Date of Award

5-15-2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Practical Theology

First Advisor

Leopoldo A. Sánchez M.

Scripture References in this Resource

Genesis 1:26–27; 1 Corinthians 7:17; 1 Peter 2:9

Abstract

This dissertation examines return migration in Ethiopia, focusing on Ethiopian Domestic Worker Returnees (EDWRs) and the role of the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus (EECMY) in addressing their holistic needs. Using theological and institutional analysis, the study finds that, although the EECMY affirms holistic ministry as its motto, it lacks clear policies and official statements specifically addressing the spiritual and psychosocial needs of the returnees’.

The research argues that migration and return migration are theological and moral issues that require a holistic response grounded in a Lutheran Theology of Vocation. Such an approach fosters an integrated ministry that attends to the physical, emotional, spiritual, and relational needs of the EDWRs without separating evangelism from mercy work. While highlighting gaps in current church practices— including a one-sided focus on material assistance and the lack of explicit policies or official documents addressing migration and returnees’ issues— the dissertation proposes vocational principles of action as an integrated framework for reintegration support, advocacy, and institutional transformation. This framework better upholds EDWRs’ dignity, promotes justice, and addresses their spiritual, physical, emotional, and relational needs. This study contributes to theological reflection on migration by developing a vocational, holistic, and contextually grounded Lutheran framework for understanding and responding to return migration in an Ethiopian context.

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.

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