Estrangement, Resettlement & Community: A Qualitative Study of Post-2019 HK Diasporic Young Adults at a Chinese Canadian Church

Abstract

Many Hong Kong citizens have emigrated from Hong Kong (HK) to countries such as Canada after the 2019 political unrests. The HK diaspora have their own narratives in leaving their communities to settle in a foreign country. This is not an easy journey as they leave work, friends, family, and face the challenges of adapting to a totally new country, customs and people while carrying their past experiences. This current phenomenon challenges churches who are receiving the HK diaspora to be equipped in supporting their resettlement in Canada. This project involved a qualitative case study at a Chinese Canadian Church located in the Toronto suburbs which is receiving the HK diaspora young adults into its faith community. Using in-depth interviews, the researcher explored the experiences of eight HK diaspora young adults (ages 18-35) who recently arrived in Canada, and five church leaders involved in the ministry of welcome and hospitality for the HK diaspora young adults. This study focused on the feelings, emotions, and experiences of the HK diaspora as they experienced the trauma of the political unrest, navigated the complex transition from HK to Canada, and their changing concept of “community” as they were welcomed and engaged with the church. Insights and challenges are explored to better equip and support local and national churches to care for the increasing numbers of HK diaspora young adults coming to Canada.