African diasporas in Australia: Christianity and the complicated matter of trust

• DOI: 10.1111/taja.12532
• Publication Date: 2024-12-14T05:08:13Z
• Authors: Cristina Rocha; Kathleen Openshaw
• Keywords: Ambivalence; Settlement (finance)

Abstract Christianity plays a foundational role in many communities sub‐Saharan Africa. As migrants from the African continent arrive Australia, usual roles of religion (i.e., connecting to spiritual world and strengthening community) become even more pronounced. Churches trusted support institutions for settlement. Here, we consider complexities trust Christian as they negotiate settlement Australia. For them, relationships within their own with Australian society at large are situated, ambivalent, contingent. Indeed, this cohort, is both powerful fragile. We argue that order overcome uncertainties life, particularly during COVID‐19 pandemic, mobilise way establishing trust. Overall, paper calls greater scholarly attention how established negotiated daily life among migrants, process.