A Community Comes Together at First Presbyterian for a Thoughtful Conversation on Immigration in East Tennessee

Earlier this week, First Presbyterian Church provided space for an evening conversation on immigration in East Tennessee, hosted by the Knox Area Multi-Faith Clergy Alliance. Around 100 people from a range of faith traditions, including First Presbyterian members, gathered to listen, learn, and reflect together, an encouraging sign of a community willing to engage meaningful and often complex questions.

The forum offered insight into how immigration policies are being experienced in our local community. Meghan Conley, a professor at the University of Tennessee who studies immigration and its impact in our state, provided a clear and informative overview. Following her presentation, two community members shared personal stories that gave voice to the real experiences of families facing uncertainty and separation. Their words grounded the conversation in lived reality, reminding us that these issues are not abstract—they are deeply human.

It was a powerful night, not because it offered easy answers, but because it created space for careful listening, faithful conversation, and a deeper awareness of our neighbors’ lives. As people of faith, we are called to respond with compassion, humility, and a willingness to walk alongside others, trusting that God is at work even in difficult and complicated places.

One meaningful way to take a next step is by getting involved with Bridge Refugee Services, one of our mission partners. They offer opportunities to walk alongside immigrant and refugee families in practical, tangible ways. You can learn more and sign up to volunteer here: https://www.bridgerefugees.org/volunteer.