Places Of Worship Research Articles

The Role of Partnerships in Supporting COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake Among Migrants: A Qualitative Case Study from Tamil Nadu and Punjab, India

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, migrant populations remained under-immunized due to limited access to health care, language barriers, and vaccine hesitancy. The USAID-funded MOMENTUM Routine Immunization Transformation and Equity project supported the government in collaborating with various local health and non-health partners to identify and vaccinate migrants. This case study examines the roles of project partners and the strategies each entity implemented to increase COVID-19 vaccine uptake among migrants, as well as the perceptions regarding the effectiveness of these strategies. Methods: We designed a qualitative explanatory case study guided by the Behavioral and Social Drivers framework and RE-AIM implementation science frameworks. We conducted 31 focus group discussions and 50 in-depth interviews with migrants, project partners, community leaders, and government stakeholders in Tamil Nadu and Punjab. Results: In both states, partnerships with health departments, private employers, and community-based organizations were essential for identifying and vaccinating un- and under-vaccinated migrant groups. In Tamil Nadu, collaboration with the Department of Labor and mobile medical units facilitated vaccination camps at construction sites. In Punjab, religious institutions organized sessions at places of worship, and the Border Security Force enabled health workers to reach migrants living near the border. In both states, key strategies—involving influencers to discuss the importance of vaccine safety and value, bringing vaccination services to migrants’ workplaces and homes at flexible times and mandating workplace vaccination to encourage vaccination—shifted perceptions towards vaccination and increased vaccine uptake among migrants. Conclusions: The strategies and partnerships identified in this study highlight the broader implications for future public health interventions, demonstrating that collaboration with the private sector and faith-based organizations can enhance routine immunization efforts, particularly when localized to organizations that understand community needs and can address specific barriers and motivators.

EXPLORING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LONELINESS, RELIGION, AND SPIRITUALITY FOR OLDER ADULTS IN ENGLAND

Abstract Although there is evidence linking the prevalence of loneliness with religion and/or spirituality in north America, this topic is rarely researched in the UK. This study explored the relationship between measures of religious affiliation, attendance, and practice with loneliness for older adults in England. We generated an analytic sample of 6225 adults aged 50+ who took part in wave 9 of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA). The exposure variables of religious affiliation, attendance and practice were measured by questions on religious identity; frequency of attendance at places of worship in the last year; and 4-point Likert scales of agreement or disagreement with religious importance, meaning and purpose, prayer and meditation, and activity. Loneliness outcome was measured using the three item University of California Los Angeles loneliness scale. The majority of our analytic sample were Christian (77%), 22% had no religion and 49% had not attended a place of worship in the last year. The prevalence of loneliness (score 6+ on UCLA scale) was 19%. Religious attendance was significantly associated with loneliness (OR =.73 CI.62-.85, p <.001), with attendance protective against feeling lonely. However, this relationship was not significant after adjustment. No relationship was observed between loneliness and religious affiliation or spirituality. Religious identity remains prevalent in older adults in England, but attendance and practice less so. Further studies in diverse populations, using validated measures of loneliness and religion, are necessary to investigate whether loneliness can be moderated or mediated by religion/spirituality alongside other determinants.

Mitigasi Bencana Berbasis Kearifan Lokal oleh Masyarakat Kabupaten Pasaman

This research aims to understand disaster mitigation based on local wisdom implemented by the community in Pasaman Regency. In this study, the researcher applies WN. Charter's disaster mitigation theory, which divides the concept of disaster mitigation into two parts: structural mitigation and non-structural mitigation. This research uses a qualitative descriptive method. Data collection techniques include observation, interviews, and documentation. The data analysis techniques employed are data reduction, data presentation, conclusion drawing, and verification. The unit of analysis in this research is groups specifically, community groups with a high disaster risk index in Pasaman Regency, such as South Mapat Tunggul Subdistrict, Panti Subdistrict, and Tigo Nagari Subdistrict. The findings reveal that disaster mitigation based on local wisdom in Pasaman Regency has not been optimally implemented. This is evidenced by the lack of proper and comprehensive adoption of local wisdom methods in disaster mitigation activities. For instance, the institutional formation indicator shows that there is no institution beyond the existing organizations involved in this process. Furthermore, the training and education indicators show no visible utilization of the local community's wisdom as a medium for disaster mitigation. However, local wisdom methods that already exist in the community are evident in the early warning system indicator. The community uses natural signs and loudspeakers at places of worship within residential areas as an early warning system. These loudspeakers serve as an information system for the community to conduct self-initiated and independent evacuations.

