EPISODE 7 - The Local Church
The Big Picture
In this final episode of TDBI’s You Welcomed Me, prominent Christian leaders discuss the important role churches play in national change as it relates to the treatment of immigrants and refugees. This rich, deeply spiritual, and inspiring conversation features engaging discourse on practical applications of Biblical texts in how we love, help, and come alongside immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers in our churches, neighborhoods, states, and country. Listeners will find hope and advice for achieving real and lasting change in the hearts of Americans and the laws of the land.
Hosted by Rev. Dr. Walter Kim
Dr. Walter Kim became the president of the National Association of Evangelicals in January 2020. He also serves as pastor for leadership at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Charlottesville, Virginia, after ministering for 15 years at Boston’s historic Park Street Church. Kim received his Ph.D. from Harvard University in Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations, his M.Div. from Regent College in Vancouver, and his B.A. from Northwestern University. He regularly speaks at college campuses, churches, retreats and symposia, particularly in the areas of biblical theology and cultural issues.
Featuring
Presiding Bishop Michael Curry
The Most Rev. Michael Bruce Curry is the 27th Presiding Bishop and Primate of The Episcopal Church. He is the Chief Pastor and serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Church and elected to a nine-year term. Presiding Bishop Curry graduated with high honors from Hobart College in Geneva, NY, in 1975. He received a Master of Divinity degree in 1978 from Yale University Divinity School in New Haven, CT. He has furthered his education with continued study at The College of Preachers, Princeton Theological Seminary, Wake Forest University, the Ecumenical Institute at St. Mary’s Seminary, and the Institute of Christian Jewish Studies. Presiding Bishop Curry has received honorary degrees from Episcopal Divinity School; Sewanee: The University of the South; Virginia Theological Seminary; and Yale. He is married to the former Sharon Clement, and they have two adult daughters, Rachel and Elizabeth.
Fr. James Martin, SJ
Fr James Martin, S.J., is a Jesuit priest, author, and Editor at Large at America Magazine: The Jesuit Review. He is a frequent commentator in the media about issues of religion and spirituality and is known for his appearances on The Colbert Report and his robust social media presence. Father Martin worked for two years with Jesuit Refugee Service/East Africa in Nairobi, Kenya, where he helped East African refugees start small businesses, and co-founded a refugee handicraft shop called The Mikono Centre. He received his Master’s in Divinity (M.Div) in 1998 at Weston Jesuit School of Theology (now Boston College School of Theology and Ministry), in Cambridge, Mass., and his Master’s in Theology (Th.M.) in 1999.
Ms. Jenny Yang
Jenny Yang is SVP of Advocacy and Policy at World Relief and provides oversight for all advocacy initiatives and policy positions. She has worked in the Resettlement section of World Relief as the Senior Case Manager and East Asia Program Officer, where she focused on advocacy for refugees in the East Asia region and managed the entire refugee caseload for World Relief. Prior to World Relief, she worked at one of the largest political fundraising firms in Maryland managing fundraising and campaigning for local politicians. She is co-author of Welcoming the Stranger: Justice, Compassion and Truth in the Immigration Debate, serves as Chair of the Refugee Council USA (RCUSA) Africa Work Group, and was named one of the “50 Women to Watch” by Christianity Today.
Resources
Bishops on the Border
Catholic Relief Services
Episcopal Migration Ministries
Evangelical Immigration Table
I Was a Stranger Challenge Bookmark
The Jesuit Refugee Service