Faith in Action: Exploring Christian Responses to Immigration
Anderson University’s PACT Symposium welcomes Immigration Connection to foster understanding and compassion through community dialogue and reflection.
Anderson University’s Peace and Conflict Transformation (PACT) will host its first event of the academic year, a symposium focusing on the theme “Christian Responses to Immigration.” The symposium will take place on Thursday, November 20, 2025, offering opportunities for both fellowship and reflection on how faith informs approaches to immigration and hospitality.
The featured guest organization is Immigration Connection, a national network devoted to extending welcome and love to immigrant neighbors. Their mission centers on providing high-quality, low-cost immigration legal services to families across the country. Rooted in Christian faith and community, Immigration Connection empowers local churches to serve immigrant families with compassion and integrity, envisioning a nation where every immigrant family has access to the support they need to thrive.
The day’s events will begin with a community lunch from noon to 1 p.m. in the Edwards Dining Room, where representatives from Immigration Connection will share about their work and engage in discussion with students, faculty, and staff. The conversation will offer a unique opportunity for the Anderson University community to hear firsthand experiences from those working on the frontlines of immigration ministry.
Later in the afternoon, Zach Szmara, executive director of Immigration Connection, will deliver the keynote lecture at 4 p.m. in Decker Hall 133. The lecture will include a time for questions, reflection, and refreshments following the presentation. Szmara’s talk will explore how faith communities can respond to immigration issues with both grace and truth—core values that align deeply with Anderson University’s mission as a “different kind of Christian university.”
Through events like the PACT Symposium, Anderson University continues to create spaces where students can explore complex issues through the lens of Christian understanding, compassion, and engagement. By inviting thoughtful speakers and fostering open conversation, the symposium encourages participants to consider how the church can play a transformative role in addressing global and local challenges with empathy and action.
About Anderson University
Anderson University educates students for lives of faith and service, offering more than 50 undergraduate majors, 30 three-year degrees, 18 NCAA Division III intercollegiate sports, alongside adult, graduate, and online programs. The private, liberal arts institution is fully accredited and recognized for excellence in business, computer science, cybersecurity, engineering, music, nursing, psychology, social work, and teacher education programs. Established in 1917 in Anderson, Indiana, by the Church of God, the university remains committed to its Christ-centered mission.
