Chinese Immigrant Families and Christian Faith Community: A Qualitative Study

Like most other immigrants, C hinese immigrants in the U . S . have experienced challenges in acculturation to the A merican mainstream culture. Major challenges for C hinese immigrants include identity problems, language barriers, relationships problems, and lack of economic and social resources ( F amilies and change: C oping with stressful events and transitions (pp. 307–332). N ew Y ork: S age). With respect to social resources, the C hinese C hristian Church plays an important role in coping, acculturation, and assimilation processes for many C hinese immigrant families ( S ociology of R eligion , 67 , 149–159). However, for some, conversion to the C hinese C hristian C hurch becomes an existential as well as a social force—a source of meaning in their new life, and a source of transformation of their marriage and family life. This qualitative study examines the social, cultural, and spiritual roles of faith community in C hinese immigrants' marriages and family lives. Also, the research‐based connections between: (i) families and religion, and more specifically, (ii) C hinese C hristian families and religion are examined.