Do you ever feel confused, concerned, overwhelmed by the immigration issue, whether locally or globally? Join Steph, her co-host Tiffany, and special guest, seminary professor Dr. Leo Sánchez, as they suggest a helpful Lutheran framework for discussing immigration and care for our immigrant neighbor. You guessed it – the word vocation comes up, along with the Creed, and the Commandments! Dr. Sánchez also introduces Luther’s concept of the Two Realms, which proves helpful for Christians as they discern how to best care for the sojourner among them.
Bio: Leopoldo A. Sánchez M. is the Werner R.H. and Elizabeth R. Krause Professor of Hispanic Ministries at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, where he serves as professor of systematic theology and director of the Center for Hispanic Studies. Dr. Sánchez’s research interests are in the theology of the Holy Spirit, sanctification, Trinitarian theology, theologies of migration, and the intersection of theology and Hispanic cultures.
His published books include Sculptor Spirit (IVP Academic, 2019); Receiver, Bearer, and Giver of God’s Spirit (Pickwick, 2015); Immigrant Neighbors among Us, co-edited with Danny Carroll (Pickwick, 2015). His most recent book, the T&T Clark Introduction to Spirit Christology (T&T Clark, 2021) is coming out in November.
Dr. Leo Sánchez served as a drafter for The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) Commission on Theology and Church Relations report Immigrants Among Us: A Lutheran Framework for Addressing Immigration Issues (2012) (download at files.lcms.org). He served as president and vice-president of the LCMS Fifth and Fourth National Hispanic Conventions. He teaches regularly in the United States and abroad. He has delivered courses and workshops in Uganda, Ethiopia, Brazil, Cuba, India, Ghana, Chile, Panama, Argentina and Venezuela.
In the community, Leo is Principal Double-Bass player with the St. Louis Civic Orchestra. He also enjoys swimming, cooking, and travel. Sánchez and his wife, Tracy Lynn, have two children, Lucas and Ana.
Learn about LCMS Life Ministry at lcms.org/life, and email us at friendsforlife@lcms.org.
Not all the views expressed are necessarily those of the LCMS; please discuss any questions with your pastor.
We believe that God is the author and sustainer of all life. We also know it can be hard to speak about the intrinsic value of that life when it feels like the world is trying to drown us out.
We’re right here beside you. In this podcast of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s Life Ministry, we’re coming alongside one another as a community of Christ’s redeemed people, ones who are speaking up for and living out the sanctity of human life. Together we’ll explore life issues in a way that honors our heavenly Father’s value of human life, serves our neighbor, and connects us to others who are doing the same. Join us, so that together we can be friends for life.
