Pittsburgh immigrant workshop to stress ‘theology of welcome’

Stephen Huba | Monday, July 29, 2019 11:58 a.m.

Eric Gay | AP Photo

An immigrant from Central America seeking asylum rests on a cot at Travis Park Church, San Antonio, which served as a makeshift shelter in April.

Pittsburgh Theological Seminary is holding a two-day workshop in September to help clergy and religious leaders be more welcoming to immigrants.

The workshop, “Allies in Faith: Encouraging Hospitality to Immigrants,” is scheduled for Sept. 11-12 at the East Liberty seminary, 616 N. Highland Ave., and is being held in conjunction with Christian Associates of Southwest Pennsylvania.

An estimated 20,000 immigrants have moved into Southwestern Pennsylvania in the last decade, according to the seminary.

The workshop, to be led by a team of professors, experts and recent immigrants, will cover such topics as “a theology of welcome,” local resources and how to conduct a congregational and neighborhood assessment.

An online application must be completed by Aug. 25.

Complementary housing is available on campus for out-of-town participants.