARO) was envisioned to accompany children today and in the future who are forced to flee their communities because of complex and interrelated reasons, including chronic violence, poverty, environmental displacement and lack of opportunities in El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala.
What Can We Do?
Together We Pray
O God, as you guided the Israelites to a new land by pillars of cloud and fire, now travel alongside all people who seek safety from persecution and a better life. We pray especially for refugees who have found a new home here and for Lutheran Services Carolinas as they continue to find ways to support them. Provide them with what they need as they travel and guide them to places of welcome and sanctuary. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
A Prayer for Refugees, Migrants, Immigrants (ACS p.51)
Read More About Resettlement
Resurrection Work—The Bishop's Challenge
At the 2022 Synod Gathering, the Rev. Tim Smith, former bishop of the North Carolina Synod, challenged NC Synod congregations to respond to the call to welcome the stranger by actively engaging in refugee resettlement.
By Easter 2024, 60% of the synod's congregations reported their work of welcome to the Office of the Bishop.
Resources for Your Congregation
They Are Us: Lutherans and Immigration
5-Session book study recording
This work on the synod level is supported by our Immigration & Refugee Team led by staff member, Michael Dickson.