The Christian faith began with a vulnerable child born to a displaced mother facing a range of threats. Since then, Christian communities have interacted with children and families in precarious situations. Catholic organizations have often been on the front lines offering assistance to migrants and refugees all over the world. There are now more children on the move than ever before–fleeing violence, climate disasters, and poverty–and seeking safety and protection within and across borders. Currently, nearly 40% of the 110 million displaced persons worldwide are under the age of 18. Alarming numbers of children are moving alone.
For this topic, the Collaborative on Global Children's Issues asks: How does Catholic social teaching inform faith communities’ responses to unaccompanied and separated children in the context of migration? How do Catholic principles and practices interact with government policies and public perceptions related to immigration?
Angela Rinaldi, Associate Lecturer, Institute of Anthropology for Interdisciplinary Studies on Human Dignity and Care, Pontifical Gregorian University | January 23, 2024
Kristin Heyer, Professor of theological ethics at Boston College | January 23, 2024
