Five Years After the Afghan Evacuation, a Step Toward Keeping Families Together

Nearly five years after more than 17,000 Afghans were evacuated to the United States through Operation Allies Welcome, a federal court has ruled that the federal government cannot use travel-ban restrictions to prevent the spouses and children of Afghan asylees from joining their families in the United States.

Global Refuge—which has accompanied Afghan neighbors since the 2021 evacuation—welcomed the July 30 ruling while emphasizing that many families remain separated. The organization is calling for swift implementation of the ruling and broader protections for at-risk Afghans who have already been vetted and approved for lawful entry. Read Global Refuge’s full statement.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardAugust 28, 2026Global Refuge, Immigration and RefugeesComment

Global Refuge: The Refugee Convention Still Matters

As the 1951 Refugee Convention marks its 75th anniversary, Global Refuge reflects on the United States’ historic role in protecting people forced to flee—and warns that recent policy changes are weakening those commitments amid record global displacement.

For Lutherans, the anniversary invites both reflection and action rooted in our call to welcome the stranger and accompany our neighbors. Global Refuge outlines the history, the challenges facing refugee protection today, and ways advocates can urge Congress to recommit to a strong U.S. refugee resettlement system. Read the full reflection and take action.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardAugust 28, 2026Global Refuge, Immigration and RefugeesComment

The Call of Welcome: Supporters Standing with Immigrants and Refugees

Inspired by a refugee family her own family hosted when she was just 11, Vicki Schmidt has dedicated decades to supporting those seeking safety. Watch her journey and discover how answering the call of welcome brings hope to refugees and immigrants, and meaning to those who choose to walk alongside them. Learn more in this video from Global Refuge.

Global Church, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardApril 14, 2026Global Refuge, Immigration and RefugeesComment

Invite Global Refuge’s Pastor-in-Residence: Schedule Rev. Eric Shafer for Winter–Spring 2026

Global Refuge’s volunteer Pastor in Residence, Rev. Eric C. Shafer, is booking Sunday visits to ELCA congregations in our synod to preach and lead an adult forum on Christian welcome. Available dates: Dec. 28, 2025; Jan. 4, 11, 18, 25; Feb. 1; and all Sundays in March 2026. Hosts provide travel expense support. To schedule, email ericcshafer@hotmail.com and learn more at globalrefuge.org.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardDecember 15, 2025Global Refuge, Immigration and RefugeesComment

Invite Global Refuge’s Pastor-in-Residence: Schedule Rev. Eric Shafer for Winter–Spring 2026

Global Refuge’s volunteer Pastor in Residence, Rev. Eric C. Shafer, is booking Sunday visits to ELCA congregations in our synod to preach and lead an adult forum on Christian welcome. Available dates: Dec. 28, 2025; Jan. 4, 11, 18, 25; Feb. 1; and all Sundays in March 2026. Hosts provide travel expense support. To schedule, email ericcshafer@hotmail.com and learn more at globalrefuge.org.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardOctober 29, 2025Global Refuge, Immigration and RefugeesComment

Global Refuge Annual Report: 2025

The U.S. Department of State has issued a stop-work order cutting funding for refugee resettlement services, directly affecting thousands of resettled families. Global Refuge (formerly LIRS) continues its mission, calling on faith communities to respond. In their 2025 annual report, learn how you and your congregation can give, advocate, and welcome the stranger through Lutheran-rooted action.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardApril 2, 20252025 Assembly Stories, Global Refuge, Immigration and RefugeesComment

Five Ways to Support Refugees and Immigrants in 2025

Thousands of refugees and immigrants are seeking safety and stability in our communities. As people of faith, we are called to welcome them with love and action. From sharing accurate information to volunteering, advocating, giving, and supporting employment, there are many ways to help. Read more about how you can make a difference in 2025 with tips from Global Refuge.

Lutherans, Let’s Respond: Advocate for Refugees in Crisis

The U.S. refugee resettlement program is at a standstill, leaving thousands stranded and vital services in limbo. As Lutherans, we are called to act. The ELCA, in partnership with the Interfaith Immigration Coalition, has drafted a faith-based letter urging the administration to reinstate refugee resettlement. Faith leaders and organizations can sign on today to stand in solidarity with those seeking safety. Read the letter and add your name today.

ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardFebruary 14, 2025Immigration and Refugees, Global Refuge, societyComment

From Crisis to Community: The Enduring Lutheran Commitment to Refugees

For 85 years, Lutherans have been at the forefront of refugee resettlement, welcoming those fleeing war, persecution, and hardship. What began in 1939 as a small initiative has grown into Global Refuge, continuing the church’s mission of providing safety, empowerment, and new beginnings. From World War II to today, this work embodies our faith in action. Learn more about how you can be part of this ongoing mission at globalrefuge.org/get-involved.

Defending Our Call: Global Refuge Responds to Attacks on Humanitarian Work

Global Refuge, a faith-based humanitarian organization with deep Lutheran roots, condemns recent misinformation attacking their refugee support work. For over 85 years, they have faithfully welcomed persecuted individuals, including Afghan Allies and unaccompanied children, ensuring they receive safety, care, and opportunities to thrive. Their work is not only legally sound but biblically mandated—reflecting Jesus’ call to serve “the least of these” (Matthew 25:40). Read more about how we, as a synod, can stand in truth and support this vital mission.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardFebruary 6, 2025Global Refuge, Immigration and RefugeesComment

Misinformation Targets Lutheran Organizations—Here’s the Truth

False claims about Lutheran organizations and federal funding circulated on X on February 1, prompting a strong response from ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton. In a video statement, Bishop Eaton reaffirmed the ELCA’s commitment to truth and its long-standing mission of serving the vulnerable. Lutheran organizations have responsibly used federal grants for 85 years, and the ELCA calls on political leaders to reject misinformation and uphold integrity. Watch Bishop Eaton’s full response in our blog post.

Welcoming the Stranger: Bishop Eaton Responds to Immigration Orders

Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton has issued a statement expressing deep concern over recent immigration executive orders, highlighting their impact on families, faith communities, and service organizations. The ELCA reaffirms its long-standing commitment to welcoming immigrants and calls for prayer, learning, personal witness, and public advocacy. Resources, including a webinar on January 30, are available to equip Lutherans to respond faithfully. Read more on how the Grand Canyon Synod can stand in solidarity with immigrants and refugees in these critical times.

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