Lutheran organizations are standing firm in their defense amid growing scrutiny over substantial federal funding designated for the resettlement of undocumented immigrant children in the United States.
The situation has intensified following claims made by Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, who once held the position of national security advisor under the Trump administration.
He has suggested that these organizations may be engaged in financial misconduct linked to the significant funds they receive.
Serious Accusations and Government Response
In a recent post on X, Flynn leveled serious allegations against entities associated with Lutheran ministries.
He accused them of exploiting their religious missions to facilitate unlawful financial activities, even going as far as to label their actions as “money laundering.” Supporting his assertions, he shared a spreadsheet that highlighted substantial grants from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to Lutheran charities, particularly following the 2024 presidential election.
Specifically, Flynn pointed out that Global Refuge, previously known as Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service Inc., received a staggering $367.6 million in grants within merely two months after the election.
This organization is one of the select nonprofits sanctioned by the U.S. State Department to supervise refugee resettlement.
Furthermore, Flynn noted that Lutheran Social Services of the South, Inc. was granted $134.1 million, while Lutheran Services Florida, Inc. garnered $82.9 million.
Defense from Lutheran Organizations
These accusations did not only attract Flynn’s attention; they also caught the eye of Tesla and X CEO Elon Musk.
Musk shared Flynn’s findings, declaring the launch of a new Department of Government Efficiency, aimed at reducing government spending.
He expressed a firm intention to investigate what he described as unlawful funding.
In contrast, Global Refuge has vehemently denied any involvement in illicit activities, instead highlighting its long-standing service to humanitarian causes over the past 85 years.
The organization insists that its focus remains solely on the welfare of legally admitted refugees and immigrants.
In 2024, for example, Global Refuge received nearly $4.2 million specifically allocated for group homes designed for unaccompanied undocumented minors.
Alongside this, they have obtained over $76 million for various services related to transitional foster care and shelter provisions.
Their work also includes significant funding for long-term foster care, post-release services, and programs aimed at supporting immigrant families involved in agricultural initiatives.
Commitment to Humanitarian Efforts
Global Refuge characterizes its mission as one that assists individuals seeking refuge from dangerous situations, including Afghan allies who aided U.S. forces and persecuted Christians.
Importantly, all individuals they assist undergo a rigorous vetting process conducted by U.S. authorities prior to resettlement.
The organization ties its mission to a biblical principle articulated by Jesus, which emphasizes caring for those in vulnerable situations—a reflection of the foundational Lutheran values that guide their work.
In response to the unfolding situation, Elizabeth Eaton, the Presiding Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), issued a video statement dismissing Flynn’s and Musk’s accusations as baseless misinformation.
She reinforced the commitment of Lutheran organizations to humanitarian efforts and their unwavering support for refugees.
Likewise, Lutheran Family Services, which provides an array of support for refugees, immigration services, and social programs, asserted its adherence to legal and ethical standards, highlighting successful audits and endorsements from credible organizations.
Global Refuge reiterated its willingness to work with any administration to ease the resettlement process, emphasizing its role in assisting newcomers as they integrate into their communities, find employment, and contribute positively to society.
Source: Christianpost
