Scottish Churches and Contemporary Migration

A conference on Migration organised by ACTS and the Scottish Churches
Wednesday 8th October 2008, 9.30 am – 4.15 pm
at the Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1SR

Download a poster for the conference, a booking form (in PDF, or Word format)

Why come to this Conference?

Over many years the lives of Scottish people have been enriched by immigrants from many parts of the world. In the last century we have seen significant numbers of migrants from Ireland, Italy, the Indian Sub Continent, Africa and, to a lesser extent, from other places. More recently, we have seen considerable numbers of new migrants coming from Poland and other Eastern European nations. These new communities within Scotland continue to enrich the Nation, and the Churches in Scotland are keen to welcome them into our midst. This Day Conference will explore many of the issues around this new migration to identify key themes and challenges to which the Churches in Scotland can make a positive contribution.

Program of the Conference

9.30 – 10.00 Registration and Coffee
10.00 – 10.15 Introductions and Prayers
10.15 – 12.15 Setting out the Scene

• 10.15 – 10.45 Introduction: Rev. Ian Galloway
• 10.45 – 11.00 Immigration Minister
• 11.00 – 11.15 Coffee/tea
• 11.15 – 12.15 Migrants, COSLA 

12.15 – 1.00 Lunch
1.00 – 2.35 Workshops

• 1.00 – 1.45 pm Workshops – Four Options
• 1.50 – 2.35 pm Workshops – Four Options

2.35 – 3.00 Coffee/tea
3.00 – 3.15 Scottish Government Minister
3.15 – 4.00 Panel
4.00 – 4.15 Conclusion, Prayers and Close

Workshops

There will be six workshops offered:

1.Migrants’ stories from Eastern Europe
2.Migrants’ story from Africa/Asia
3.Impact on communities: COSLA and CS Police.
4.Economic perspective: Agriculture; food processing industry.
5.Support organisations: Union and Gangmasters’ Licensing Authority
6.Churches: the Well Glasgow and Catholic Church Glasgow

For more infrmation contact Nelu Balaj, or the office