By Franco Ordoñez, Charlotte Observer
State clergy will meet in Charlotte tomorrow to discuss the theological and practical sides of the immigration debate.
Seeking to encourage constructive dialogue, clergy members are expected to discuss the controversial Arizona immigration law and how they relate with local enforcement efforts such as Mecklenburg County’s 287g program.
Chris Liu-Beers with the NC Council of Churches, which is sponsoring the event, says faith communities are at their best when they address controversial issues head-on in a thoughtful and respectful way.
“Congregations are on the front lines of the immigration debate – offering English courses, meals, job training, and pastoral care to people facing very challenging situations,” he said.
“From Hostility to Hospitality: Immigration and People of Faith” is part of a statewide clergy breakfast series on immigration.
The breakfast will take place Thursday morning, June 3, at Myers Park Baptist Church on Queens Road from 8:30-10:00am. Speakers include Rev. Steve Shoemaker of Myers Park Baptist Church and Lori Fernald Khamala with American Friends Service Committee.
“As people of faith, we are united in the belief that every person is a child of God and that we are called to offer hospitality to our neighbors,” Liu-Beers said.
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