This article investigates the relationship between integration processes and religious participation through an analysis of migrant churches established in the city of Milan. While in Europe most public opinion and literature are focused on Islam, and religion is often viewed as an impediment and barrier to integration, this work wants instead to discuss the ways in which religion serves migrants’ needs in the receiving society, acting as a social bridge. Combining qualitative data collected in six Christian migrant churches, three Catholic and three Protestant, the article explains how religious communities have become significant urban hubs for immigrants, providing opportunities to socialize, developing welfare services, supplying places for family activities, as well as moral guidance in a diverse society. By detailing the practical and social functions of churches, this article shows how religion represents an alternative and mediating force, able to support migrants’ integration – a role which is still understudied in Europe.

本文通过对在米兰市建立的移民教会的分析，研究了融合过程与宗教参与之间的关系。尽管在欧洲，大多数公众舆论和文学都集中在伊斯兰教上，而宗教常常被视为融合的障碍和障碍，但这项工作却想讨论宗教如何在接受社会中满足移民的需求，并作为一种社会桥。本文结合在六个基督教移民教堂，三个天主教徒和三个新教徒中收集的定性数据，说明宗教社区如何成为重要的移民城市枢纽，如何提供社交机会，发展福利服务，提供家庭活动场所以及道德指导在一个多元化的社会中