Sanctuary and Subjectivity: Thinking Theologically about Whiteness and Sanctuary Movements

The Sanctuary Movement of the 1980s was a movement led by white religious liberals to house Central Americans fleeing dictatorships supported by the US government. This book focuses on the movement's whiteness by centering the voices of recipients of sanctuary and taking their critiques seriously. It proposes a new theoretical framework for thinking about practice by introducing Judith Butlers theories of subjectivation and arguing for ethnographically engaged theology that can understand fugitivity.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 19 October 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The Sanctuary Movement of the 1980s was a transformative movement driven by white religious liberals who provided shelter to Central Americans fleeing oppressive regimes backed by the United States government. This movement gave these individuals a powerful platform to raise awareness about the dire situations in their home countries. At the heart of this book lies a deep exploration of the movement's whiteness, centering the voices of those who sought sanctuary and taking their critiques seriously. Through a combination of interviews with key participants and auto-ethnographic research, the author crafts an account that delves into the limitations of sanctuary and the ongoing struggles for agency among its recipients.

By situating the sanctuary as a site for theological reflection, the book offers a fresh perspective on some of the most pressing issues confronting the Church today. It explores the possibilities of testimony, the role of the Holy Spirit in the movement, ecclesiology, and mercy. The author argues for an ethnographically engaged theology that moves beyond the confines of virtue and excellence to understand the complexities of fugitivity.

Through this lens, the book proposes a new theoretical framework for thinking about practice. It introduces readers to Judith Butler's theories of subjectivation, which emphasize the performative nature of identity and the ways in which individuals are shaped by social and cultural norms. The author advocates for an ethnographically engaged theology that is capable of navigating the complexities of fugitivity and recognizing the agency of those who seek sanctuary.

The Sanctuary Movement of the 1980s was a powerful testament to the resilience and determination of those who faced persecution and violence in their home countries. This book serves as a valuable contribution to the ongoing conversation about the role of the Church in responding to global crises and promoting justice and compassion. By exploring the movement's whiteness and advocating for an ethnographically engaged theology, it offers a new way of thinking about practice that can inspire and empower individuals and communities to work towards a more just and equitable world.

Weight: 352g
Dimension: 156 x 234 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780567711281