Introduction: Public religion and immigration across national contexts

The articles in this issue examine different aspects of faith-based assistance to contemporary immigrants, particularly how those providing assistance to immigrants - both at the level of the hierarchy and the congregation - interpret their actions. The contributions take assistance to mean instances of directly providing help to immigrants, as well as the adoption of public positions that advance the overall welfare of immigrant groups. Overall, the studies in this issue expose instances in which religion moves beyond the confines of worship, spirituality, and ritual to underscore the public role of religious faith as it is captured in responses to immigration. Some contributions focus on the United States, others move the analytical gaze beyond U.S. borders, and still others take a comparative approach. Together, these articles add to a deeper understanding of faith-based assistance and religion across different national contexts.