Rice Irayuli Saragih
she/her/hers
Master of Arts
Indonesia
What made you choose LSTC?
I chose LSTC because, as a female Lutheran pastor from Indonesia, studying at a Lutheran seminary abroad has been a lifelong dream of mine. LSTC is known as an inclusive and diverse community with a strong commitment to justice and gender equality. I believe that pursuing my education at LSTC will enrich my ministry and equip me to bring new perspectives that will be valuable for my future service.
What people and communities helped you to get here?
I first learned about LSTC from my husband, who is currently a student here. Over the past year, I have lived in LSTC housing and have greatly enjoyed being part of a warm, caring, and supportive community. This environment has strongly encouraged me and affirmed my decision to pursue my master’s program at LSTC. In addition, my home church has been supportive of my studies here, especially since LSTC is already well known in my country through the presence of several alumni who have studied at this seminary.
What do you hope to learn during your time at LSTC?
As an ordained female pastor, I hope that LSTC will shape me into an open and visionary church leader. I aspire to deepen my understanding of issues related to injustice, public theology, and womanist theology, so that I can serve my congregation with greater insight and contribute to a more inclusive church that actively promotes justice.
