Toward a Theology of Migration: Social Justice and Religious Experience

At no other time in the history of the world is the movement of people at such a large scale that scholars consider the current period as the age of migration. Beyond the density, velocity, and multi-directionality, however, the often conflicting and tragic nature of contemporary global migration makes a compelling case for theological reflection. The book explores the problems and possibilities that the experience of migrants brings to Christian theology by reflecting on the religious dimension as well as the social justice implications of the migrant experience. More specifically, the book reflects on the Christian vision of 'one bread, one body, one people' in view of the gifts and challenges of contemporary global migration to Christian systematic theology, social ethics, spirituality, mission, ministry, and inculturation based on the experience of refugees, unauthorized poor migrants, migrant workers, and migrant women.

"Dr. Cruz's book presents a thorough and articulate theology of migration by drawing from Catholic social teaching and religious experience and practices of migrants, especially migrant women. Based on many years of research, the book provides new lenses to look at inculturation, mission, and spirituality beyond borders. I recommend it enthusiastically." - Kwok Pui-lan, William F. Cole Professor of Christian Theology and Spirituality, Episcopal Divinity School, USA.

"Gemma Cruz has produced an impressive synthesis of the growing body of literature on migration in relation to religion and social justice. Well researched, engaging, and using an interdisciplinary methodology, this work succeeds in being at once substantive, comprehensive and original. Researchers and teachers, social workers, activists, and ministers will find Cruz' analysis compelling and thought provoking. This volume offers pertinent readings for classes in women's, religious, theological and intercultural studies, to name just a few of the areas illuminated by this remarkable, wide-ranging study." - Allan Figueroa Deck, SJ, Professor and Casassa Chair of Catholic Social Values, Loyola Marymount University, USA.

Offering a theology of migration, Cruz reflects on the Christian vision of 'one bread, one body, one people' in view of the gifts and challenges of contemporary migration to Christian spirituality, mission, and inculturation and the need for reform of migration policies based on the experience of refugees, migrant women, and others.

Gemma Tulud Cruz taught in the United States before moving to Australia where she is currently Senior Lecturer in Theology at Australian Catholic University in Melbourne, Australia. She is author of An Intercultural Theology of Migration and about forty essays on migration and other topics. She has given lectures and conference papers on migration in Europe, Asia, North America, and Australia.

Introduction: Migration as Locus for Theological Reflection

PART I: MIGRATION AND SOCIAL JUSTICE

1. Living on the Edge: Migration, Globalization, and the Unskilled Worker

2. Old Challenges, New Contexts and Strategies: The Experience of Migrant Women

3. Citizen-Disciples: An Ethical Roadmap for Migration Reform

PART II: MIGRATION AND RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE

4. Journeying (Together) in Faith: Migration, Religion, and Mission

5. Toward an Intercultural Church: Migration and Inculturation

6. A Pilgrim People: Migration and Spirituality

Conclusion: One Bread, One Body, One People