John Arthur Nunes is the President and CEO of Lutheran World Relief–an organization that acts to end poverty and uphold human dignity by empowering the world’s most impoverished communities to bring about the transformation they need in order to live healthy, safe and secure lives. Combining 63 years of experience, an uncompromising pursuit of excellence, faith and prayer, LWR works with partners in 35 countries to promote sustainable development and increase human flourishing. 

A prominent Lutheran leader, thinker and speaker, Nunes is known for his compelling voice applying theological insight to matters ranging from global issues to urban affairs. He joined LWR in July 2007. Prior to that, he has served as a college professor, management consultant, church musician, community organizer and pastor. 

Nunes states: “My call to LWR really gives me a prodigious opportunity to serve in the power of the Spirit, since, as Luther reminds us, ‘we should allow no one to suffer harm but show every kindness and love’ (The Large Catechism).”

Nunes holds advanced academic degrees from schools affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS). He is currently a PhD candidate at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. 

Born in Montego Bay, Jamaica, Nunes grew up in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, and has lived in the U.S. since 1981. He lives in Baltimore, Maryland with his wife, Monique, who is the principal of Baltimore Lutheran School, and his son, John, Jr. (15), the youngest of their five children.

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