Cooperation and Conflict: Catholic Churches and Latino Immigrants

Abstract

We examine two Catholic parishes in a fast growing new destination for Latino immigrants, Atlanta, Georgia. We explore the divergent ways in which these parishes adjust to significant changes in their church and their community. In an increasingly hostile environment, which provides few opportunities for immigrants and native-born citizens to interact, churches have unique potential to provide space and resources for interethnic engagement. Parishes develop this potential depending on growth, proportion of immigrant members, liturgical and programmatic structure, and leadership. The parish which has experienced the most significant tension and conflict has also developed the most innovative programs for promoting inter-ethnic cooperation, and advocacy initiatives to encourage justice for immigrants.