One Family Under God: A Theological Perspective on Immigration for Christian Social Workers
Immigration is currently at the forefront of national debate. Immigration policy is a complex matter that deeply and personally affects families and communities and requires both justice and compassion. How are we as social workers to respond to this issue at our time? This workshop explores the international, political, and social context of immigration today, scriptural and theological foundations to guide our response and current policies and practices that invite response. Resources for further prayer, reflection and education are also made available.
As a result of this training, participants will be able to:
1. Articulate 3 scriptural and/or theological teachings that can be used to inform a response to immigration issues at both a micro and macro level.
2. Name 2 aspects of the current context for practice with immigrants in each of the following categories: international realities, resettlement challenges and current federal and state policies.
3. Formulate what further reflection and study they might commit to and how they will respond in their personal context in light of what they have learned.
Stephanie Spandl, MSW, LICSW, MAT, A School Sister of Notre Dame, is a clinical social worker specializing in mental health and case management services with immigrants/refugees. She obtained a dual Master's degree in Social Work and Theology at St. Catherine University/University of St. Thomas. Stephanie currently ministers at MORE, a community-based nonprofit, as a clinical social worker. She has worked with refugees for 20 years in a variety of capacities including mental health and has actively participated in the immigration committee of her local province of the School Sisters of Notre Dame.