Healing Impact in Connecticut's Urban Churches
GrantID: 7914
Grant Funding Amount Low: $20,000
Deadline: Ongoing
Grant Amount High: $20,000
Summary
Grant Overview
Research on Church Experiences in Urban Connecticut
Connecticut’s urban areas mirror the challenges of accessibility and inclusivity within church communities, particularly within the context of Christian Science practices. With approximately 60% of the state's population residing in cities, urban congregations face unique hurdles in terms of engaging diverse demographics, many of whom may feel alienated from traditional church experiences. The impact of economic disparity in cities like Hartford and New Haven compounds these issues, with low-income individuals often lacking the means to participate in religious activities that necessitate travel or financial commitment.
Urban populations of color, in particular, experience pronounced barriers to participation in church activities, often stemming from historical exclusion and present-day socio-economic obstacles. Engagement levels frequently drop in urban settings, where individuals may feel their needs are not reflected in church practices. As a result, this project will specifically focus on identifying the barriers urban Christian Science practitioners face in their church experiences in Connecticut. By expanding understanding around these variables, stakeholders can design more inclusive approaches to spiritual engagement.
The primary aim of this funding is to collect data on the church experiences of practitioners from diverse backgrounds within Connecticut's urban environments. Through surveys and interviews, the research will seek to identify the key barriers to participation, exploring factors such as language, socioeconomic status, and cultural representation. Utilization of these outcomes will inform policy adaptations within churches to promote accessibility and inclusivity. Addressing these outcomes is critical to raising awareness of the vital role that church communities play in fostering a sense of belonging and support among urban residents.
This initiative's implications extend far beyond individual churches: it holds the potential to reshape policies that directly impact the representation of marginalized groups in spiritual communities across the state. Incorporating findings from this research into advocacy and church reform efforts can significantly enhance church experiences, encouraging greater participation and community cohesion.
To ensure effective implementation, collaboration with community leaders and church representatives will be crucial. Researchers will engage with local congregations, creating a participatory model that uplifts community voices, especially those historically underrepresented. This context-specific approach highlights Connecticut's unique demographic dynamics, making it distinct from neighboring states where urban populations may not encounter the same depth of organizational challenge in their church experiences.
Eligible Regions
Interests
Eligible Requirements
