Religious Belonging and (Forced) Migration: a Study on Migrant Coptic Minors in Italy

The study investigated, using a qualitative methodology, factors and processes promoting or hindering the integration process of Coptic minors migrated to Italy with their parents. The main aims were to identify the acculturative challenges faced by these minors, the role played by Churches in sustaining heritage identity and faith across generations, by paying special attention to the significance of the persecution of Christians and martyrdom. The authors adopted a salutogenic perspective that focuses on the resources of individuals and families, as well as on the resources of the social context, rather than focusing on the unavoidable critical issues, typical of the migration process.