‘I just don’t belong’: White Christian privilege and older immigrants’ experiences with religion

A growing body of research shows that older immigrants have a heightened vulnerability to loneliness and social isolation. Religion can help mitigate loneliness and cultivate belonging. This article draws on 42 qualitative interviews with a diverse group of older immigrants living in and around a mid-size city in the Southeastern United States. Participants shared that religious involvement, faith, and spirituality were important resources for coping with adversity and adjusting to new contexts. Ethno-religious communities allowed respondents to maintain their culture and form friendships with people who share their background. Our article examines individual- and structural-level barriers that may inhibit older immigrants’ ability to utilize these resources. Our findings highlight the crucial role of White Christian privilege in shaping older immigrants’ experiences, including implications for acceptance and belonging.