EXAMINING THE DEMAND RELATIONSHIPS OF BETWEEN RELIGIOUS TOURISM AND EXAMPLE OF URBAN ATTRACTIONS IN THE GYŐR-PANNONHALMA TOURIST AREA

This study examines the sacred places of Győr-Moson-Sopron County (Western Hungary), focusing on people's attitudes towards them. Pannonhalma is part of the world heritage, the Győr Cathedral, and the five church festivals (Roman Catholic, Jewish, Reformed, Lutheran, Greek Oriental) held in the city are important places of worship. The aim of the study was to analyse the scope of religious tourism in the World Heritage Site and to examine the demographics of the demand for urban religious centres. Primary research was conducted with a quantitative (questionnaire) survey between 10th September 2023 and 30th October 2023. The sample of 666 persons is not representative, respondents were chosen with arbitrary sampling. Data were processed using the SPSS 23 statistical program package which contains cross-table analysis, in addition to the descriptive statistical analyses. The most important finding of the study is that travel propensity is determined by the importance and familiarity of urban landmarks, and significance can be found here. Respondents' age, educational attainment and gender also show significant differences in terms of the attractiveness of visiting attractions (distance from their residence). The research investigated the demand for Roman Catholic, Jewish, Reformed, Evangelical and Greek Orthodox religious attractions in Győr and the Pannonhalma Benedictine Abbey, a World Heritage Site, according to local specificity. There is significant evidence of a regional pull effect of the World Heritage status of the built heritage site. The city churches and their associated events are most popular with the elderly, women and those with higher education.

Spaces of Encounter: The Relationship Between Amenities and Visitor Diversity

ABSTRACTUrban experiences are shaped by daily activities that often extend beyond residential areas, leading to opportunities for encounters with people different from us in various contexts. Such encounters can subsequently influence attitudes towards those groups, which is critical in the diverse environments of modern cities. This study explores how neighbourhoods with varying types of amenities facilitate intergroup mixing among individuals of different income levels and migration backgrounds. Using data from OpenStreetMap to characterise neighbourhoods by their amenities and mobility patterns derived from mobile phone app data of 204,567 residents of Auckland, New Zealand, we quantify the relationship between intergroup mixing and the types of amenities, or more particularly ‘spaces of encounter’, that a neighbourhood offers. Our findings reveal distinct characteristics between spaces that promote income mixing versus those that foster migration background mixing. Spaces promoting income mixing tend to have more consumption‐oriented amenities (such as bars and restaurants) and fewer shops, whereas spaces promoting mixing between migrants and locals feature more places of worship and fewer institutional settings. These insights underscore the important role that specific spaces of encounter might play within our neighbourhoods and thus carry implications for urban planning and policy aimed at enhancing social cohesion.

