Inside the Core - Immigration: Local and National, Ethical and Religious Perspectives

Inside the Core, and in the spirit of both Easter and Passover, we are holding a special day on Thursday, April 24, devoted to the topic of “Immigration: Local and National, Ethical and Religious Perspectives.”

Up until Monday, April 21, with the death of Pope Francis, Cardinal Joseph Tobin, archbishop of Newark, was scheduled to be our keynote speaker; however, the obvious need for all cardinals to be in Rome for the papal funeral arrangements and the following conclave has made that impossible. However, in the spirit of our beloved Pope Francis, who was a voice for compassion and justice for immigrants the entire tenure of his papacy, we will continue with the event. Father Bill Reilly has graciously agreed to be our keynote speaker, followed by two panels of specialists on the topic of immigration in the light of faith.

The panels will be moderated by Jonathan Heaps, director of the Lonergan Institute and faculty member in the University Core. Jonathan, working with Nancy Enright and Father Gerry Buonopane, who was enormously supportive and helpful, was crucial in bringing this event to Seton Hall.

In the book of Leviticus, the Lord speaks these strong words: "When an alien lives with you in your land, do not mistreat him. The stranger who lives as a foreigner with you shall be to you as the native-born among you, and you shall love him as yourself; for you lived as foreigners in the land of Egypt" (Leviticus 19:33-34). Countless other passages in the Hebrew Scriptures/Christian Old Testament say similar things.

In the New Testament, Jesus continues the same tradition in Matthew 25 in the third of three parables about the last judgment, this one using the analogy of the sheep (the righteous) and the goats (the unrighteous) being separated:

Then the King will say to those on his right, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in...”

“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew 25:31-40)

And, of course, Matthew 2 tells about the flight of Jesus, Mary and Joseph to Egypt to escape the threat of King Herod. What other word could describe their status but refugees?

As noted earlier, Pope Francis has spoken often and eloquently on this topic. In his recent letter to the U.S. bishops, he wrote:

I exhort all the faithful of the Catholic Church, and all men and women of good will, not to give in to narratives that discriminate against and cause unnecessary suffering to our migrant and refugee brothers and sisters. With charity and clarity we are all called to live in solidarity and fraternity, to build bridges that bring us ever closer together, to avoid walls of ignominy and to learn to give our lives as Jesus Christ gave his for the salvation of all.

Let us ask Our Lady of Guadalupe to protect individuals and families who live in fear or pain due to migration and/or deportation. May the “Virgen morena,” who knew how to reconcile peoples when they were at enmity, grant us all to meet again as brothers and sisters, within her embrace, and thus take a step forward in the construction of a society that is more fraternal, inclusive and respectful of the dignity of all.

Please join us as we explore this important issue in light of the teachings of faith and ethical principles.

The event program follows:

Session I – Jubilee Auditorium
9 a.m. – Welcome, tea and coffee
9:30 a.m. – Opening prayer
9:35 a.m. – Introduction – Monsignor Joseph Reilly, president of Seton Hall
9:40 a.m. – Keynote address – Father Bill Reilly
10:30 – 11:50 a.m. – Panel 1: Paula Franzese, Peter W. Rodino, professor of law, Seton Hall Law; Lori Nessel, professor of law, director, Immigrants’ Rights/International Human Rights Law Clinic, Seton Hall Law, and Detention and Deportation Defense Initiative; Dara Lind, senior fellow, American Immigration Council
Noon – Mass celebrated by Father Gerry Buonopane – Main Chapel

Break for lunch

Session II – Event Lounge, University Center
1:35 – 3:30 p.m. – Panel 2: Susan Reynolds, assistant professor of Catholic studies, Candler School of Theology, Emory University; Father Brian Strassburger, S.J., director, Del Camino Jesuit Border Ministries; Glenn Butner, associate professor of theology, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, author of Jesus the Refugee

The event will also be livestreamed – Immigration: Local and National, Religious and Ethical Perspectives – so please feel free to join us virtually if you cannot attend in person.

This event is sponsored by the University Core, Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology, the Catholic Studies Center and the Catholic Studies Program.

Categories: Faith and Service, Nation and World