Asylum, Refuge, and Relocation

In February 2017, LAMP hosted its third symposium on asylum and refugee relocation. The program was created to raise public awareness of the issues refugees face and outline how concerned people can help address these issues.
A collaboration of the Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts at Georgia Institute of Technology and the Candler School of Theology at Emory University, the Leadership and Multifaith Program (LAMP) is made possible through the generous support of H. Bruce McEver, The Foundation for Religious Literacy, and The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations.

Symposium

The 2017 Leadership and Multifaith Program (LAMP) symposium raised public awareness and provided resources for students, faculty, religious congregations, and community leaders in Atlanta who work with immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers or care about issues of global migration. The event began with a film screening and discussion with the directors of After Spring, a documentary on the Syrian refugee crisis executive produced by Jon Stewart and directed by Ellen Martinez and Stephanie Ching. 

In keeping with the LAMP vision to promote multifaith understanding in a religiously plural society, the following speakers and workshop leaders addressed questions of migration from a variety of perspectives, including legal advocacy, spiritual care, education, interfaith action, and community organizing. 

By highlighting action steps and opportunities for partnership, this third annual LAMP symposium worked across religious and academic boundaries to promote strong communities, a vibrant nation, and a peaceful and prosperous world.

► Keynote Address, Derreck Kayongo, Chief Executive Officer of the Center for Civil and Human Rights

► Deanna Ferree Womack, Leadership and Multifaith Program, Director, Assistant Professor at Candler School of Theology

► Ellen Martinez, Director of After Spring

► Stephanie Ching, Director of After Spring

► Laura Bier, Georgia Tech

► Juan Carlos Rodriguez, Georgia Tech

► Heather J. Sharkey, University of Pennsylvania

► Emmanuel Lartey, Candler School of Theology at Emory

► Rev. Fahed Abu-Akel, Atlanta Presbytery

► Alan Howard, Islamic Speakers Bureau

► Azadeh Shahshahani, Project South

► Rhina Fernandes Williams, Georgia State University

► Kristina Brezicha, Georgia State University

► Michelle Maziar, Welcoming Atlanta

► Luisa Cardona, Welcoming Atlanta

► Amilcar Valencia, El Rufgio

► Melanie Johnson, Lutheran Services of Georgia & Friends in Hope

► Leanne Rubenstein, Compassionate Atlanta

► Silas Allard, Center for the Study of Law and Religion at Emory University