The synod’s relationship with South Sudanese people spans both local and international communities: in the Gambela and Nasir regions of Ethiopia; in Juba, South Sudan; and in southern Minnesota cities. In January 2019, the ELCA and Southeastern Minnesota Synod entered into a trilateral covenant with the new Evangelical Lutheran Church in Africa – Mission South Sudan. Our synod’s presence in this covenant honors the rich relationship we share with local South Sudanese people.
Over the past two decades, people of the Anyuak, Dinka, and Nuer tribal groups were resettled by the U.S. government as political refugees, fleeing lives of violence and war. Congregations in this synod welcomed their new neighbors, initially sharing worship spaces on Sunday afternoons.
In 2025, the Synod Council established the Nuer Community Lutheran Church of the Southeastern Minnesota Synod, ELCA. On Palm Sunday of that year, Rev. Yang Tut was ordained by Bishop Regina Hassanally as the pastor of this new church.
International
Both a region and a city, Gambela is home to both the Anyuak and Nuer tribal groups. It is also home to a large United Nations refugee camp.
The capital of South Sudan, Juba is central to the Dinka community. In 2017, the Lutheran Center for Reconciliation was established providing a safe space for people to gather for worship, education, vocational endeavors, women’s ministry, and health care. In recent years, onsite fistula clinic restores health and dignity to females (babies through grandmothers) who have experienced challenging births and/or violence while a recently opened birthing center provides medical and spiritual care for women and their babies during and after childbirth.
Financial Giving
Ways to donate to any of these ministries:
Office of the Bishop Contact:
-
Southeastern Minnesota Synod Office