Welcoming the Stranger: Immigration and Migration

In this episode… We talk about Immigration and Migration and how it is impacting folkssocially and spiritually. We hear from two young adults, one from the Diocese of W. Missouriand one from the Diocese of Kansas. We are also joined by the Reverend Mtr. Sarah Shipman(Diocese of Kansas) who also serves as the Director for Episcopal Migration Ministries.About the HostsClare Stern-Burbano (she/her) is a member of the laity and currently a college, youth, and children’sminister at a parish in Kansas City, MO and third-year seminarian at Univ. of Dubuque TheologicalSeminary and a candidate for Anglican Studies at Bishop Kemper School for Ministry. She hopes of oneday becoming an Episcopal priest and is discerning in the Diocese of Kansas. Clare comes from aninterfaith family and found a spiritual home in the Episcopal Church when she was nine years old.The Rev. Karen Schlabach (she/her) is the Youth, Young Adult & Campus Missioner for the EpiscopalDiocese of Kansas. Karen was an active youth in the Kansas youth ministry program, and as a collegestudent participated in Campus Ministry at K-State, she returned as an adult volunteer in her late 20s.Karen was the Youth Minister at St. Michael and All Angels for four years, and prior to that worked as anAcademic Advisor at UTA and UMKC and Associate Registrar at UMKC. Karen has a Bachelor’s degreein Public Relations, Master’s Degree in Higher Education Administration, is an EFM graduate, andreceived a Certificate of Presbyterial Studies from the Bishop Kemper School for Ministry. She wasordained to the priesthood in January 2022. In her free time she enjoys reading novels, Lego video gameson her Switch, and being ordered around by her personal trainer. She lives in Merriam, KS, with herhusband Mike and dog Cherry.Guest Bio:The Rev. Sarah Shipman (she/her)Sarah Shipman is an Episcopal priest in the Diocese of Kansas and an attorneywho is the Director of Episcopal Migration Ministries. She has served as a cabinet secretary under two governors in Kansas as well as serving as an assistant Attorney General.Dani Mortensen (she/her)Was born and raised in Mexico and came to the states when she was 10 years old.Dani loves getting to know people and helping out whenever she can. She is a biganimal lover and especially love her two doggos Sam (German Shepherd) andKelson (Pit Bull Terrier). She enjoys occasionally having a night to do somecooking with Kelson where he gets to try everything on the menu before it’sserved! Dani found a home in the Episcopal church just 4 years ago when herthen girlfriend and now wife very enthusiastically asked her if she would join herat the first in person service of Palm Sunday during the Covid-19 pandemic. Nomatter where she went, or what Episcopal church she attended, she was greetedwith love and affirmation telling her she belonged. So she stayed. In my search fora home parish, God guided Clarke (Dani’s wife) and her to Grace and HolyTrinity Cathedral. Dani now lives in Connecticut with Clarke and their two doggoswhile Clarke completes her MDiv and hopes to become an Episcopal priest.Andy Burbano (he/him)Andy Burbano was born in and raised in Colombia S. America until he was 7 andthen moved to Panama until he was 11 and then immigrated to the United Stateswhen he was 12. Was naturalized as a USA citizen as a teenager. Andres grew upRoman Catholic and was confirmed in the Episcopal Church Oct. 2023. He hasserved in the U.S. Military as an officer and now works at an IT firm as acybersecurity engineer and manager. He is married to his almost high schoolsweetheart Clare and is excited to become a dad in Summer 2025.Relevant links:Episcopal Migration MinistriesEssential Resources for Immigrant FamiliesEpiscopal Church Immigration Action ToolkitGeneral Convention Resolutions mentioned in the podcast1985-D1132009-B0062018-C033Suggestions and Comments for the Co-hosts? Click here to submit your question or comment.  To learn more about the Episcopal Diocese of W. MO College and Young Adult Ministry click hereTo learn more about the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas Children, Youth, Young Adults, & Campus Ministry  click here All Things…Episcopal podcast is a production of The Diocese of West Missouri and Diocese of Kansas in association with Resonate Media.  Music is provided by Blue Dot sessionsOur opening theme is New Found Believers and our closing theme is After Sunrise Content source links: Some of today’s questions come from Called to Life: Reflecting on Vocation, Participant Guide, Collegeville Institute for Ecumenical and Cultural Research, 2011