Bishop emeritus of Jordan and Holy Land to spend week at Luther College

              Bishop Munib Younan, bishop emeritus of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, will spend Sept. 26-Oct. 1 in residency with Luther College and the Decorah community.

              "Bishop Younan is a globally recognized servant leader committed to ecumenical and interfaith dialogue and collaboration, especially for the cause of building a just peace in the Middle East. We are fortunate to have Bishop Younan share his deep wisdom, abiding faith and generous spirit with the Luther community," said Mike Blair, Luther campus pastor.

            During his time in Decorah, Younan will speak at several events that are open to the public, with no charge for admission.

• Thursday, Sept. 26 at 7 pm in the Center for Faith and Life Recital hall Younan will give a lecture.
• Friday, Sept. 27 at 10:30am in the Center for Faith and Life Main Hall Younan will preach during Weekday Chapel.
• Saturday, Sept 28 at 9:30am at Decorah UCC, 209 W Broadway St., Decorah, IA, the community may join in breakfast conversation with Younan.
• Sunday, Sept 29 at 9:30am at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 701 Iowa Ave, Decorah, IA, Younan will serve as preacher for Sunday worship.

            Younan will also be meeting with student groups and visiting classes during his stay.

            "I'm looking forward to the quality and depth of conversation Bishop Younan will bring to the Luther campus and the Decorah community", said Blair. "His visit offers an opportunity to draw from wisdom, faith and commitments born of living and serving in the Holy Land."

            Younan was born in Jerusalem to Palestinian refugees and holds United Nations Relief  and Works Agency refugee status. Younan obtained a master's degree in theology from the University of Helsinki and was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Divinity by Wartburg College in 2001.

            After being ordained at the Church of the Redeemer, Jerusalem, in 1976, Younan served in many capacities until being appointed president of the ELCJHL Synod in 1990. He held this position until his election as bishop in 1998. He was elected president of The Lutheran World Federation in 2010, and retired from the office of Bishop in 2018.

           Younan's residency is sponsored by Luther College Ministries, Campus Programming and the Center for Ethics and Public Engagement.

           Luther College is home to more than 1,900 undergraduates who explore big questions and take action to benefit people, communities and society. Our 60+ academic programs, experiential approach to learning and welcoming community inspire students to learn actively, live purposefully and lead courageously for a lifetime of impact. Learn more at luther.edu.

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