Immigration discussion seeks 'fresh perspective'

Keirstin Westfallen
Staff Writer
On February 8, Elgin Community College’s University & Business Center was filled with the attendees of “Come to The Table: Who is My Neighbor?” an interfaith immigration discussion sponsored by the Coalition of Elgin Religious Leaders, Judson University, Elgin Community College, the Human Relations Commission of the City of Elgin and Unity in the Community. Joel Kline of the Coalition of Elgin Religious Leaders said the event’s purpose was to foster respectful and holy dialogue on the subject of immigration.

The event’s format included fifteen-minute discussion period related to one of three immigration stories told to the attendees. Each of these stories focused on a different issue of immigration, such as family separation, assimilation and legal considerations.

The questions asked in discussion were pointed at making attendees personally relate to the story before thinking about practical policy issues. Upon arrival, a guest was randomly assigned a table number where they would be able to take part in these discussions under the guidance of a facilitator.

"We will be a much stronger nation and city when everyone has equal access to conversation," said Judson University president Jerry Cain.

Since the event focused on an interfaith perspective and “holy” dialogue, the discussions followed three faithbased presentations. Included were perspectives from Baha’i, Christian and Jewish leaders.

“We’re not coming with an answer," Kline told the group. "We’re not coming with one solution. We have the conviction that our community will be better if we can have respectful dialogue if we treat one another as human beings, not as commodities or statistics.”

Closing the event, Kline provided the attendees with an opportunity for one last conversation with their discussion tables. This five-minute-long discussion gave attendees an opportunity to share things they may have learned or any sense of increased awareness gained through the event. Dean of Students Carol Cowles was hopeful attendees would leave the discussion with a fresh perspective.