Rev. Kelly Nieman Anderson: Faith & Immigration

When it comes to the refugee crisis around the world and the immigration crisis in America, Rev. Kelly Nieman Anderson allows her faith to be her guide. She has seen first-hand what it is like in refugee camps and communities in countries around the world, and has experienced what it is like to live in a country in which she is not a legal citizen. It has given Rev. Kelly a particular window in a world that many folks in western civilization will never see nor experience.

In today’s episode, Rev. Kelly shares her experiences and her learnings with us. She offers us powerful guidance into how our faith can (and should) inform our politics and our stance on certain policies - including when it comes to immigration justice and reform.

If you aren’t sure where this conversation will lead you, or how it will leave you feeling - take a moment to breathe and remember that discomfort always leads us to positive and necessary change. Open your heart and your mind, and lean into that discomfort. Rev. Kelly has a lot to share and teach us about where our faith is guiding us in this moment.

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Reverend Kelly Nieman-Anderson is a pastor at both Christ the King Lutheran Church in Port Washington, WI, and Living Hope Lutheran Church in Saukville, WI. She is a graduate of Luther Seminary and has been happily married to her husband David for 14 years. Together, they love traveling, trying new foods, and riding their red Indian motorcycle. They’re both pastor’s kids and Midwesterners, they speak Spanish, and they have a spoiled cat. David works as the Innovation Engineer at University School of Milwaukee, where he also coaches a middle and high school robotics team.

Kelly is passionate about working with children, youth, and families, especially in developing ongoing opportunities for faith formation. She enjoys teaching all ages and is interested in mission challenges in our community. Kelly also has worked significantly with foster kids, refugees, and immigrants. Since arriving in Ozaukee County, she’s been leading Immigration Forums for individuals, groups, and church leaders. Kelly also coordinated the formation of the Saukville Port Washington Ecumenical Youth Ministry, which serves 5 different congregations in our community.