Privilege, Risk, and Solidarity (PB) (2017)

The issue of undocumented immigration cannot be described as either a problem or a possibility in the current political climate--it simply is a reality, and how individual Christians and churches respond to it relies heavily on their theological understanding of what it means to be an immigrant and what it means to be privileged. Taking a combined approach of scriptural exegesis and feminist theology and ethics, this book provides new ways to approach the pressing ethical issue of undocumented immigration. Rich in immigration law and history, along with purposeful looks into the work of feminist scholarship and the stories of immigrants themselves, this book asks hard questions of those with privilege about taking risks to stand in solidarity with some of the most marginalized in U.S. society--our undocumented immigrant neighbors. ""An important, well-informed debut from a promising young scholar-minister. Highly recommended."" --David Gushee, Distinguished University Professor of Christian Ethics, Mercer University; Author of Kingdom Ethics ""Privilege, Risk, and Solidarity weaves diverse threads into a singular ethical challenge for today's Christians. Blending migration law and feminist theology, Libby tells the stories of, and for, marginalized persons, giving a voice to the undocumented immigrants in our midst. How can we redeem a culture that leaves more people out than it invites in? Read, learn, discern, and respond in faith."" --Bob Dale, PhD, leader coach, Richmond, VA ""This book offers a timely and provocative look at the US immigration system that is rich with stories from scripture, theology, and lived experience. Written in a way that is accessible for use in the classroom or the congregation, Grammer invites her readers on a journey where they will learn how to stand in solidarity with those who are undocumented while simultaneously working to create a more just system."" --Melissa Browning, PhD, McAfee School of Theology, Mercer University Rev. Libby Mae Grammer is an ordained minister in the moderate Baptist tradition, serving as Interim Minister of Christian Education & Spiritual Formation at River Road Church, Baptist in Richmond, Virginia. She is a doctoral student at McAfee School of Theology at Mercer University and has almost a decade of experience as an Immigration Legal Assistant at a large and prestigious law firm in Chattanooga, Tennessee.