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.gif) Kenneth G. Davis is a Franciscan who has published extensively concerning the religious experience of Hispanics in the United States. He teaches at Saint Meinrad School of Theology and edits the Hispanic Theological Initiative series for the University of Scranton Press.
Neela Sakaria: Thank you for your time. Please tell us about BRIDGING BOUNDARIES. What inspired the decision to create this book?
Father Kenneth Davis: BRIDGING BOUNDARIES was inspired by life experiences. Not only am I always bridging boundaries in my work with Hispanics (as I am not myself Latino), but in the United States "Hispanics" always bridge boundaries. That is because they come from many different countries and are at many different levels of acculturation to the United States. Therefore, the word "Hispanic" is unique to the experience in the United States where people from all over the Caribbean, Mexico, Central and South America bridge their different cultures and experiences on a daily basis.
Neela: The book was a collaborative effort, correct?
KD: Yolanda Tarango is a religious sister in Texas and a Mexican-American writer, scholar, teacher, and activist. She has been particularly involved in feminist issues and in helping survivors of violence. She co-edited the work and her colleague Ada María Isasi Díaz wrote the preface.
NS: In your introduction you mention six boundaries that distinguish communities. Can you explain what these are?
KD: To maintain a sense of identity, all groups have boundaries that mark insiders and outsiders. An individual may belong to several groups simultaneously (e.g., a religious denomination, a professional organization, and a political party).
We deal with boundaries of culture and ethnicity, as they are essential to maintain a sense of identity for a minority group in the U.S. We deal with boundaries of religious denominations because Hispanics are a very religious and spiritual group, but those borders are quite fluid. We deal with sexual or gender boundaries as they exist in every society, but are often distinct to a given society. Finally, we deal with race as it too manifests itself differently in different societies. Thus we explore many areas not previously dealt with by other authors of the Hispanic experience.
Neela: Why is the current Hispanic immigration into the U.S. different from other immigration movements?
KD: European immigrants crossed oceans at a time when communication was much more difficult. That made contact with the home country difficult and thus the maintenance of culture also hard. Hispanics often only cross a river, and with modern means of communication, usually have rapid and constant access to the home culture. Also, they did not come in "waves," but in a constant torrent. Therefore, new immigrants are always also helping to maintain the old-world ways.
Moreover, since the civil rights movement our society is different. Many people no longer believe that one has to join a melting pot to be "American." They want to be part of our country while also maintaining their language and heritage. For all of these reasons, Hispanics are not disappearing as a distinct group, but actually influencing the religion, politics, and business of the U.S.
Neela: What are the challenges that the Catholic Church faces in maintaining Hispanic attendance in the U.S?
KD: Another difference between European Catholic and Hispanic Catholic immigrants is that the former brought their own clergy. For many historical reasons, the Hispanics largely have not. Therefore, Hispanics still lack proportionate leadership roles in the Church. This may be the single greatest challenge facing the Catholic Church in the U.S.
NS: Who is the audience for BRIDGING BOUNDARIES? Does your book have academic uses?
KD: The book has academic uses and includes a bibliography for further research. However, reviewers have pointed out that it is helpful to almost anyone who is beginning to deal with Hispanics for the first time, e.g., social workers, health care professionals, and police.
NS: Are you working on any other projects?
KD: Currently I am working on a survey of Hispanic leadership patterns. As I think that promoting Hispanic leadership is of great importance, I believe that this survey will be quite helpful in preparing such leaders.
NS: Is there anything else you'd like to share with our readers?
KD: That I am not Hispanic and do not intend to speak for them nor anyone else. But I can speak for myself. I have found it a challenge but also a blessing to bridge these boundaries!
NS: I bet! Thank you.
Bridging Boundaries - The Pastoral Care of U.S. Hispanics
Publisher: University of Scranton Press
ISBN: 094086682X
1-800-941-3081
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