PENCEGAHAN KEKERASAN SEKSUAL BERBASIS MASJID DALAM MEWUJUDKAN MASJID RAMAH PEREMPUAN DAN ANAK

Cases of sexual violence have recently occurred frequently in the public sector, such as workplaces, public services, educational institutions, and even places of worship like mosques. The Indonesian Mosque Council (DMI), as an authoritative institution, aims to create mosques that are friendly to women and children to address this issue. This hope is carried out by the leadership of the Indonesian Mosque Council from the central level to the regions. This research aims to examine the responses and prevention models of sexual violence that will be implemented by the Regional Leadership of the Indonesian Mosque Council (PD DMI) in Malang Regency in realizing mosques that are friendly to women and children. This research is a field study with a phenomenological qualitative approach. Primary data sources include the PD DMI of Malang Regency, the Expert Council of PD DMI of Malang Regency, the management of the Great Mosque and the Grand Mosque, as well as the Department of Empowerment of Muslimah, Children, and Families (PPMAK) at PD DMI of Malang Regency. Meanwhile, the secondary data consists of literature books, journals, laws, and related regulations obtained from interviews and documentation. The results obtained indicate that realizing a mosque that is friendly to women and children is not only achieved through the provision of information and education on the prevention of sexual violence but also includes the establishment of regulations, integration of themes in Friday sermons, education through study circles, infrastructure improvements, the establishment of family corners, and collaboration with relevant institutions.

RELIGIOUS CENTERS OF HALICHINA: FROM SPIRITUAL CENTERS TO THE FORTS OF NATIONAL IDENTITY AND PSYCHOLOGICAL REHABILITATION

Statement of the problem. Galicia, a historical and cultural region of Ukraine, has always been known for its rich religious life. Religious centers in this region acted not only as places of worship, but also as important centers of cultural, social and national life. This article examines the evolution of religious centers in Galicia, from their emergence as spiritual centers to the modern understanding of their role as rafts of national identity and places of psychological rehabilitation. The relevance of the article is determined by the specifics of the influence of spiritual life on the formation of statehood and national identity. Over the last decade, there has been a strong outburst of scientific and public interest in the history of the Christianization of Ukraine, the church, religious traditions, and the Galician spiritual tradition needs the most research. The purpose of the article is to determine the role of the Galician Metropolis in the spiritual worldview, value orientations and how they reflect and transform the sacred space of the transcendent and influence people's lives. The novelty of the article is determined by the fact that, for the first time, the national peculiarities of the sacred heritage of Galicia, their influence on the value-moral and psychological potential and anthropological peculiarities of the formation of religious objectification of the Western region of Ukraine have been deeply investigated. Today, when Ukraine is facing new challenges of the religious, philosophical, political, and economic dimensions, it is very important to show the role of valuable, sacralized, transcendent factors in the formation of national sakrumy through the study of the problems of spiritual heritage. This article asserts that the worldview-mental core of the philosophy and esthetosphere of Ukrainian national culture is visualized in sacred places, which are the basis of spirituality and value identity of the region. It was found that they have not only an original, unique cultural content and form, but also their own spiritual territory, where they affirm and reveal the traditional values of the metaphysics of culture. Where a person correlates himself with fundamental spiritual values, the Absolute, with higher meanings, national shrines.

RELIGIOUS IDENTITY: THE EXPERIENCE OF INDEPENDENT KAZAKHSTAN

The article focuses on the study of the religious landscape of Kazakhstan as an important factor in shaping national identity and cultural memory. The authors examine the dynamics of the development of religious denominations in the country since independence, emphasizing the relationship between religion, citizens’ self-identification, and nation-building processes. The analysis is based on numerous sociological studies conducted over the years, as well as statistical data from governmental bodies.The novelty of the work lies in its attempt to consider religion as a foundation for studying national identity in Kazakhstan’s multi-ethnic and multi-confessional society. The research shows that since the collapse of the USSR, the number of believers in the country has significantly increased, as evidenced by the growth in the number of religious organizations and places of worship, along with changes in demographic composition. The article highlights the influence of migration processes and the return of ethnic Kazakhs, which contributed to the increase in the proportion of Muslims.The study also addresses issues related to religious extremism, stressing the importance of state policy in ensuring tolerance and neutrality. Despite being a secular state, Kazakhstan has become an example of interreligious dialogue. The authors conclude that religion continues to play a key role in shaping national identity, particularly within the context of Islamic traditions.

