The Role of Churches in Immigrant Life

Living in Southern California, where the cultural landscape has been changing dramatically over the past several decades, I see the impact of immigration. We are reaching a point in time where there is no "ethnic majority" in the State. Hispanics are the largest ethnic grouping, but as with all ethnic groupings even that community is not monolithic.

An article by Bob Allen at Ethics Daily served to remind me of the importance that religion plays in immigrant communities. It is, he points out, an often neglected part of the immigration reform debate. Religious communities -- churches, mosques, etc. -- provide a cultural bridge, a place of sanctuary in the midst of a new environment.

One thing that I noticed when pastoring a church that rented out space to a Hispanic congregation (Guatemalan based) was that they met as often as possible. Our congregation met on Sundays and then occasionally for women's groups or whatever -- but in the case of the Hispanic congregation, they would meet as often as we would let them meet. As one of their leaders shared with me, it was important to meet regularly because of the enticements of American culture.

Allen's suggestion is that we not forget the important role that churches/religious groups play and will play in organizing and connecting immigrants. They are the bridge between the old and the new, making passage just a bit easier.