Mohrenweiser Lecture Series

This talk will consider two contemporary problems of collective moral action — the care of the planet and the care of migrants — and argue for linking these problems. The talk will draw on Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s account of responsibilities to the “coming generation” to present a framework for ethical reflection and action in our times and looking forward. It will offer guidance for community-level responses by congregations, organizations, and municipal leaders.

Nancy Berlinger is a Hastings Center research scholar whose work focuses on two major themes: societal challenges arising from population aging, and the role of health practitioners, systems, and policymakers in the care and well-being of migrants. These themes reflect her longstanding interests in decision-making and care concerning serious illness and near the end of life, safety and harm in health systems, and the moral dimensions of care work. Berlinger is a graduate of Smith College and received a doctorate in English literature from the University of Glasgow and a Master of Divinity, with a focus on ethics, from Union Theological Seminary. 

Panelists

• The Rev. David Vasquez-Levy President of Pacific School of Religion, Berkeley, California
• The Rev. Sofia Betancourt Associate Professor of Unitarian Universalist Theologies and Ethics, Starr King School for the Ministry, Berkeley, California
• The Rev. Deborah Lee Executive Director of the Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity, Oakland, California

Schedule

• 9 a.m. – Lecture Q&A
• 10:15 a.m. – Break
• 10:30 a.m. – Panel response 
• 11:30 a.m.  – Break
• 1 p.m.  – Workshop
• 2:30 p.m.  – Finish

The Mohrenweiser Lecture Series has been established to address moral and ethical decision points between the practices of faith, science and medicine. This is a free event.

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