Monday, April 17, 2017

Interfaith Group to Educate about Refugee and Immigrant Issues
Immigrants, Refugees, and Sanctuary: A Non-Partisan Discussion
Free Panel Discussion with State Experts
Sunday, April 20, 2017 | 3-4:30pm
Southfield Public Library

With the war in Syria raging and conflict throughout the world growing, along with the construction of a new border-wall between Mexico and the United States, the question of immigration to the U.S. and the status of international refugees has become a hotly debated topic. As political leaders on the left and the right debate strategies to alleviate humanitarian crises and also to ensure the safety of Americans, Lift Up Southfield – an interfaith group of Southfield religious communities dedicated to building relationships with one another through mutual service to the community – is organizing an educational opportunity called “Immigrants, Refugees, and Sanctuary: A Non-Partisan Discussion.”

The event, scheduled from 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 30, 2017 at the Auditorium of the Southfield Public Library, will include a panel discussion of experts.

Currently slated to participate are:
- Bing Goei, a Grand Rapids entrepreneur named by Governor Rick Snyder to direct the Michigan Office for New Americans;
- Yuliya Gaydayenko, a social worker who helps to coordinate immigrant services for Jewish Family Service of Metro Detroit;
- Angie Reyes, Executive Director and Founder of the Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation;
- Rev. Ken Fouty of Trinity Lutheran Church in Clawson, who serves as community outreach specialist for the refugee assistance organization Samaritas; and
- Dr. Mustfa Ahamah of the Iraqi Consulate. 

Organizations involved with Lift Up Southfield include: The First Baptist Church of Detroit; Northwestern Unitarian Universalist; Congregation Shaarey Zedek; St. David's Episcopal Church; Emmanuel Lutheran Church; Peace Lutheran Church; Transfiguration Catholic Church; St. John’s Armenian Orthodox; and the Covenant Presbyterian Church. 

There is no cost to attend the event and it is open to the community. For more information, please contact The Reverend Chris Yaw of St. David’s Episcopal Church: 248-557-5430 or visit our website at www.liftupsouthfield.org 

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