Asylum-Seeking, Migration and Church (Explorations in Practical, Pastoral and Empirical Theology) - Softcover

'At the heart of the gospel is the challenge to see the face of Christ in the stranger, the migrant and the dispossessed. Susanna Snyder's book begins from the stories of those displaced by the currents of globalization, and draws hope from their resilience as well as the actions of those called to be their hosts and advocates. Underpinning all this is a profound theological reflection on our shared humanity and the divine invitation to live as people of faith, not fear.' Elaine Graham, University of Chester, UK 'As a migrant myself I deeply appreciate what Susanna Snyder has said about "flight" and "fright" as experiences shaping the migrants' self-identity and relations to the church. What makes Snyder's biblically-based reflections on migration so moving and transformative is their rootedness in her personal contacts with the migrants themselves, in their precariousness and vulnerability. I most strongly recommend this book not only to theology students but also to pastors, especially in the USA, where the number of migrants, documented and undocumented, is increasing exponentially. The book will help us make the church a welcoming home to migrants of all faiths.' Peter C. Phan, Georgetown University, USA 'A comprehensive and compelling exploration of how people of faith are at the heart of forging a new imagination about migration. In naming the movement from an ecology of fear to an ecology of faith, Snyder challenges us to see the migrant not as a threat but a gift to community. She highlights not only how the Church is reaching out to immigrants but how immigrants are transforming the Church.' Daniel Groody, University of Notre Dame, USA 'Since migration is an important contemporary social issue that is increasingly being politicised, it is vital that the Church knows how to respond. Snyder's book offers a timely contribution to this debate by exploring these issues from a Christian faith perspective, and recognising that encounters with those seeking asylum both enrich the Church and reflect the heart of God.' Church Times 'The book, which includes a very valuable appendix on church-based organizations that assist migrant, refugee, and asylum seekers, is an excellent resource for courses in Christian ethics, practical theology, missiology, social justice courses and migration studies.' Theological Studies '... readers will find themselves drawn into [Snyder's] arguments and research.' Migration Australia '...[Snyder's] sustained attention to the situation of asylum seekers in the UK offers a fascinating comparative lens through which to see unauthorized immigration in the U.S.' International Migration Review 'Susanna Snyder's book, Asylum-Seeking, Migration, and Church, is a truly valuable contribution to the growing literature on migration, religion, and the church. She situates the book within the field of practical theology, yet brings its concerns into critical conversation with Christian scriptural and theological traditions. The book focuses on asylum seekers in Great Britain who find themselves in similar forms of liminality to that of undocumented immigrants in the United States.' Anglican and Episcopal History 'This book offers not only an extensive discussion of the experience of assylum-seeking but also transformative and insightful theological reflection on the issue. ... remarkably relevant to the Christian ministry involved in issues around asylum seeking, immigration, and multiculturalism.' Touchstone 'Snyder's aim is to reflect on church engagement with migrants so as to transform and liberate that practice. The book makes a sort of migration between disciplines, linking the inchoate field of forced migration studies with biblical studies and practical theology. Its most valuable contributions come in two forms: biblical meditations on fear and faith toward migrants, and proposals for the churches' encounters with migrants.' Modern Theology

Asylum-Seeking, Migration and Church addresses one of the most pressing issues confronting contemporary society. How are we to engage with migrants? Drawing on studies of church engagement with asylum seekers in the UK and critical immigration and refugee issues in North America, Snyder presents an extended theological reflection on both the issue of asylum-seeking and the fears of established populations surrounding immigration. This book outlines ways in which churches are currently supporting asylum seekers, encouraging closer engagement with people seen as 'other' and more thoughtful responses to newcomers. Creatively exploring biblical and theological traditions surrounding the 'stranger', Snyder argues that as well as practising a vision of inclusive community churches would do well to engage with established population fears. Trends in global migration and the dynamics of fear and hostility surrounding immigration are critically and creatively explored throughout the book. Inviting more complex, nuanced responses to asylum seekers and immigrants, this book offers invaluable insights to those interested in Christian ethics, practical theology, social work, mission and faith and social action, as well as those working in the field of migration.