
Joryán Hernández


Credentials: BA, University of Florida / MDiv, Vanderbilt Divinity School / PhD, University of Notre Dame (present)
Denomination: Roman Catholic
Specific Field: Ethics and Social Theory
Biography:
Joryán was born in San Antonio de los Baños, Cuba, and immigrated to the United States when he was nine years old. As a PhD student in Peace Studies and Theology, his research interests are at the intersection of trauma, displacement, theologies of hope, and peacebuilding. He is particularly interested in researching how religious actors alleviate the traumas of displacement and present theologies of hope in and for the Cuban-American community in a holistic way that acknowledges the different lived experiences of immigrants. His goal is to create awareness within religious institutions of the harm endured by those they are called to serve, encourage them to better serve their community, and include them in the political process of liberating Latines from immutable governments. Born and raised Catholic, his religious identity is also mixed with Santería, an Afro-Cuban tradition that keeps him grounded and in touch with his ancestors. Within Cuban religiosity, both on and off the island, he sees theology as not only capable of alleviating trauma but also of actualizing radical changes to repressive conditions. He believes that a better future must be imagined, as José Martí said, “Con todos y para el bien de todos.”
