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Churches are traditionally among the first to respond to the call to aid strangers in distress. In this age of globalization, one group of strangers in particular--asylum seekers and refugees--is in urgent need of welcome as they flee their homelands in search of safety. This same group, however, faces hostility and rejection in many places. What should be the church's response? This book argues that Christian hospitality offers a powerful theological and pastoral response to such vulnerable strangers in our midst.
For that to happen, the church must answer two questions: "What is Christian hospitality?" and "How do we put it into practice with refugees and asylum seekers?" Part One answers the first question with a cross-disciplinary study of sacred hospitality in both ancient and modern times. Part Two tackles the second with a fascinating case study of the church's outreach to refugees and asylum seekers in an international Chinese city. As communities worldwide receive refugees and asylum seekers, this book offers Christian hospitality and the Hong Kong experience as one hopeful response to needy strangers at our doorstep. It is a welcome theological and practical resource for refugee ministry in the twenty-first century.
"Judy's book illustrates how the Christian Church in the twenty-first century Hong Kong is caring for and serving the rootless. As Jesus said, 'whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.' A truly groundbreaking work which includes a rich blend of both theological and practical investigation."
--Ying Fuk-Tsang, Divinity School of Chung Chi College, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
"Judy Chan has written a most timely book on the theology and practice of Christian hospitality to strangers. She traces the role of hospitality from biblical roots through history. She then focuses on Hong Kong and the role Christian congregations and NGOs have played in caring for refugees in the past and today. The book offers a practical guide to all Christians who are challenged to serve refugees."
--Hans Lutz, Mission 21/Hong Kong Christian Ministry to Refugees
Judy Chan is Executive Secretary for Communications at the Hong Kong Christian Council and a member of the Hong Kong Refugee Ministry Group. She serves in mission through Global Ministries (Disciples of Christ/United Church of Christ) and Presbyterian World Mission. She is an ordained minister of the Presbyterian Church, USA.
About the author
Judy Chan is Executive Secretary for Communications at the Hong Kong Christian Council and a member of the Hong Kong Refugee Ministry Group. She serves in mission through Global Ministries (Disciples of Christ/United Church of Christ) and Presbyterian World Mission. She is an ordained minister of the Presbyterian Church, USA.
