Dear Trinity friends,
I want to share thoughts about political developments that have unfolded in the past 48 hours. As your pastor and a person of faith, I have deep concerns.
If you know me at all, you know that while I am not afraid to talk about issues that are political in nature, I am hesitant to make public statements that can be perceived as partisan. It is the role of a pastor to care for all of God’s people, regardless of their political positions, or mine.
So please know that as I make these comments, I do not do so lightly. I have concerns about policies that are being enacted.
Two days ago, General Mike Flynn tweeted, and then Elon Musk retweeted, a statement on social media about funding cuts that he claims to have made on behalf of the US government.
In the statement, he identifies “Lutheran Family Services” and its associates organizations as places where government money is being ‘laundered.’ A claim was also made that the transfer of funds to the organization is illegal.
Please let me be 100% clear: There is nothing true about this statement. Nothing.
In Minnesota, this organization is known as Lutheran Social Service (LSS). LSS is one of the largest social service organizations in the state, and for that matter, across the country. It is an organization that is known for and prides itself on quality services for people in need. As a non-profit social service organization, it is one of the highest-rated, best-operated social service agencies in the entire nation.
I have friends who work for LSS. They are people of integrity, and all they want to do is help those in need.
Their programs include:
- Resettlement of refugees into communities here
- Mental health counseling
- Financial counseling
- Pre-marital counseling
- Adoption services
- Child safety programs
- Foster care
- Housing for homeless young adults
- and more…much, much more.
I regularly refer people in our congregation and community to Lutheran Social service.
In the United States, 1 in 50 Americans are touched by the work of this organization at some point in their life.
LSS receives funds through direct donations, fees for services and both private and government grants. This is not unusual. All organizations that do this work seek out and receive funds from federal, state and local governments. It is essential to their ability to serve, especially those who are unable to afford these services. Historically, the government has given these grants because they know that if LSS did not do this work, no one would. And because they trust the quality of the care LSS provides.
I do not understand why these statements that cast doubt on the integrity of this organization were made. But I am certain that it was reckless and harmful. We believe strongly in speaking truth. The truth is, LSS has been faithful to its mission. To suggest otherwise is completely irresponsible.
For over 2,000 years, the church has provided care for the poor, the sick and the most vulnerable in our societies. The phrase Jesus used was “Truly I tell you, just as you cared for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to me” (Matthew 25:40) This is our call. LSS has been one of the ways we have lived that out.
Friends, I ask you to join me in prayer for these wonderful social service organizations, and for the lives and faith of the people with whom they work. I encourage you to contact our legislators and encourage them to maintain funding. Their work is necessary, and it is being done well.
If you have any questions, I am more than happy to meet and talk through them with you.
In Christ,
Pastor Todd
Test Driving Theology 
Thank you for speaking out.
Thank youSent from my iPhone
Thank you for addressing this issue so all can understand what is being said.
I seem to remember during Trumps previous presidency they use the LFS facility in McAllen TX to care for refugee children. Melania Trump even did an interview from the facility.
https://youtu.be/P9wvTt7AQoU?si=1lr-Wr-2d6fx3M7M
I’m sure you have proof to confirm this allegation?
Hi Travis. Thanks for your reply. I’m not sure exactly what you mean. I’m not actually making an allegation. I’m actually responding to the allegation that General Flynn and Elon Musk made about the nature and character of Lutheran Social Service. Those allegations from General Kelly and Elon Musk actually have not been substantiated in any way.
Thank you, Pastor Buegler! This is well written and shares the rich history and dignity of LSS. I would like to share your words with some of my friends and other representatives who hold government office.
Thank you Kevin. Please feel free to share.
hello, I understand you defending this organization; however the numbers posted are quite alarming. The payments were all paid in two months at the end of Biden’s term. It needs to be investigated and if it’s on the up and up it will be funded. A good business should have some reserves to last an audit, correct?
We, The United States, are a giving country but we also need checks and balances in order to continue to be that giving country. An audit is good thing for any organization, so why not embrace the audit and hopefully you will get a seal of good business practices!
A good post: We will gladly accept an audit of the program and the money given to LSS from the American people! We want to be an organization for the people by the people!
Hi Vanessa,
Thanks for your note, and your engagement. But some of the information you are operating off of is inaccurate.
Yes, payments were made in the last couple of months of the Biden administration. However, LSS and its affiliated organizations have received government funding every year (usually paid out multiple times throughout the year) over the course of decades. This was not a last minute “money-dump” by the administration to the organization. It was a regular payment. I’d suggest that you look up the LSS financial records where you can see these government payments having been made over time (and while both republicans and democrats were in control of the government.)
And second, Lutheran Social Services has a full, external audit every year. When you are an organization that big, dealing with that much money, it is a requirement. And, again if you look at their records, you can see that there are no exceptions, meaning that their audit is clean with no financial issues.
You are correct. Our nation is a giving country. And we have always taken care of those in need. But it seems that in the current administration, we are turning away from that path and I find that troubling.