Love Knows No Borders: Theology & Christian Leadership Major Speaks at Women of the ELCA Triennial Convention

Ninelihle Dube '26 speaks at the Women of the ELCA 2023 Triennial Convention in Phoenix, Arizona.

Photo: Asi Sitinjak

By Ninelihle Dube

As one of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s (ELCA) International Women Leaders scholars, I was honored to be an international guest speaker at the Women of the ELCA 2023 Triennial Convention in Phoenix, Arizona on September 22, 2023. The topic of my speech was “Love through the Lens of Migration and Immigration.” I spoke not just about migration, but about the transformative power of love on these journeys. 

I grew up in Zimbabwe in a border town between Zimbabwe and South Africa. My presentation focused on a subject close to my heart, which is how my family had opened their doors to immigrants and refugees in Beitbridge. Because Beitbridge is one of the biggest and busiest borders in the Sub Saharan, refugees came from Malawi, Somalia, Congo, and from as far as Ethiopia. They were all in transit to South Africa to look for better opportunities. I began by describing how my parents, Lutheran pastors, taught me that we are all a human family. They welcomed and sheltered immigrants and refugees. They taught me that we are not bound by nationality, language or culture in our call to love one another. I was young and confused and did not understand what was happening at the time. 

As I went deeper into my speech, I shared the lessons I had learned along the way. Love has the power to empower. It's a force that we can use to foster unity in the face of adversity. By embracing love, we not only help others but also enrich our own lives.

One of the most memorable moments of the conference was how much I enjoyed listening to other International Women Leaders speakers sharing their experiences as immigrants in America. Their stories of overcoming adversity and building new lives in a foreign land were both moving and enlightening. It highlighted the strength and determination that immigrants bring to their adopted countries.

Another powerful topic discussed during the conference was the issue of human trafficking in Africa. The speakers shed light on the harsh realities faced by vulnerable individuals, often exploited and forced into a life of unimaginable suffering. It was heart-wrenching to hear about the extent of this problem, but it also underscored the urgent need for action to end human trafficking and protect the most vulnerable in our society. The ELCA has services like The World Hunger Relief and Cherish All Children organization which seek not only to end human trafficking but to address the root causes as well.

In the end, my experience as a speaker at the conference was incredibly rewarding. It allowed me to share a story that was deeply meaningful to me and connect with like-minded individuals who shared a commitment to making the world a better place. It reinforced the idea that by coming together, we can create positive change and provide hope for those who need it most. Love knows no borders. 

Ninelihle Dube ‘26 is a sophomore double major in Theology & Christian Leadership and Global Studies and one of the religion department’s assistants.

More

• 2024 Summer Research Cohort Takes On Conferencing!
  May 5, 2025

  All four members of the Religion Department’s Summer Research cohort (Alexia Lye ’25, Daniela Munoz-Martinez ’25, Ken Flores ’26, and Jacqueline Shaw ’25) had their research accepted for the Western Region’s (AAR-WR) annual conference. Alexia’s research discusses Abalone and its importance to the Chumash people. Daniela’s research explores how the Bible was used for and against slavery. Ken’s work explores the rituals of the Shinto Shrine of Shusse Inari in America. Jacqueline’s research examines different interpretations of jihad in medieval Islam.

• Why Study Religion or Theology? And Other Questions About Our Department
  November 15, 2024

  Students often have the same two questions about the Religion Department. “Does the department only teach Christianity?” and “Will professors try to convert me?” The answer to both questions is an emphatic, “No!” The Religion Department—and the CLU as a whole—is committed to the values of Lutheran higher education, emphasizing open-mindedness and inclusion of those from all faith traditions and worldviews.

• 2024 Summer Research Religion Cohort: Four Students Share their Experiences
  September 24, 2024

  The word “research” often evokes images of test tubes, beakers, and brightly-colored liquids in a sterile lab, but research in the humanities can look very different. It can be anything from reading a book (or ten), participating in religious ceremonies, to conducting interviews. This summer, four students, Jackie Shaw ‘25, Alexia Lye ‘25, Daniela Munoz-Martinez ‘25, and Ken Flores ‘26 participated in Cal Lutheran’s 8-week Undergraduate Research Program. Each student received a summer research grant. 

• Religion: The Queer Experience
  May 3, 2024

  On March 19 in the Samuelson Chapel Lounge, the Religion Department hosted an event for queer folx at Cal Lutheran to discuss their experiences with religion. 

• Longtime Religion Professor, Rev. Dr. Colleen Windham-Hughes, Installed as Associate Vice President of the Office of Mission and Identity
  April 26, 2024

  The Religion Department would like to congratulate Rev. Dr. Colleen Windham-Hughes on her installation as Associate Vice President for the Office of Mission and Identity as of February 22, 2024!

• Religion Department: New Course Offerings for 2024-2025 Academic Year and Beyond
  March 31, 2024

  The Religion Department is excited to announce new courses for the 2024-2025 academic year! These courses fulfill the Humanities requirement of the new general education IDEAS curriculum. 

• Nurturing Communities Through Research: Three Religion Students Share Their Passion Projects
  December 15, 2023

  In the world of academia, religion often yields profound insights into the past, present, and future of our societies. It is within this dynamic context that three dedicated religion students, armed with a passion for their respective research interests, embarked on a journey to shed light on fundamental issues in our communities.

• Event Recap: Decolonizing Music: Zitkála-Šá’s Sundance Opera and Religious Resistance
  December 5, 2023

  On November 14 in Overton Hall, the Religion Department in collaboration with the Ethnic and Race Studies Program, hosted a special guest lecture on an Indigenous opera of resistance as part of CLU's program in honor of Indigenous Peoples' Heritage Month.

• Religion Department Welcomes Assistant Professor With Expertise in Indigenous Traditions and Law
  November 15, 2023

  “I'm thrilled to join the faculty at CLU,” Dr. Wilson says. “During my visit last spring, I was impressed by the caliber of students and the university's commitment to service. I'm excited to bring my expertise in Indigenous religions and religious freedom to the department and I look forward to serving as a bridge between CLU and Indigenous communities.”

  
  
• Love Knows No Borders: Theology & Christian Leadership Major Speaks at Women of the ELCA Triennial Convention
  October 6, 2023