His Beatitude Bechara Peter Rai, Patriarch of Antioch, leader of the Maronite Catholic Church and strong proponent for peace in the Middle East. Patriarch Rai is leading the Maronite Church on his motto of "Communion and Love."
The Patriarch of Antioch will also address the question of refugees in the context of Lebanon and will discuss the need for an inter-religious dialogue to spread the spirit of freedom, democracy and human rights in the region.

U.S. Rep Luis Vicente Gutiérrez, D-Illinois has served since 1993 and was the first Latino to be elected to Congress from the Midwest. He is regarded as the "national leader on comprehensive immigration reform."

The conference will also consider: the experience of immigrants from Asia and Latin America, reasons for the immigration of those who come without documents, practical problems immigrants face, such as health care and education, including a panel discussion about Casa de Salud, a St. Louis clinic open to Latino immigrants - regardless of legal status - and supported by Saint Louis University, and ethical questions regarding the treatment of refugees and immigrants.

For more information please visit immigration.slu.edu or http://www.slu.edu/x47044.xml