Religious and Spiritual Struggles: The Stories of Nigerian, Immigrant, Christian Women in Waterloo Region

ABSTRACT This research investigates religious and spiritual struggles among Nigerian, immigrant, Christian women in Waterloo Region. Twelve women settled in the region for six months to 11 years participated in the study. Qualitative methodology, narrative inquiry, and a storytelling paradigm informed the research. Semi-structured, in-depth interview questions were used to explore the experiences of religious and spiritual struggles. A meticulous review identifies a scarcity of literature on religious and spiritual struggles in the context of immigration. However, immigration challenges such as language barriers, precarious employment, and mental health issues are well-documented (Bauder, 2012; Beiser & Hou, 2016; Berry et al., 2006; Busolo & Woodgate, 2018; Fleras, 2014; Miller & Harvey 2001; Segal, 2019; Banerjee, 2023). Thematic analysis was used to identify common or repeated themes highlighting spiritual/religious struggles: weakening faith, feelings of disappointment or abandonment by God, anger toward God, disillusionment with religious leaders, and a lack of connection or sense of belonging in religious circles. Participants also experienced drastic reductions in spiritual joys in addition to limited activities or disciplines for spiritual growth. Results provide a better understanding of the unique experiences of religious and spiritual struggles as well as insights into the meaning participants assigned to them. The results are meant to inform and empower religious and spiritual communities, individuals, or service providers. These findings have the potential to be valuable resources to mitigate religious or spiritual struggles and enhance settlement success in the region and elsewhere. The study is significant, considering immigration statistics in Canada and the terrifying complexity of life, security or safety concerns, and inflation in Nigeria and the 3 world at large. Future research is recommended for other demographics including men, children and women from other countries.