On Tuesday, September 20, Jim Wallis, a bestselling author, public theologian, and social activist, led this year’s Christensen Symposium. Wallis discussed topics from his recent book, America’s Original Sin: Racism, White Privilege, and the Bridge to a New America.
Members of the Carnival de Resistance provided opening music for the convocation. They are a traveling arts carnival and ceremonial theater company, a village demonstration project exploring ecological practices, and an education and social outreach project; all focusing on ecological justice and radical theology.
Auggies discussing the Bridge to a New America with Jim Wallis! @AugsburgCollege pic.twitter.com/S7XPOznyvh
— ACYTI (@AugsburgACYTI) September 20, 2016
Following Wallis’ address, students Grace Corbin, Winnie Godi, and Nick Stewart-Bloch responded with their own reflections.
Later that day, discussion continued with a community panel, “The Bridge Toward More Just Communities: What Needs to Happen”. The event was moderated by former ELCA Bishop Mark Hanson, and included: Pastor Kelly Chatman, Redeemer Lutheran Church, North Minneapolis; Nora Barr: Augsburg Alumna; Devin Wiggs: Augsburg Student; Fardosa Hassan: Muslim Student Advisor to Campus Ministry, and a response from Jim Wallis.
Many thanks to all of the student respondents, panelists, and Augsburg community for engaging in these important conversations!