Father Tim Luschen

“He is most known for his work… to educate
and empower Spanish speakers about
their rights in this state.” 

Nominated by Sundra Flansburg

A leader in civic engagement, Father Timothy Luschen is one of the 2016 winners of the Oklahoma Human Rights Award.

Father Luschen, currently pastor at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, made the decision to apply and attend seminary when he was in his third year of college at the University of Central Oklahoma. He was ordained in 1988, and since that time he has served at a number of Catholic parishes in Oklahoma. From early in his ministry he has played a leadership role in the Archdiocese in Hispanic ministry, and he is very dedicated to pastoral care in his parish.

Father Luschen was one of the central figures in Oklahoma City in founding VOICE – Voices Organized in Civic Engagement – and continues to play a leadership role as an officer on the Board of the VOICE Education Fund. He is also a talented artist in the little spare time that he has.

Sundra Flansburg writes:

I believe Father Luschen well deserves an honor like the Human Rights Award. He works tirelessly in Oklahoma City and in the state to live his values. He works compassionately and consistently to better involve and work with populations who face multiple barriers to inclusion.

He is most known for his work with Spanish-speaking people – and was one of the VOICE leaders who was most dedicated in efforts to stop the local abuses of Hispanics, and work to educate and empower Spanish speakers about their rights in this state. I worked with him closely following the 2013 tornadoes when we were collecting funds to help undocumented families. He arranged for two nuns who were familiar with Moore to help us do outreach and get to families. He continues to serve as a critical member of our Standing on the Side of Love education scholarships for undocumented Oklahoma students. 

I have the highest regard for his value and his work, and appreciate the leadership he shows every day in calling all of us to our higher selves. 

You're invited to attend the presentation of the 2016 Human Rights Awards on Saturday, December 10th, in the House Chamber of the Oklahoma State Capitol. The program will begin at 10am. It will be emcee'd by former State Representative Seneca Scott. There is no charge to attend. Following the awards program, you are invited to enjoy a Free Speech Forum in the Senate Assembly Room from 12 Noon to 2pm.

Every year, the Oklahoma Human Rights Awards are co-sponsored by the Oklahoma City chapter of the United Nations Association and the Oklahoma Universal Human Rights Alliance.

Previous winners of the award include educators, physicians, students, and community volunteers from many different communities and all walks of life. They are united by their enduring commitment to the values and principles expressed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

For more information about the awards program, please contact Wilfredo Santosrivera, 405-631-3027.