A message from Krish O'Mara Vignarajah on recent developments that have sparked a national dialogue on race and equality.

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** A message from CEO Krish O’Mara Vignarajah
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At Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, we are heartbroken by the loss of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and stand with all of our brothers and sisters of color who have experienced police brutality.

We grieve with, pray for, and stand in solidarity with the families and friends of all whose loved ones have been, and continue to be, victims of long-ignored racist injustice in the United States.

As an organization dedicated to building just, welcoming communities rooted in tolerance, LIRS is bound by principle and by faith to stand up against systemic racism and to amplify the voices of people of color. We continue to search for practical solutions that safeguard dignity and equality for all who call our country home.

For over 80 years, we have helped refugees and immigrants find safety on our shores. It is our deepest conviction that the United States should offer refuge and opportunity for everyone, regardless of the color of their skin.

But we know that is often not the case. We cannot ignore the systems of inequality that created our nation, and we must acknowledge the inherent disadvantages it has caused. As refugees and immigrants--many of whom are black and brown--come to our organization for help, we must actively seek equity for them and for all communities of color. We cannot ignore the realities of our history, and we cannot be paralyzed by inaction.

May God grant us the strength to do the hard work. We pray for George Floyd, for Breonna Taylor, for Ahmaud Arbery, for all their family and friends, and for our nation as it faces the consequences of its history and the promise of its future.
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In peace and solidarity,

Krish Vignarajah
President & CEO
LIRS

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