Religious Freedom, Immigration, and Humanitarian Aid

1111 Jones Street,Omaha NE 68102

04 August, 2022

Description

Many religious teachings include commands to show hospitality to travelers and strangers, and many religious individuals and groups believe it is their religious and moral obligation to welcome and provide aid for immigrants. Groups sometimes face criticism, however, for providing shelter or transportation to immigrants. In a few cases, religious individuals and organizations have been charged with crimes in relation to their humanitarian work. Religious groups' advocacy on behalf of immigrants has also been subject to debate and restrictions. The Carne y Arena exhibit provides a glimpse into migrants' experiences at the U.S. southern border and why migrants might be in need of aid. In this Conversatorio, panelists will discuss the issue of religious freedom in relation to religious groups' work with immigrants. Topics will include debates over the idea of "religious freedom" in U.S. and other political arenas; court cases in which religious freedom is invoked in relation to aid to immigrants; the experiences of immigrants at the U.S. border and religious organizations that assist them; and religious groups that work with immigrants in the Omaha area. Panelists: Dr. Curtis Hutt, Associate Professor of Religious Studies, UNO Dr. Laura Alexander, Assistant Professor of Religious Studies, UNO Sister Mary Kay Meagher, Notre Dame Sisters Rabbi Steven Abraham, Bethel Synagogue, Omaha Moderator: Dr. Brady DeSanti, Religious Studies and Native American Studies, UNO