<![CDATA[This study examines the experiences of Catholics at Saint Michael Parish in Cilegon in facing opposition to the construction of a church and analyzes the formation of their social identity as a minority group. The study employed a qualitative approach with a case study design. Participants were selected through purposive sampling and included Catholic congregants, a priest, parish administrators, community representatives, and a representative of the Interfaith Harmony Forum. Data were collected through in depth interviews, non-participant observation, document review, and field notes. The data were analyzed using the interactive model of Miles, Huberman, and Saldaña, comprising data condensation, data display, and conclusion drawing and verification. Data credibility was enhanced through source triangulation and member checking. The findings indicate that the Catholic community encountered structural barriers in the form of prolonged licensing procedures, social barriers in the form of opposition from some community members, and symbolic barriers in the form of restrictions on expressing religious identity in public spaces. These experiences strengthened the congregants’ faith, solidarity, and attachment to the parish community. Their social identity was formed through social categorization, social identification, and social comparison. In response to these pressures, the community employed social creativity strategies through dialogue, social activities, community strengthening, and the avoidance of open conflict. The study concludes that opposition to church construction is related to group identity dynamics, social acceptance, and majority–minority relations.]]>
