Forever Familias

Exploring the intersection of faith and cultural identity, Forever Familias reveals how Peruvian Saints navigate their unique challenges within the Church.

In Forever Familias, Jason Palmer delves into the lives of Peruvian members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, exploring their unique challenges in balancing faith with cultural identity. Drawing from eight years of fieldwork, Palmer offers an insightful examination of how these individuals navigate the complexities of race and gender within the contemporary Church. The narrative reveals the intricate relationship between their religious beliefs and their Peruvian heritage, highlighting the struggle to maintain both identities in a world that often demands a choice.

The author uncovers how the foundational concepts of kinship and religion become intertwined for Peruvian Saints, leading them to a profound understanding of their faith. As they engage with LDS rituals, these individuals confront the colonial legacies that shape their experiences, often feeling a tension between traditional indigenous values and the Church's teachings. In the first part of Forever Familias, Palmer discusses the innovative ways in which Peruvian Saints redefine their identity, embracing a new pioneer indigeneity that empowers them to challenge victimhood and engage with societal structures.

In the second part, the book highlights the efforts of these Saints to expand the Anglo Church's notion of the nuclear family, incorporating the broader Peruvian concept of familia. This transformation illustrates a rich tapestry of cultural adaptation and resilience, showcasing how faith and identity can coexist and flourish in a complex social landscape.