Immigrant Congregants Are Focus of Study

A new study of immigrant churches, mosques and temples shows that they are more active in meeting the social needs of their populations than most typical American congregations.

The study, which was conducted by Catholic University’s Life Cycle Institute and funded by the Pew Charitable Trusts, examined the role the congregations play in the lives of Korean, Chinese, Indian, Salvadoran and West African immigrants.

Surveying 200 Christian, Muslim, Hindu and Sikh worship communities in the Washington area, researchers found that both poor and wealthy immigrant groups work with social service agencies to help their own members and needy people outside their communities.