Abstract
After a literature review of space, urbanity, and religion, this article identifies some descriptive categories and analytical frameworks to theorize problems faced by religious minorities, especially Muslims, in obtaining space for their cemeteries and places of worship. A second section focuses on debates and an analysis related to these themes in the province of Quebec (Canada), especially in the City of Montreal, showing that while spatial dimensions rarely constitute an analytical category, this aspect is nevertheless a continual source of tension. The article illustrates how dysfunctional administrative processes have dominated the public scene in recent years. A case study shows how a few actors are exploiting provincial regulations in order to oppose public decisions that seek to accommodate the needs of Muslims, using a process for approving amendments to zoning bylaws by way of referendum. After a brief examination of the case related to a Muslim cemetery in a village near Quebec City, to shed light on the recent debates surrounding regulations, the article analyzes the decision-making process resulting in a failure to modify zoning regulations in order to welcome new places of worship in a borough of Montreal. While analyzing administrative and legal aspects, the article also exposes the complexity of the social and spatial dynamics at stake. Our conclusion is that any successful public policy on diversity must employ multilayered strategies, particularly to support space regulations with foundational intercultural and interreligious initiatives. It also brings attention to the perverse effect of some local participatory procedures, whereby a few actors maneuver to mobilize citizens, in order to resist the religious pluralization of space.
Highlights
When driving or walking through the city of Montreal in the province of Quebec in Canada, you will notice many places of worship established in former shops, next to bars, on the main floor of commercial buildings, in bungalows, or even in garages
Like several large cities in the world, Montreal is home to many imposing Catholic and Protestant places of worship, which were often constructed in the richest areas of the city, even though the landscape has changed considerably
As was often the case throughout history, dynamic religious minorities often face much resistance when they desire to settle into a place of worship, notably some Muslims and ethnic Evangelical groups we have studied during the last few years
Summary
When driving or walking through the city of Montreal in the province of Quebec in Canada, you will notice many places of worship established in former shops, next to bars, on the main floor of commercial buildings, in bungalows, or even in garages. Any new place of worship risks entering into conflict with existing spaces and their specific character: residential tranquility, commercial activities, and historical religions Minority religions such as Christian Evangelicals often prefer small places of worship, where they can enjoy close and warm fellowship, or they need different settings than the ones offered by existing large church buildings. The first section of this article considers a few theoretical efforts to reflect on space, urbanity, and religion, notably in relation to Henri Lefebvre’s work on the production of space It will help identify useful descriptive categories and analytical frameworks to theorize the problems faced by religious minorities, especially Muslims in the case of this article, in obtaining space for their cemeteries and places of worship. Space regulations are not enough to assure harmonious ‘living well together.’ It brings attention to the perverse effect of some local participatory procedures, whereby a few actors maneuver to mobilize citizens, in order to exercise control over local space and to resist the religious pluralization of space
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