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Bioethics in the MarginsAuthor: Kirk Johnson and Amelia Barwise
Who we are: We are a collaborative of bioethics scholars interested in creating a more inclusive space to explore topics relevant to bioethics and the medical humanities while advancing equity and social change/restitution. Although we found our shared interests through our membership in the American Society for Bioethics and Humanities Race Affinity Group, we are independent of ASBH and any other organization. The views expressed in this podcast are our own and the speakers and do not represent our employers, institutions, or professional societies. Mission: Bioethics in the Margins aims to include topics, guests and audiences who are not always highlighted in mainstream bioethics discourse. We will focus on structural inequity and the role bioethics can play in social change. We aim to move beyond traditional bioethics frameworks and intentionally draw on intersectionality, social justice, racial justice, disability ethics, women, LGBTQ ethics, and topics specific to Black, immigrant/refugee, Native American, Latinx populations. Hosts: Kirk Johnson, Amelia Barwise Team Members: Gargi Pandey, Creative Director; Madeline Mahoney, Sound Editor; Wendy Jiang, Social Media Manager; Nicolle Strand, Advisor; Liz Chuang, Producer Language: en Genres: Philosophy, Religion & Spirituality, Society & Culture Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Sanctuary Churches: A Moral Imperative
Episode 4
Monday, 22 December, 2025
We close out Season 8 with a very special episode that is particularly poignant in this holiday season when people of many faiths are called to reflect on our core values. We are joined by Reverend Jackson who is currently the Associate Conference Minister for Justice and Witness Ministries in the Central Atlantic Conference in the United Church of Christ. Reverend Jackson has been the pastor at the United Church of Christ of Seneca Valley in Germantown, Maryland since 2016. She earned her Master of Divinity degree in 2012 from Wesley Theological Seminary. She also holds a Master of Social Work from Fordham University and a Bachelor's in Social Relations and Public Policy from Michigan State University.In this conversation, Reverend Jackson discusses the evolving role of sanctuary churches in the context of immigration and the legal risks they face. Since the withdrawal of federal guidance designating protected locations such as churches went into effect, it is more difficult for churches to provide sanctuary for refugees at risk for being deported to dangerous and life-threatening situations. A coalition of religious organizations has since brought a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security arguing that this policy violates the right to expression of faith and freedom of religion.Reverend Jackson discusses the theological and moral imperative to support immigrants that arises from multiple biblical texts, and the calling on Christians to take risks for their faith. Reverend Jackson advocates for a proactive approach to community involvement and the need for churches to educate themselves about local laws and the realities of immigration. Churches must advocate for their rights to practice their faith without government interference. She reminds us that love for one's neighbor is a core tenant of Christian faith. The biblical texts clearly demonstrate that this imperative applies to all people around us, regardless of status.Links to organizations proving support to immigrants:https://www.ilrc.orghttps://unitedwedream.org
