We have observed that the issue of immigration gained prominence in the lead up to the 2016 presidential election and has become much more significant in the last two years. Although the issue is widely discussed in legal, political, and ecclesial circles, such conversations occur mostly in a piecemeal fashion. There have been few attempts to address various aspects of immigration-historical, political, religious, racial/ethnic, and theological/ethical-in a coherent and substantial manner. Many scholars and faith communities across the United States have been attempting to address this issue that is affecting their communities, but they lack substantial resources to facilitate constructive conversations and take steps towards participatory praxis.
In light of this broader context, we are organizing the conference with three goals in mind:
1) To bring together leading scholars from various disciplines and religious backgrounds as well as ecclesial leaders to explicate political, theological/ethical, and religious issues pertaining to immigration and border-crossings.
2) To offer quality resources that faith communities can draw upon as they seek to engage these issues faithfully-on both intellectual and practical levels. These resources would include curriculum-related material and possibly lectures and presentations posted on YouTube.
3) To suggest to faith communities concrete ways for participatory praxis at local and national levels.
Principal Organizers
Raj Nadella, Assistant Professor of New Testament, Columbia Theological Seminary (email: NadellaR@CTSnet.edu)
Silas Allard, Managing Director, Center for the Study of Law and Religion, Emory University
Organizing Committee
Anna Carter Florence
Mark Douglas
Mindy McGarrah Sharp
Martha Moore-Keish
Program Fee
$175 prior to 12/15/18; $195 after 12/15/18 (includes breakfasts, lunches, and coffee breaks). Limited spots available to students at $50.
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