The Need for the Use of 360-Degree Technology in Virtual Tours of Places of Worship for Comparative Religion Courses

The Need for the Use of 360-Degree Technology in Virtual Tours of Places of Worship for Comparative Religion Courses

Public Relations' Role in Promoting Religious Programs at Samarinda Islamic Center Mosque

The mosque holds a significant role in Islamic culture, serving not only as a place of worship but also as a center for social, political, and cultural activities. Historically, mosques have functioned as venues for education and strategic planning, as seen during the time of the Prophet Muhammad. The Samarinda Islamic Center Mosque, an icon of Islamic culture in East Kalimantan and the second-largest mosque in Southeast Asia, embodies this multifunctionality. This study aims to explore the role of public relations in publicizing and promoting religious programs at the Samarinda Islamic Center Mosque and to identify the media utilized for these efforts. Employing a qualitative descriptive method, data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation. A total of 15 informants participated, including 8 public relations staff selected through purposive and snowball sampling techniques and 7 congregation members and visitors chosen via accidental sampling. Data analysis involved condensation, presentation, and conclusion, with validation ensured through interview recordings and photographic evidence. Findings indicate that public relations play a vital role in coordinating program publications and promotions. This includes regular meetings, collaboration with various media outlets, and the use of social media platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, and websites. Additionally, electronic media like radio and television, as well as traditional materials like banners and posters, are employed to maximize outreach and engagement.

Komi-Permian Views on the Characters of Legends Yuksya, Puksya, Chadz and Bach

Introduction. The images of the characters of historical legends are part of folk knowledge and ideas about the past. The aim of the article is to identify the features of the Komi-Permian legends’ heroes Yuksya, Puksya, Chadz, and Bach and the factors that influenced their folding. Methods and materials. The research is based on the methods of description, comparison, and generalization of data, as well as structural and semantic analysis. The sources are published folklore texts and materials, which were obtained during field research at the beginning of the 21st century. Analysis. The collective designation of heroes (chud, old people, and heroes), the description of their activities, and association with other characters – all this reveals characters’ image. Different versions of the historical role of the characters fit into a concept about the glorious heroes of the past. Additional features of the heroes are revealed in the folk memorial tradition. Results. Four characters are presented as pioneers and founders of local history. They were strong, resisted strangers, and loved to have fun. They stand out for their joint activities. These features developed due to folklore patterns of text development and folk customs. Geographical objects (settlements and places of worship) have important conditions in the formation and preservation of the image of characters. The mention of memorial customs in folklore texts is an important condition for the transmission of tradition and indicates the connection of heroes with places of worship. Funding. The research was carried out in the framework of the state theme “Ethnocultural processes in the center of Eurasia: archeology and ethnography of the Urals,” no. 124021500047-2.

Peran Masjid dalam Pengembangan Sosial dan Ekonomi Masyarakat

Mosques hold a vital role in the socio-economic development of Muslim communities, serving not only as places of worship but also as hubs for education, social services, and economic empowerment. This study explores the multifaceted functions of mosques in Indonesia, focusing on their contributions to social welfare and local economic growth. Using a qualitative case study approach, data were collected through interviews, participatory observations, and document analysis at mosques actively engaged in social and economic initiatives. Findings reveal that mosques contribute significantly to community development through educational programs, healthcare services, and humanitarian aid while also supporting economic activities via microenterprise training, cooperative management, and efficient utilization of zakat funds. Despite these achievements, challenges such as limited resources, management skills, and public engagement were identified as barriers to optimizing mosque programs. The study recommends enhancing mosque management capabilities, fostering partnerships with governmental and private organizations, and adopting transparent financial practices to maximize community impact. These insights underscore the potential of mosques to serve as comprehensive centres for societal advancement.

