Beyond Welcome: Centering Immigrants in Our Christian Response to Immigration

book

by Karen González, Brazos Press, MI, October 18, 2022

Description

Many American Christians have good intentions, working hard to welcome immigrants with hospitality and solidarity. But how can we do that in a way that empowers our immigrant neighbors rather than pushing them to the fringes of white-dominant culture and keeping them as outsiders? That's exactly the question Karen Gonzexplores in "Beyond Welcome."

A Guatemalan immigrant, González draws from the Bible and her own experiences to examine why the traditional approach to immigration ministries and activism is at best incomplete and at worst harmful. By advocating for putting immigrants in the center of the conversation, González helps readers grow in discipleship and recognize themselves in their immigrant neighbors.

Features

First-person experience in community integration
Christian perspective on immigration and social justice

Recommended Audience

Clergy and lay leaders

Cost

Purchase as book, e-book or audio book

Practical Applications

Use this book to reflect on how your congregation receives immigrants and learn ways to help empower others to be a truly valued and seen part of your community.
Read and become familiar with this book to gain a theological base for welcoming and supporting immigrant communities.

Updated: January 08, 2025

About the Contributor

Miriam V. Quezada Mendez

Bilingual Associate for Resource Consulting

Miriam V. Quezada Mendez serves in the Center’s Northwest office in Crown Point as the Bilingual Associate for Resource Consulting, working to advance the Center’s mission to strengthen Indiana congregations by providing resources to the communities that make up the diverse tapestry of the Northwest region.

Born in Jalisco, Mexico, Miriam immigrated to the United States as a child and grew up on the East Side of Chicago. She earned her bachelor’s degree at Illinois College, graduating with a double major in Communications & Rhetorical Studies and International Studies with a concentration in gender and immigration equity.

Before joining the Center, Miriam served as the Director of Communications at the Parliament of the World’s Religions. In her tenure with the Parliament, Miriam worked closely with faith, community, and nonprofit leaders on outreach, engagement, and interfaith community-building efforts. She is an enthusiastic advocate for youth, Indigenous, and women’s voices in faith and civic spaces.

Miriam is a member of the St. Paul Catholic Church in Valparaiso, where she and her family attend weekly Spanish service.

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