October 14, 2013

Reverends John Fife and Gene Levebre

Immigration reform is stalled in Congress.  That’s the bad news. The good news is that we can still put on the pressure for better legislation.

The Presenters will describe what’s actually happening along the Arizona border with Mexico, an intolerable situation rife with abuse, human suffering and death.  They will also cover the Immigration Reform controversy, the “fatal flaws” in proposed legislation and credible efforts to eliminate them.  Not only will they bring to light the truth regarding enforcement enhancement and militarization measures along our border, they will show how these measures have real social and economic consequences for our future.  

Last but not least, they  will discuss their own dynamic, volunteer-based efforts to alleviate conditions, save lives and provide critical humanitarian assistance to migrants crossing the Arizona desert.

The Speakers

John Fife and Gene LefebvreJohn Fife is Pastor Emeritus of the Southside Presbyterian Church in Tucson. Gene Lefebvre, born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, served as a pastor in four Presbyterian churches in California and Arizona, and two United Church of Christ churches in Arizona.
John Fife is Pastor Emeritus of the Southside Presbyterian Church in Tucson where he has served for 35 years.  He holds a Master of Divinity degree from the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and honorary Doctorates from Macalester College and Washington and Jefferson College. He co-founded both the Sanctuary Movement in 1982 and No More Deaths in 2003 along with Gene Lefebvre.  He also founded Samaritans, which like No More Deaths, is dedicated to humanitarian aid to migrants in the Sonoran Desert.  John Fife is a revered supporter of the undocumented migrant community and an inspiring speaker on the need for a more humane policy on border security and ethical treatment of migrants.
Gene Lefebvre, born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, served as a pastor in four Presbyterian churches in California and Arizona, and two United Church of Christ churches in Arizona. He was Moderator of the Presbytery of the Grand Canyon and has led conferences at Ghost Ranch Presbyterian Center. He served as President of the Phoenix YMCA, and was involved in many social issues in that city. He is one of the co-founders of No More Deaths.  He was heavily involved in the Sanctuary Movement in the 1980s in Phoenix helping refugees move into Churches.  At the time he was also President of the Arizona Sanctuary Defense Fund raising money for the defense of Sanctuary workers put on trial in Arizona.  In 2012 he received the National Freedom from Fear Award.  In retirement he remains active in immigration and other justice issues.

Where

St. John’s College, Junior Commons Room. On October 14, 2013, from 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm

Sold Out

Parking

The Visitors Parking Lot is on your left as you enter campus. A few handicapped parking spaces are located at the Visitor’s Circle right in front of the fishpond area and below the Peterson Student Center. A few more are located behind the Peterson Center as follows. Just before the Visitor’s Circle, look for the fork in the road where you would normally drive to the left to get to the Visitors’ Parking Circle just below the Peterson Center. Instead, turn right and follow the drive up to the other parking area. There are two or three handicapped parking spaces on the left. Please note that this parking lot is not open to the public, but handicapped folks are allowed to park in the designated spaces.