In the first episode of Season 3, Regina Banks speaks with Mary Campbell, director of ELCA AMMPARO. AMMPARO is the "the ELCA’s strategy to Accompanying Migrants with Protection, Advocacy, Representation and Opportunities (AMMPARO)." Mary provides crucial updates regarding how the ELCA's own congregational lives are being impacted by this administration's immigration actions, including rescinding the sensitive locations policy, which has had a chilling effect on people's ability to attend services at their local church.

Kate Parsons also provides context on how migration is often the only choice, and the Lutheran history of welcoming refugees. 

Finally, Pastor Manuel Retamoza shares his ministry at The Border Church. To see the site referenced in his comments, view this episode on our YouTube channel.

Further Resources: 

Sign up for the ELCA Advocacy network to receive action alerts and newsletters.

Current Action Alert: Tell Congress You Support Welcoming Refugees

ELCA AMMPARO

ICE Detention Center locator: https://www.ice.gov/detention-facilities 

"Know Your Rights" information from ELCA AMMPARO

"Worship Unrestrained by Borders" in Living Lutheran

Here I Pod is a production of ELCA Advocacy. Join the ELCA Advocacy network: elca.org/advocacy/signup

Host: Regina Q. Banks
Production: Blake Chastain, Karen Krueger
Intro/Outro Music: "A Mighty Fortress is Our God" arranged in jazz-style, by Steven Seigart

About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 2.8 million members in more than 8,500 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of “God’s work. Our hands.,” the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA’s roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.