Lutheran and Episcopal Bishops Weigh In On "Immigration and the Welcoming Church"

Inspiritus is grateful to have both Bishop Julian Gordy of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Southeastern Synod and Bishop Robert Wright of the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta join us for a Faith Leaders Breakfast this month. The Bishops led a panel discussion on “Immigration and the Welcoming Church” and provided insights for attendees on how faith leaders can encourage their congregations to embrace immigrants and refugees.  Held on April 10, 2019 at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Atlanta, the ecumenical gathering included faith leaders and congregants from Lutheran, Episcopal, United Methodist and Jewish congregations in the Atlanta area and well as others with an interest in immigration related topics.

“Inspiritus is grateful to both Bishop Gordy and Bishop Wright for sharing their insights and practical advice on how religious leaders can guide their congregations and faith groups toward becoming more welcoming to immigrants,” says Melanie Johnson. “Both Bishop have been strong advocates for immigrants and for social justice, and it was an honor to have them lead this discussion with other faith leaders who are passionate about these topics.”

About Bishop H. Julian Gordy

The Reverend Julian Gordy served congregations in Mississippi and Tennessee before his election as bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church In America (ELCA) Southeastern Synod in June 2007. A long-time proponent of ministries of mercy and justice, Bishop Gordy has been a voice for immigrants and refugees, serving as the chair of the Conference of Bishops Immigration Ready Bench. He serves as a member of the Conference of Bishops Theological and Ethical Concerns committee and was a member of the Criminal Justice Task Force, which wrote the ELCA’s social statement on criminal justice reform.

 About Bishop Robert C. Wright

The Right Rev. Robert C. Wright is the 10th bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta, which covers north and middle Georgia. At the time of his election in June 2012, he had served 10 years as rector of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Atlanta. Prior to that, he was a school chaplain and on the staff of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, New York City. Since becoming bishop, Wright addressed the Georgia legislature about gun control, spoke up for Medicaid expansion and has been a vocal and active opponent of the death penalty in Georgia.