The State of Alabama has become deeply polarized over the issue of illegal immigration. The Work Area on Church and Society has determined to create opportunities and events that will help the culture learn from the church how to disagree on difficult issues in a Christian manner.
Because so much is at stake in the conversation about HB 56, each side has explained the contents of the law from a particular point of view. Lawyers and Work Area members Will Parker and Craig Baab have worked together to develop a presentation on what the law actually says. Will and Craig are on opposite sides of the legal fight in their professional lives. Will works for the Attorney General's office on the case to defend the law. Craig works for the Appleseed Foundation, which has participated in the suit against the law. Will will offer the presentation, but as a member of the Work Area and not representing the views or perspectives of Attorney General's office. This may be the only opportunity you will have to hear what the law actually says from a truly fair and balanced perspective.
I will talk about the Social Principles and General Conference Resolutions related to illegal immigration. I will also share some thoughts on the very public opposition to the law that came from our bishops (particularly the one from North Alabama). I will share something about the religious issues related to the law.
Martha Rovira, Director of Hispanic Ministries for the Alabama West Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church, will share her experience of the impact of HB 56 on the ministries of the United Methodist Church.
With so much noise in the culture on such a contentious topic, the church has become one of the few places that a conversation can be held with open heart and open mind. Please consider joining us.
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