News Release: Immigration from a Theological Perspective

The following press release was distributed today. Please let me know if you have any questions. I appreciate your support in helping us spread the word about this timely discussion.

http://www.udallas.edu/advancement/pr.cfm?NewsArticleID=2824&Cat=PR

UNIVERSITY OF DALLAS SCHOOL OF MINISTRY TO EXAMINE IMMIGRATION FROM A THEOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE

Panel Discussion To Include Local Leaders From Journalism, Academia and Ministry

(IRVING, Texas – October 11, 2007) – The School of Ministry (SOM) at the University of Dallas (UD) will present a panel discussion titled “Theological Perspectives on Immigration” on Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2007, at 7 p.m. in UD’s Haggerty Art History Building.  Designed as a theological reflection on the issues, the SOM hopes to make a positive contribution to this important public policy debate by featuring local leaders from the fields of journalism, academia and ministry.

“By examining such a controversial and challenging issue from a theological perspective, we hope to take the immigration debate to a higher level of analysis,” said  Dr. Brian Schmisek, Dean of the SOM.  “Our panel includes a diverse mix of leaders in the Metroplex, including accomplished scholars, social commentators and service providers who work with immigrants.  I am confident that the exchange of ideas will be both intellectually stimulating and inspirational.”

The conversation will be moderated by William McKenzie, editorial columnist for The Dallas Morning News, who has written about immigration issues and called for theologians to discuss the balance between respect for the law and the biblical order to welcome strangers. 

McKenzie will be joined by several leaders in the local theological community, including:

• Dr. John Norris of UD’s Department of Theology.  The former chair of the Department of Theology and past director of UD’s signature Rome Study Abroad Program, he offers expertise on historical theology, patristics, patristic exegesis and St. Augustine.

• Professor María Pía Septién Ramírez of UD’s SOM.  Born and raised in Mexico City, her academic interests include biblical studies and Catholic outreach to the Hispanic community.  Additionally, she has played a leading role in the offering of SOM courses in both English and Spanish.

• Reverend Owen K. Ross, founding pastor of La Fundicion de Cristo/Christ's Foundry.  Prior to establishing his current ministry, he has worked in Ecuador with the United States Peace Corps and studied in Zimbabwe.  He is also an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church.

• Sister Nancy Sullivan, Director of Mission Awareness/Justice and Peace for the Diocese of Dallas.  As a teacher, social services administrator and advocate, she has served disadvantaged populations – including large numbers of immigrants – in the United States and abroad for more than fifty years.   

About the School of Ministry (SOM)
The University of Dallas School of Ministry (formerly the Institute for Religious and Pastoral Studies) celebrated its 20th anniversary this year and is one of the fastest growing graduate schools in its field in the U.S.  The School of Ministry is widely recognized as an important center for learning theology, developing pastoral skills, and fostering spiritual growth. The School has assembled an impressive international faculty, formed strong working relationships with dioceses in the region, and developed master’s degree and certificate programs that deliver outstanding educational experiences through classroom and online instruction.
The School of Ministry meets the educational needs of more than 800 students through five strategic areas of focus: its flagship master’s degree programs that include a Summer in Rome study program; the largest Catholic Biblical School of its kind among all Catholic universities nationwide; deacon formation programs and adult faith formation programs at the parish level; and an annual ministry conference. It is a member of the Association of Graduate Programs in Ministry and the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education. For more information about the School of Ministry, visit www.udallas.edu/ministry.

About the University of Dallas
The University of Dallas, a highly regarded, nationally recognized private university, celebrated its 50-year anniversary in 2006. With more than 3,000 students, the University offers undergraduate and graduate programs in the liberal arts, sciences and business. The University of Dallas has its main campus in Irving, Texas (1845 E. Northgate Drive), along with an international campus near Rome, Italy, and satellite campuses in North Richland Hills (Tarrant County) and Frisco, Texas. For more information about the University of Dallas, go to www.udallas.edu.

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