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE USE OF NATURAL LIGHT IN THE MEDIEVAL PERIOD WOODEN HYPOSTYLE MOSQUES OF ANATOLIA

Light, which is indispensable for human life, is also a necessity for the perception of space. The design, color, texture of the space, that is, its perception in the human mind is possible through light. Light, which makes life possible, is used in different ways in the interior space, providing diversity in terms of design. In Islamic religious places of worship, natural light is utilized to appeal to the spiritual feelings of the users within the space fiction. Natural light is divided into functional light, sacred light and poetic light according to the way it is used in the interior, and light types provide different space atmospheres. Within the scope of this study, it is aimed to comparatively analyze the use of natural light in Islamic religious places of worship. In this context, 5 mosques, which were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2023, were included in the study as a sample. The medieval wooden pillared mosques, which were included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List, were selected as a sample because they are recognized by the whole world and are the common heritage of the world. The use of natural light in the mosques considered in the study was analyzed in line with the light types and the parameters of duration of effect, function, light distribution, focus, and light quality that differ according to light types. In the study, it was concluded that functional light was used in Afyonkarahisar Great Mosque, Ankara Arslanhane Mosque and Kastamonu Mahmut Bey Mosque, while sacred light was used in Beyşehir Eşrefoğlu Mosque and poetic light was used in Sivrihisar Great Mosque. It has been observed that the types of light used in mosques create different space atmospheres in the interior.

Revealing the Revivals: Towards a Common Nordic Framework for Digital Mapping of Places of Worship

Revealing the Revivals: Towards a Common Nordic Framework for Digital Mapping of Places of Worship

Contesting the Inclusive Islam Discourse in the Public Sphere: Insights from Southeast Asia

The narratives of peace, humanity, and religious freedom have become central to public discourse, particularly in promoting inclusive Islamic theology within Muslim communities across ASEAN countries, e.g. Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines. This discourse unfolds in various public spaces: government institutions, religious organizations, educational settings, and places of worship. It reflects a dynamic religious contestation, driven by organic intellectuals who engage through institutional channels and humanistic awareness. This article seeks to explore the religious discourse surrounding the productive contestation of inclusive Islamic theology and to analyze how this discourse is disseminated among Muslim scholars in Southeast Asia. A qualitative research method was employed, involving observations and interviews with influential Muslim scholars from academic, governmental, and religious organizations. The focus was on understanding how individuals are shaped by the policies and ideas they advocate. Interviews provided insights from academics and religious activists (referred to as Muslim scholars) on the issue of inclusive Islamic theology. The analysis draws on contestation theory to examine the arena of religious narratives in the public sphere. Findings indicate that the discourse surrounding inclusive Islamic theology in Southeast Asia varies by country, with each nation adapting it to its unique cultural and social landscape. In Indonesia, for example, the discourse is often more inclusive and culturally grounded, while in other countries, it may take a more structural approach. Despite these variations, Southeast Asian Muslim scholars broadly agree on the importance of promoting inclusive Islamic theology drawing upon religious teachings, state policies, and societal characteristics as key considerations.

Exploring the Ancient Temples of South India: A Review

South India is home to some of the most exquisite and architecturally significant temples in the world, dating back to the Pallava, Chola, Pandya, and Vijayanagar dynasties. These temples not only serve as places of worship but also as repositories of art, culture, and history. This review explores the historical evolution of South Indian temples, their architectural marvels, and the religious and cultural significance they hold. Key architectural features, such as gopurams, vimanas, and intricately carved mandapas, reflect the ingenuity of ancient craftsmen and their alignment with spiritual and cosmic principles. The temples also served as centres of education, art, and socio-economic activities, sustaining traditional dance forms like Bharatanatyam and fostering community cohesion. Today, these temples are integral to cultural tourism, attracting millions of visitors who seek to experience their spiritual and historical heritage. By examining these enduring legacies, the review highlights the profound role of temples in shaping South India’s cultural identity.

