Religion and Identity in the Romanian Diaspora. A Case Study on the Formation and Socio-Cultural Role of the Romanian Pentecostal Church in Austria
Religion and Identity in the Romanian Diaspora. A Case Study on the Formation and Socio-Cultural Role of the Romanian Pentecostal Church in Austria

Summary/Abstract: This study examines the relationship between religion and identity in the context of contemporary Romanian migration, focusing on the formation and socio-cultural functions of the Romanian Pentecostal Church in Austria. The analysis highlights the ways in which this religious institution contributes to identity reconstruction, community cohesion, and the social integration of Romanians settled in the diaspora. The historical evolution of the community, the territorial expansion of the church network, and the diversification of its functions reflect a continuous adaptation to the demographic, economic, and cultural conditions of Austrian society. The church not only preserves religious values and practices but also provides tangible educational and social resources within a transnational framework in which new generations simultaneously negotiate cultural belonging and local integration. By analysing this case, the article contributes to a deeper understanding of religion’s role as an institutional and identity-shaping vector within the Romanian community in Austria.

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