A media and culture nonprofit that uses story to help immigrants has launched a multifaceted campaign to support children separated from their parents by Donald Trump’s “zero-tolerance” policy.
Define American began its Week of Witness, a series of gatherings and other events around the nation, on Sept. 7. It is aimed at bearing witness to the moral crisis surrounding the forced separation of families at the U.S.-Mexican border.
The group said that nearly 500 children remain separated from their families while thousands more are battling to remain together.
“Let’s show our country that Americans care for the well being of these children and parents and we will continue to fight to keep families together,” the organization said on its website.
Participants are encouraged to hold lullaby sing-alongs and prayer vigils to support the effort. The organization also provided the language and hashtags for Facebook and Twitter posts promoting the cause. Many participants have signed a petition demanding the reunification of immigrant families.
Organizers said more than 4,000 people are participating in the event, which included more than 21 events last weekend with more on the way. The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship is a national partner of the campaign.
More than 20 events were held last weekend and at least another seven are scheduled through Sept. 16. More information is available online.
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Gushee among immigration discussion panelists
The Office of Campus Life at Mercer University will host a panel discussion, “Crisis on the Border: Current Issues in U.S. Immigration Policy.”
The panel includes Mercer scholars David Gushee, Eimad Houry, Scott Titshaw, Tanya Sharon and Antonio Saravia.
“The panel will consider immigration, in particular what is happening at the border, through varying points of view and lenses,” Carrie Ingoldsby, director of campus life and student involvement, said in a university news release. “I am hopeful this event will allow for thoughtful dialogue around an extremely controversial and emotional topic in this country.”
The event, which is free and open to the public, will be held 7 to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 18 in the Willingham Auditorium on Mercer’s Macon, Georgia, campus.
More information is available online.
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Managing nonprofits
Houston Baptist University will host a faith-based luncheon and panel discussion on nonprofit leadership at 2 p.m. Sept. 28 in the Morris Cultural Arts Center.
“Managing Nonprofits: A Faith Leadership Perspective” will feature the leaders of Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Lone Star, Living Water International and Star of Hope Mission.
Reservations must be made by Sept. 20. The cost is $25. HBU students may purchase tickets for $10. Online registration is available.
An occasional compilation of events from around the religious world. To suggest items for inclusion, email assistant editor Jeff Brumley at jeff@baptistnews.com.