Maqashid Sharia as the Foundation of Religious Moderation and Resilience in Aceh's Border Communities

The implementation of Islamic law in Aceh over the past two decades has not only reflected the enforcement of Sharia but also illustrated the cultural and political dynamics of Acehnese society. As a region rich in customary law traditions and social pluralism, the response of Acehnese communities, particularly in multicultural border areas, to violations of Islamic law and its existence varies widely. Islamic law in Aceh is often interpreted through the lens of political identity and local culture, while the maqashid sharia values, such as the protection of life, property, and security have yet to be fully integrated into daily practices. This study employs an anthropological approach with qualitative methods. Data collection was conducted through participatory observation, in-depth interviews, and narrative analysis of the experiences and perspectives of local communities. The study focuses on how communities construct, understand, and respond to Sharia as part of their social lives. The findings reveal that border communities in Aceh perceive Islamic law not only as a religious rule but also as a political identity symbol to reinforce their social standing, including in rejecting the construction of non-Muslim places of worship. However, the study also highlights a gap in understanding and applying maqashid sharia, attributed to limited socialization and cross-cultural dialogue. Nevertheless, Islamic law remains respected as a crucial element of the social structure, although its interpretation is often situational and contextual.

Equal Rights in the Construction of Places of Worship for Followers of Religious Beliefs

The legal construction of the Indonesian nation through Article 20 paragraph (1), Article 20A paragraph (1), (3) Article 21, Article 28E paragraph (1), Article 28E paragraph (2), Article 28I paragraph (1), Article 28I paragraph (2), Article 29 paragraph (1), and Article 29 paragraph (2) of the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia. has provided a guarantee of recognition of religion and other believers. Cultural diversity in the realm of religion is a special characteristic of Indonesian society. Various cultures, races, tribes and religions have become an inseparable part of the identity of the Indonesian people since before this country was founded. However, violations of religious freedom still often occur in Indonesia. Various conflicts regarding permits for places of worship are prohibited by the majority. This has violated human rights which are stated in the 1945 Constitution. Joint Ministerial Regulation (PBM) Number 8 and Number 9 of 2000 should be the basis for protection and equality for the construction of places of worship. However, this regulation has not been able to fully accommodate the rights of believers because the provisions of Article 14 of the Joint Ministerial Regulation are still discriminatory. The Draft Law on the Protection of Religious Communities needs special attention to unravel the problems of building houses of worship and as a form of concrete legal protection for religious communities and believers.

Dakwah Islam Dan Budaya Lokal (Resepsi Agama Dalam Kultur Nusantara)

Da'wah is the core of Islamic teachings. In practice, da'wah can be carried out through various methods, approaches, and patterns that are tailored to the needs and situation of the community. slam does not result in the erosion of local traditions, wisdom, and culture. On the contrary, the process of acculturation between Islam and local culture actually enriches the variety of traditions and social practices of the region. The research method is qualitative by collecting data from library research and applying Comte's Social-Culture approach. The results obtained are the breadth of the Prophet Muhammad's teachings delivered through an effective socio-anthropological approach. A clear example is the Walisongo, who adapted the art of wayang performance to the building of places of worship, such as the Gedhe Kauman Mosque in Yogyakarta, Surau Tuo Sheikh Burhanuddin Ulakan, West Sumatra, Nurul Huda Mosque in Gelgel Village, Bali and many others. In addition, there are many forms of Islam-based local community receptions, such as the Grebeg tradition in the Yogyakarta Palace, Mauluik (maulid) of the Prophet Muhammad in West Sumatra, or the Bantai Adat Tradition in Merangin, Jambi, containing da'wah messages.

Why do Insurgents Target Religion? The Case of Shining Path in Peru

ABSTRACT Under what conditions do insurgents target religious communities, faith leaders, places of worship in conflicts that are not primarily about religion? Building on insights from scholarship on violence against non-combatants in civil wars, war and religion, and religion–state relations, this article proposes that insurgents who are not primarily motivated by religion are most likely to engage in violence against religion when they are engaged in contested efforts to control territory and encounter resistance from faith leaders. It then probes the plausibility of the argument through a mixed-method case study of the Shining Path insurgency in Peru, showing that variations in the spatial and temporal distribution of Shining Path’s attacks on religion are consistent with theoretical expectations.