Spring 2018 More Light Teach-In Series: Caring for LGBTQ Refugees and Asylum Seekers

At More Light, we often hear from congregational leaders who have active ministries to both LGBTQ people and refugees, and who want to be a better source of support to both populations but may be unsure how best to do so.

More Light is proud to be co-sponsoring this event with Presbyterian Disaster Assistance.

 

This 3-part series will address the ways in which congregations can better serve LGBTQ refugees, and asylum seekers. In the series we will discuss:

  • Language and terminology related to the experiences of LGBTQ refugees and asylum seekers
  • Provide people with a theological/biblical grounding for the importance of responsible ministry with LGBTQ refugees and asylum seekers
  • Give a snapshot of the current landscape for LGBTQ refugees and asylum seekers, including the detainment process
  • Provide congregations with tangible ways they can support LGBTQ refugees and asylum seekers

Online Teach-Ins FAQ

Series Trainer: Susan Krehbiel

Susan Krehbiel has over 25 years of experience in refugee and asylum ministries, primarily through faith-based non-profits.  For most of her career she has worked in both the development of direct service programs and public policies. Of particular significance to her was her work developing new national programs and policies to protect unaccompanied children seeking asylum and the 2 years plus she spent in South America helping establish new resettlement countries.

Susan works for Presbyterian Disaster Assistance to coordinate PC(USA) humanitarian response with refugees and asylum seekers and advocacy on their behalf, by inspiring, connecting and equipping the denomination and local congregations to carry out these ministries. In addition to her work for PDA, Susan works for the Presbytery of Baltimore.  She is married to Norman Lazarus and is a ruling elder and member of Catonsville Presbyterian Church in Baltimore County, Maryland.

Part 1 – What will we learn?

  • Language and terminology related to the experiences of LGBTQ refugees and asylum seekers
  • A theological/biblical grounding for the importance of responsible ministry with LGBTQ refugees and asylum seekers
  • A general understanding of the circumstances LGBTQI refugees coming into the U.S. face
  • Ways congregations can have the conversation about the WHY

Learn more and Register for Part 1

Part 2 – What will we learn?

  • The current landscape for refugees and people seeking asylum
  • The Detainment Process/current landscape
  • The Cycle for Asylum Seekers – Asylees
  • The reality of the processes on people’s lives

Learn more and Register for Part 2

Part 3 will address ways for people to engage, including:

  • Support for people in detention
  • Support for people in our local communities, and how to identify community-based projects
  • Advocacy for just and humane policies
  • Lifting up projects being led by people who’ve been formerly detained, people who are LGBTQ – people who are organizing within their community

Learn more and Register for Part 3