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Immigration Issues

APCE 2018 Migration Simulation

 

At the Association of Presbyterian Christian Educators (APCE) conference, held in Louisville, Kentucky February 1, 2018, the Office of Immigration Issues of the Office of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) presented a keynote address titled "Welcoming the Stranger." Attorney Teresa Waggener and Reverend Alison Harrington (Southside Presbyterian Church, Tucson) presented an hour-long migration simulation, which led attendees through the perilous journey from Central America to the United States. Using real life stories collected from travels to the region associated with the filming of the documentary "The Genesis of Exodus" and other efforts to work with international partners to address the plight of Central American migrants in modern times, attendees heard stories from those who live the reality. Attendees were also given individual cards with personal stories as a witness to statistical and emotional truths as revealed throughout the simulated journey. You can watch a video of their presentation below.

APCE 2018 Migration Simulation from Office of the General Assembly on Vimeo.

This is an example of what the Office of Immigration Issues could do in your congregation, presbytery, synod or community. Please contact us at Teresa.waggener@pcusa.org or Amanda.craft@pcusa.org to learn how we can come to you.

Other resources shared during the keynote:

  1. Identity cards (PDF) for following along with the keynote
  2. Bibliography of resources (PDF) from the Office of Immigration Issues
  3. Action Alert in support of and solidarity with DREAMers and DACA recipients
  4. Genesis of Exodus film and related resources

 

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