Leiden University Student Repository

Spruit, Ilse Maria (2014)

“Where is Your Brother?“ The Role of Roman Catholic Values in the Treatment of Boat Refugees in Southern Europe (2006-2014)

Bachelor thesis | Cultural Anthropology and Development Sociology (BSc)

This thesis discusses the role of Roman Catholic values in the treatment of boat refugees in southern Europe. It is assumed that documents issued by the Vatican reflect the values of the Church, which, it is argued, are the foundation of the practical involvement of Church-affiliated organisations and individuals with refugees. A qualitative case study is conducted in which the values of the global Church are translated into the Church’s hands-on work with boat refugees in southern Europe from 2006 until now. It becomes evident that the Church adopts a much broader definition of ‘refugee’ than international law does, which affects the extent and nature of aid activities of Church-affiliated NGOs and individuals to refugees arriving on Malta and Lampedusa. It is argued that the concept of brotherhood, stemming from the Biblical ideal of being one’s ‘brother’s keeper’, is the underlying logic to the Church’s views on and work with refugees, and that brotherhood is built on trust. The...Show moreThis thesis discusses the role of Roman Catholic values in the treatment of boat refugees in southern Europe. It is assumed that documents issued by the Vatican reflect the values of the Church, which, it is argued, are the foundation of the practical involvement of Church-affiliated organisations and individuals with refugees. A qualitative case study is conducted in which the values of the global Church are translated into the Church’s hands-on work with boat refugees in southern Europe from 2006 until now. It becomes evident that the Church adopts a much broader definition of ‘refugee’ than international law does, which affects the extent and nature of aid activities of Church-affiliated NGOs and individuals to refugees arriving on Malta and Lampedusa. It is argued that the concept of brotherhood, stemming from the Biblical ideal of being one’s ‘brother’s keeper’, is the underlying logic to the Church’s views on and work with refugees, and that brotherhood is built on trust. The findings of this research are of particular interest to anthropologists studying the interaction between religious NGOs and refugees. As anthropologists are called to be cultural brokers, they must familiarise themselves with the values of beneficiaries as well as donors.Show less

values

boat refugees

refugees

Malta

Lampedusa

Catholic Church

Author

Spruit, Ilse Maria

Faculty

Faculty of Social & Behavioural Sciences

Supervisors

Simandjuntak, Deasy

ECTS Credits

10

Language

en