Debating Religion and Forced Migration Entanglements

“This volume casts new light on an age-old issue--the role of religion in forced migration. With chapters by both academics and practitioners, it contributes immensely to our knowledge of forced migration and religion.”

—Susan Martin, Donald G. Herzberg Professor Emerita of International Migration, Georgetown University

“A welcome addition to the expanding literature on religion and forced migration. It both expands the theoretical framing of how we think about the religion and forced migration nexus and enriches the available case studies. By combining perspectives from both advocates and scholars, this book breaks down the false dichotomy between them.”

—Dianna Shandy, Professor of Anthropology, Macalester College and Scholar-in-Residence, Elon University

This open access book brings into dialogue migration and religion scholars with spiritual leaders and representatives of faith-based organizations assisting refugees.  Migration has always been part of spiritual development. The current 'refugee crisis' has brought to the fore debates regarding the role of religion in defining difference, linking the ‘refugee crisis’ with Islam, and fear of the ‘Other.’ Many religious leaders and politicians invoke religious values and call for strict border controls while many humanitarians use religious values to welcome and assist refugees. This book focuses on politics and discourses mobilized by religious beliefs; lived experiences of religion; and faith actors’ responses to forced migration.

Elżbieta M. Goździak is Visiting Professor in the Center for Migration Studies, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland.

Izabella Main is Associate Professor in the Department of Anthropology and Ethnology and Director of the Centre for Migration Studies at the Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland.