Immigrant Workers in the Pulpit/on the Bimah/on the Minbar
What is it? The ICWJ has organized a Labor in the Pulpit series for a number of years, teaming speakers who can talk about economic justice struggles with congregations in the weeks around Labor Day. This year because of the urgency of the situation facing millions of immigrant workers and the debate going on about how to fix our immigration system, we decided to focus our effort on giving voice to the thousands of immigrant workers in our community who toil often in the shadows. The debate that has been going on has been characterized by hyperbole and demagoguery. We are hopeful that this program will put a human face on the discussion. We need to understand the individuals, their motivations and life struggles to get a better understanding about how we can approach this complex issue. All faith traditions call on its adherents to 'welcome the stranger' and have compassion for all people. We hope that this program furthers that goal.
How can I or my congregation get involved?
Congregations can participate in many different ways.
You may want to sign up to have a speaker come to your congregation and
tell their story-from the pulpit, in an adult education program, as part of a
youth education session etc. You may choose to participate by using some
of the materials provided below to prepare your own presentation.
You may include materials in a bulletin for interested congregants to
explore the issue more deeply.
How ever you choose to engage this issue, we believe it will enrich and
deepen the overall discussion.
To sign up for a speaker or as a participating congregation, please print
out and send in the flier. For more information, contact Rabbi Renee Bauer
at 608-255-0376.
Click here for a flier to sign up.
I or someone I know may be interested in being a speaker,
how can I get involved?
We are working to match speakers with congregations. If you
or someone you know is interested or has a compelling story to tell please have
them contact us. You can also print out the 'sign up' flier to fill out.
Click here for a flier to sign up
Resources that are available