There's a nice article in this past Sunday's NY Times about former "Lost Boys" from Sudan who have become clergy in America. The article focuses upon one young man who has become an Episcopal priest in Grand Rapids, but it mentions that the same thing has occurred with many of the Sudanese refugees in a number of denominations. It draws some interesting parallels between the churches established by other immigrant groups in our nation's past (Irish, Scandinavian, German, etc.) and the Sudanese worshipping communities that have been organized wherever there are groups of Sudanese refugees. The Sudanese community here in St. Joseph has been meeting at First Lutheran Church, and Daniel Mapur who leads the service is pursuing ordination in the Evangelical Lutheran Church. He was trained as an Anglican lay minister in the refugee camp in which he lived, but since coming to America the doors have opened for him among Lutherans. No matter the denomination these folks choose, I continue to be amazed at their amazing and inspiring journey of faith. Also, I am thankful that I get to serve in a community where there is such a wonderful and growing Sudanese community.
Grace and Peace,
Chase
Reflections on faith, life, love, politics, culture and whatever else crosses the mind of a progressive minister
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