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Episcopal Church offers June 1 webinar on refugee integration

May 19, 2021
Office of Public Affairs

Event includes panelists, Q&A

In order to help The Episcopal Church’s community learn more about the refugee reception process, Episcopal Migration Ministries and The Episcopal Church’s Office of Government Relations will host a webinar on Tuesday, June 1, from 4 to 5 p.m. ET. Welcoming Our Newest Neighbors: How Americans and The Episcopal Church Integrate Refugees into Their Communities will include a moderated panel discussion followed by a question-and-answer session with the audience.

The webinar will feature the following experts:

  • Jessica Darrow, Assistant Instructional Professor, the Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice, the University of Chicago
  • Drocella Mugorewera, Executive Director of Bridge Refugee Services Inc. and Refugee Congress Delegate
  • Rachel Peric, Executive Director, Welcoming America

This year marks the 41st anniversary of the 1980 Refugee Act, landmark legislation that provided humanitarian protection to displaced populations fleeing persecution. The Refugee Act established the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, which now partners with nine non-governmental organizations, including Episcopal Migration Ministries, to resettle refugees in communities across the United States.

In addition to this partnership between the U.S. government and civil society organizations, new organizations such as Welcoming America have emerged to help communities and their political, business, and faith leaders assist with the integration of refugees and immigrants. Although these efforts have strengthened the reception of refugees across the U.S., the work continues to refine ways to receive new populations and help them integrate into their new homes.

Register here for the free webinar.

About Episcopal Migration Ministries

Episcopal Migration Ministries is a ministry of The Episcopal Church and is one of nine national agencies responsible for resettling refugees in the United States in partnership with the government. Episcopal Migration Ministries has 12 affiliate offices in 10 states. In addition to its long-standing work in refugee resettlement ministry, Episcopal Migration Ministries is The Episcopal Church’s convening place for collaboration, education, and information-sharing on migration. To directly support EMM and its life-changing work, visit www.episcopalmigrationministries.org/give or text ‘EMM’ to 41444 (standard messaging and data may rates apply).

About the Office of Government Relations:

The Office of Government Relations represents the policy priorities of The Episcopal Church to the U.S. government in Washington, D.C. The office aims to shape and influence policy and legislation on critical issues, highlighting the voices and experiences of Episcopalians and Anglicans globally. All policy positions are based on General Convention and Executive Council resolutions, the legislative and governing bodies of The Episcopal Church.