Overview



‘Welcoming the Stranger Together: Interfaith Action on Immigration Reform’

The Lewis University Center for Ministry and Spirituality hopes its interdisciplinary symposium will contribute to a deepening of reasoned public discourse on the Fall 2010 Symposiumcomplex question of immigration reform. Increasingly, world religions are finding that collaboration on social justice questions pulls them past doctrinal divisions (Massaro, Living Justice). For example, following their common religious call to welcome the stranger, Christians, Jews and Muslims are finding that working together for immigration justice sheds light on critical questions in the public policy debate. What would just reform look like? How can security and economic rights of all be protected? What causes resistance to just immigration in us?

The Welcoming the Stranger Together symposium begins with three kickoff events on Sept. 1 and 2; continues with Stranger to Neighbor training for area college/university and junior and senior high school students on Sept. 14 and 15; and climaxes Register Here!with over 20 presentations Sept. 20 through 23 in the symposium proper.  The September-long symposium features five keynotes, including ones from Islamic, Jewish and Christian by distinguished immigration scholars and leaders. All events are free and open to the public as well as Lewis University students, faculty, staff, and alumni. All but one symposium event (a Sept. 2 kick off evening at St. Margaret Mary Parish, Naperville) will take place at Lewis University’s main campus in Romeoville, IL, 60446-2200 (on Rt. 53 between Renwick and Airport Roads).  Pre-registration to reserve seats begins early August on-line through Lewis University’s website. Free reservations are required for the Sept. 1 kickoff and Sept. 14 and 15 training. For a complete symposium schedule and free registration call Center for Ministry and Spirituality at 815-836-5786.

Co-sponsors:

  • Diocese of Joliet Peace & Social Justice Ministry

  • Archdiocese of Chicago Office for Immigration Affairs and Education

  • St. Margaret Mary Parish, Naperville

  • Diocese of Joliet Office of Hispanic Ministry

  • Lewis University's
    • Theology Department
    • Women Studies Program
    • Latino/a Studies
    • International Student Services
    • University Diversity Action Team
    • Multicultural Student Services
    • Office of Service Learning