The Rev. Robert Graetz was a tireless and noble fighter for civil rights. He stood strong when many advised him to be more careful. His home was bombed when he supported the Montgomery bus boycott, and he was one of the only white preachers noted by name by Dr. King as supporting him.

He and our first synod bishop, the Rev. Mark Herbener, are both examples for us of Lutheran leaders who took unpopular positions in the fight for civil rights. Rev. Graetz died on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020. Blessed be the memory of Rev. Graetz, and may God comfort his spouse Jean and family. Pastor Graetz also happened to be the confirmation pastor of our NT-NL synod financial administrator, Ms. Jeanne Heggen. #NTNL #InMissionTogether