took him three months to cross Mexico, and he landed in May 1995 in Portland only because that’s where the train ended up. Aguirre supported himself as a day laborer and
resumed his old role as an activist, working on behalf of other immigrant laborers. Aſt er deportation in 2000, he returned to the U.S. to expand his work, helping found a nonprofi t that helps Latino immigrants secure jobs. Aguirre now aspires to be a Lutheran pastor. Knutson said this is not a one-time thing for Augus-
tana, which has been at the forefront of other issues: the Freedom to Marry Initiative, police reform and climate change. People joining the church are aware of its mis- sion to “follow Jesus and strive for justice and peace and be the most diverse and inclusive congregation possible, existing for the sake of the community and world, not ourselves,” he said. Augustana hosted a rally/interfaith community service in support of Aguirre and to raise awareness of
immigration issues. Hundreds attended. Knutson hopes that Aguirre gets the U visa and that this “stirs up the debate over fair, just immigration laws that help families stay together.” Sanctuary is an ancient principle of safety and hope,
he said, adding that it’s also the fi ſt h charge of every ELCA pastor to “speak publicly to the world in solidar- ity with the poor and oppressed, calling for justice and proclaiming God’s love for the world.” “We don’t take many votes,” Knutson said about
the congregation, “but rather are a healthy, bold, mul- ticultural, multi- national congrega- tion [led by the Spirit]. We fi nd a lot of joy together in this calling.”
Author bio: Lundeberg, who grew up at Milwaukie [Ore.] Lutheran Church, is the editorial page editor of the Albany [Ore.] Democrat-Herald.
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