Martin Waweru Kamau, S.J. (Kenya)
Abstract:
Migration is ultimately a process of realizing dignity. The reasons for migration are, above everything else, to seek human dignity. Notwithstanding the many determinants of migration related to microeconomics and social motivations, significantly, large numbers of “people on the move” today are involuntarily or forced to migrate. Presently in Africa, forcible displacements are due to political struggles, civil conflicts, drought and famine, among other issues. These factors have resulted in an influx of cross-border migration. Relatively stable countries, for example Kenya, are on the receiving end. They have to bear the burden of receiving those seeking asylum. The phenomenon of forced migration has become a “sign of the times,” a locus, a via and a location for contextual migration theology. Contemporary migration theology has a task to establish how the context of forcibly displaced migrants in Kenyan camps is a space for contemplating the presence or absence of God. This context is a new territory of mission for the Church; mission with and from the margins. The local Church in Kenya must move to this camp-territory of risk and vulnerability and must respond adequately to the needs of forcibly displaced migrants in extended asylum. She is mandated to promote the reign of God through the missionary diaconal ministry of service, love, solidarity and sacramental communion. It is here in these territories that the Church builds bridges that are sources of hope through renewed commitment to a transformative pastoral praxis. Hence, this study argues that people enduring violation of their dignity have the right to be protected and they can seek that protection across borders.
Final Defense:
Board of Examiners: Fr. Mariano Cisco, C.S., S.T.L., S.T.D. cand. (Principal Examiner), Fr. James Kroeger, M.M., D.Miss., and Fr. Jojo Fung, S.J., Ph.D.
Proposal Defense:
Board of Examiners: Fr. James Kroeger, M.M., D.Miss. (Adviser), Fr. Mariano Cisco, C.S., S.T.L., S.T.D. cand., and Fr. Romeo Intengan, S.J., M.D., S.T.L.