“A Ref ugee Pastor in a Refugee Church” Refugee-Refugee Hosting in a Faith-Based Context

Abstract

This article discusses “refugee-refugee hosting” in a faith-based context. It looks particularly at Congolese churches in Kampala, Uganda, that play a crucial role for Congolese refugees seeking refuge and protection. Th e article analyzes hybrid forms of hosting in a faith-based context and discusses the implications of this for how guest and host categories are perceived. Four diff erent patterns of refugee-refugee hosting are explored in which the relationship between host and guest as well as pastor and church member diff er. Th e article argues that social status and hierarchies are important for how hosting is practiced. Moreover, religious ideas of gift giving, sacrifi ce, and reciprocity also infl uence hosting in this context.