Date of Conferral

10-26-2025

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Social Work

Advisor

Jonathan Scherch

Abstract

In this generic qualitative study, how immigrant Catholics in the United States make sense of climate change and environmental justice was examined, addressing a critical gap in understanding how faith and cultural identity shape environmental engagement among marginalized communities. Guided by sensemaking theory and the Catholic principle of integral ecology, as outlined in Pope Francis’s Laudato Si’, the research question addressed how church-going immigrant Catholics in Maryland perceive and engage with the climate crisis, considering their religious beliefs and concerns for environmental justice. Seventeen first-and second-generation adult immigrants participated in semistructured interviews, and data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis in NVivo software. Eight themes emerged, including faith as a motivator for ecological responsibility, intergenerational concerns, and the church’s dual role as both a spiritual and civic space for advocacy. Findings reveal that religious identity inspires environmental stewardship while also creating tensions with traditional practices, fostering resilience and commitment to sustainability. Results showed that faith-informed advocacy and eco-social work frameworks can enhance community engagement, inform culturally sensitive policies, and promote equity in climate adaptation efforts. This research contributes to positive social change by amplifying the perspectives of immigrant Catholic communities, demonstrating their potential role in shaping sustainable practices, strengthening community resilience, and fostering inclusive climate action rooted in faith and cultural values.

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